Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen is leaving the program to join Ohio State as the Buckeyes’ new offensive line coach, according to a report from Pete Nakos of On3. Bowen, a Georgia native and former Maryland offensive lineman, brings a wealth of coaching experience to Columbus.
Bowen began his coaching career as a student assistant at Maryland in 2010 before serving as a graduate assistant for two seasons. His career took him to Towson, where he coached for a year before joining Penn State as a graduate assistant in 2014 under head coach James Franklin. It was there that he first met Brent Pry, who would later become Virginia Tech’s head coach.
Over the years, Bowen built an extensive résumé with stops at Fordham (offensive line coach/offensive coordinator), Maryland (offensive line coach), Penn State (tight ends coach, recruiting coordinator, interim offensive coordinator), and the Jacksonville Jaguars (tight ends coach). He arrived at Virginia Tech in 2022 as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. In 2023, he took on the added responsibility of coaching quarterbacks after Stu Holt moved to tight ends.
During Bowen’s tenure, Virginia Tech’s offense showed inconsistency. The 2024 team featured multiple future NFL players, including Bhayshul Tuten, Da’Quan Felton, and Jaylin Lane, but struggled due to injuries at quarterback and offensive line issues. Some fans and analysts criticized Bowen’s offensive scheme, and there were concerns about his transition to coaching quarterbacks. Many believe head coach Brent Pry should have hired a dedicated quarterbacks coach after Brad Glenn departed following the 2022 season.
Bowen’s exit now leaves Pry searching for his second coordinator replacement of the offseason. In December, he fired defensive coordinator Chris Marve and replaced him with Sam Siefkes from the Arizona Cardinals, a process that took nearly two months. With Bowen’s departure, Virginia Tech must now find a new offensive coordinator at a less-than-ideal time.
Potential internal candidates include wide receivers coach Fontel Mines, but Pry may also explore NFL options. Meanwhile, the Hokies have already secured a new offensive line coach, Matt Moore, who has received strong reviews. While Bowen’s departure could provide a fresh start for Virginia Tech’s offense, the timing is far from perfect. However, Bowen’s move to Ohio State as an offensive line coach seems like a natural fit for his skill set at the Power Four level.
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