Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry faces another crucial hiring decision after offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen departed to join Ohio State as its offensive line coach. Bowen’s move comes late in the hiring cycle, making Pry’s task of finding a suitable replacement even more challenging. Having already overhauled his staff in December by replacing three assistants, Pry now needs to make another significant hire to ensure continuity and offensive growth for the Hokies.
Several candidates could step in to fill Bowen’s role, with three notable names emerging as potential options: Neal Brown, Josh Gattis, and Fontel Mines.
One possibility is Neal Brown, who was recently let go as West Virginia’s head coach. Pry has already tapped into Brown’s former staff by hiring Matt Moore as Virginia Tech’s offensive line coach. Brown has extensive experience coaching offenses, having served as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at multiple programs, including Troy, Kentucky, and Texas Tech. With quarterback Kyron Drones set to return for the 2025 season, Brown’s expertise in developing dual-threat quarterbacks could make him a strong fit for the role. His experience and knowledge of offensive schemes would provide stability and innovation for the Hokies’ offense.
Another intriguing option is Josh Gattis, a well-regarded offensive mind with experience at several top programs. Gattis was most recently Maryland’s offensive coordinator before parting ways with the Terrapins. Over the years, he has built an impressive résumé, working at Alabama as a co-offensive coordinator before moving on to lead offenses at Michigan and Miami. He also has a history with Pry, having previously worked under James Franklin at Penn State. That connection could make him a strong candidate if Pry is looking for familiarity and proven success at high-level programs.
Fontel Mines is another name worth considering, though his promotion would be a bold move. Currently serving as Virginia Tech’s assistant head coach, wide receivers coach, and offensive recruiting coordinator, Mines has played a pivotal role in the Hokies’ recent recruiting success. Many of the team’s key offensive players have been secured due to his efforts on the recruiting trail. Although Mines lacks experience as a play-caller, his deep ties to the program and his influence on offensive personnel make him an intriguing internal candidate. Giving him the opportunity to lead the offense would be a gamble, but one that could pay off given his contributions to the program’s foundation.
Ultimately, Pry must act quickly to fill the vacancy left by Bowen. Whether he chooses an experienced candidate like Brown or Gattis or takes a chance on an internal promotion with Mines, the hire will play a crucial role in shaping Virginia Tech’s offensive identity moving forward.
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