(BCSNN) — Virginia Tech President Tim Sands announced on Sunday that head football coach Brent Pry has been relieved of his duties effective immediately, citing unacceptable on-field results since Pry’s hiring in 2021. In a statement to the university community, Sands confirmed that offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery will serve as interim head coach.
The full statement from VT's President follows:
Coach Brent Pry has been relieved of his coaching duties effective immediately. We appreciate Coach Pry’s efforts and service since 2021. Unfortunately, the results on the field were not acceptable and a change in leadership is necessary. Philip Montgomery will serve as interim head coach. We will continue to fully support our team and student-athletes for the remaining games as we strive together to significantly improve the trajectory of our football program this season.
To our students, alumni, and the rest of Hokie Nation, we understand and share your disappointment with the season so far. As we move forward together, please join us in supporting and encouraging our student-athletes and athletics staff as they take on this new challenge.
Board of Visitors members J. Pearson and Ryan McCarthy have been charged by the rector, John Rocovich, to work with university leadership and AD Whit Babcock to develop a financial, organizational and leadership plan that will rapidly position the Virginia Tech football program to be competitive with the best in the ACC. That plan will be presented to the Board of Visitors later this month. The new framework for college sports will be fully established for next season, so this is the time to make a major move.
Virginia Tech President Tim Sands
More on Philip Montgomery:
Philip Montgomery has more than two decades of offensive expertise, having built a reputation as one of college football’s most innovative play-callers. He served as head coach at Tulsa from 2015 to 2022, where he led the Golden Hurricane to four bowl appearances and a berth in the 2020 American Athletic Conference Championship game. His 2016 Tulsa offense made NCAA history by becoming the first FBS team to feature a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers, and two 1,000-yard receivers in the same season. Prior to Tulsa, Montgomery spent seven seasons at Baylor (2008–2014), including three as offensive coordinator, where he helped engineer one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. Under his guidance, Baylor led the country in total offense in 2013 and scoring offense in 2014, producing multiple All-American quarterbacks including Bryce Petty and Nick Florence.
Montgomery’s coaching journey also includes impactful stints at Houston and Auburn, as well as a recent role as co-offensive coordinator for the Birmingham Stallions, where he helped guide the team to a 2024 UFL Championship. Known for his aggressive tempo, dynamic motion schemes, and quarterback development, Montgomery was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2013, given to the nation’s top assistant coach. His offenses have consistently ranked among the top nationally in yardage and scoring, and his sideline adaptability has earned praise across multiple programs. With his appointment as interim head coach at Virginia Tech, Montgomery is stepping into a leadership role amid a pivotal transition for the Hokies football program. And it could pay off for him, if he turns things around.
