Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator Tyler Bowen Leaves for Ohio State
Virginia Tech football is once again in search of an offensive coordinator as Tyler Bowen departs for Ohio State. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Bowen has been hired by the Buckeyes as their new offensive line coach.
A Georgia native, Bowen played offensive line at Maryland under Ralph Friedgen before transitioning into coaching in 2010. He began as a student assistant, later serving as a graduate assistant for two years. His coaching journey took him to Towson, Penn State, Fordham, and Maryland, with roles ranging from offensive line coach to tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator. Bowen also coached tight ends for the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining Virginia Tech in 2022.
During his first season with the Hokies, Bowen served as offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. In 2023, he took on quarterback coaching duties, while Stu Holt moved to tight ends coach. Under Bowen, Virginia Tech’s offense had mixed results. The 2024 unit featured future NFL prospects Bhayshul Tuten, Da’Quan Felton, and Jaylin Lane, yet struggled due to offensive line issues and quarterback Kyron Drones’ injuries.
Bowen faced criticism for his offensive scheme, and some questioned whether he was the right choice for quarterback coach. When Brad Glenn left after 2022, head coach Brent Pry opted not to hire a dedicated QB coach, a decision that may have impacted the offense’s inconsistency.
With Bowen’s departure, Pry must now hire his second coordinator of the offseason. In December, he fired defensive coordinator Chris Marve and replaced him with Arizona Cardinals linebacker coach Sam Siefkes after an extended two-month search. While some Hokies fans may welcome a fresh start offensively, Bowen’s exit comes at an inconvenient time.
Pry’s next hire will also have to work with new offensive line coach Matt Moore, a well-regarded addition to the staff. The only internal replacement option is wide receivers coach Fontel Mines, but it’s unclear if Pry will promote from within or seek an outside candidate.
As for Bowen, transitioning to offensive line coach could be a better fit at the Power Four level. While his departure may offer Virginia Tech a chance to reset offensively, the timing makes the hiring process more challenging. Pry could take another unconventional route in selecting his next offensive coordinator.
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