Tyler Bowen’s decision to leave Virginia Tech and join Ohio State as offensive line coach under Ryan Day raised some eyebrows. Why would he quit a coordinator role for a positional one? Let’s not forget that most Hokies fans were relieved to see Bowen leave following a tough season in Blacksburg.
According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, head coach Brent Pry is reportedly interested in Buffalo Bills defensive quality coach Christian Taylor. Following that rumor, things went quiet until Pete Thamel of ESPN tweeted Monday morning that Virginia Tech was considering former Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery as their next OC, which the school confirmed a short time later.
Now that the hiring is official, here are three thoughts on Montgomery joining the staff.
Montgomery brings head coaching experience
This may not mean much to many people, but Montgomery’s head coaching experience at Tulsa is an important aspect of the hiring process. That cannot be disregarded given Pry’s struggles in his first three years at Blacksburg, when he went 16-21 overall. If anything, he can serve as another source of support for Pry at any time.
Pry is entering his fourth year at Virginia Tech, and he has surrounded himself with seasoned head and assistant coaches. If things don’t go well, his seat will get hot. Surrounding himself with Montgomery, Matt Moore, and Bud Foster.
Montgomery has developed some good quarterbacks for the next level
Montgomery has coached some talented collegiate quarterbacks and prepared them for the next level, notably Robert Griffin of Baylor. He has a quarterback at Virginia Tech named Drones, who has a powerful arm and can beat teams with his legs. Montgomery will have plenty of play ideas for Drones and Pop Watson.
Developing wide receivers and a running game will also be important, but this is the type of hire that will help Drones advance to the next level in 2025. Will he convert him into another Robert Griffin? Unlikely, but this is probably the best hire for Drones for next season.
Now that the hiring is official, here are three thoughts on Montgomery joining the staff.
Montgomery brings head coaching experience
This may not mean much to a lot of people, but Montgomery’s head coaching stint at Tulsa is a valuable part of the hiring. That can’t be overlooked with the trouble that Pry has had in his first three years in Blacksburg which has seen him go 16-21 overall. If anything, he can be another person that Pry can lean on anytime.
Pry is entering a huge Year 4 at Virginia Tech and he has surrounded himself with some experienced head and assistant coaches. If things don’t go well, his seat will be hot. Surrounding himself with experience with Montgomery, Matt Moore, and Bud Foster.
Montgomery has developed some good quarterbacks for the next level
Montgomery has coached some good college quarterbacks and developed them for the next level, including Robert Griffin at Baylor. He has a QB at Virginia Tech in Drones who has a strong arm and can beat teams with his legs. There will be no shortage of plays that Montgomery could draw up for Drones and Pop Watson.
Developing wide receivers and a running game is also going to be big, but this is the type of hire that can Drones take the step to the next level in 2025. Is he going to turn him into another Robert Griffin? Unlikely, but this is likely the best possible hire for drones for next season.
This has a chance to be a home run hire
There is only one way to get from Bowen to here, and it is up, correct? Montgomery brings a lot more experience than Bowen did to the job for Pry, and he already knows Drones because he offered him a scholarship out of high school when he was at Tulsa before Drones went to Baylor.
Montgomery’s experience as a head coach and offensive coordinator, including stints as a Power 5 offensive coordinator, makes him an excellent selection for a variety of reasons. All of this is significant for a coach entering this position in what is a pivotal year for the Blacksburg staff, led by Pry.
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