Virginia Tech News: Nick Saban, Football coaches extensions, Elizabeth Kitley

In this edition of Virginia Tech News, the assistant football coaches got contract extensions, Nick Saban to join ESPN, and Elizabeth Kitley was named a finalist for an award.

Virginia Tech assistant football coaches get contract extensions

Virginia Tech announced that Brent Pry's assistant football coaches received contract extensions after the Hokies came off a 7-6 season that ended with a Military Bowl win over Tulane and some huge strides made by the program in recruiting, the transfer portal, and getting players to return for the 2024 season.

"Our coaches have demonstrated the ability to coach, recruit, and mentor at a highly competitive level," said Pry. "I'm extremely appreciative to Whit Babcock and our administration for their significant investments in our football program. We look forward to building on the foundation that's been laid. There is still so much work to be done, but I am excited about doing it with this staff."

Offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen, defensive coordinator Chris Marve, cornerbacks coach Derek Jones, defensive line coach J.C. Price, safeties coach Pierson Prioleau, STARs coach Shawn Quinn, wide receivers coach Fontel Mines, offensive line coach Ron Crook and running backs coach Elijah Brooks each received contract extensions, as did director of strength and conditioning Dwight Galt. Each one was certainly earned and deserved.

Nick Saban joining ESPN

Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban announced last month that he was retiring from coaching. After several weeks of laying low, the former Crimson Tide coach resurfaced with an announcement that nobody should say they didn't see coming.

ESPN announced that Saban will be joining the network's College GameDay program each Saturday morning in the fall before the noon kickoffs. Saban will be joining Rece Davis, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee each week.

Elizabeth Kitley named to Watch List

Another day, another watch list for Virginia Tech's Elizabeth Kitley in her senior season. The graduate student was named to the Naismith Women's College Defensive Player of the Year Watch List. The two-time ACC Player of the Year is joined on the list by some great players who could also make the case to win the award.

Fifteen players, including Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, Angel Reese of LSU, and Kamilla Cardoso of top-ranked South Carolina are on the list. You can see the complete list here.