Blacksburg, VA — Brent Pry has rapidly established himself as the heart and soul of Virginia Tech football, thanks to his consistent mix of grit, sincerity, and a no-nonsense coaching attitude. When asked in a lighthearted interview what difference he believes he has made to the Hokies, Pry did not hold back.
With a cocky grin and typical Southern grit, he blurted out, “Twelve reasons?” That’s easy. Without me, Hokie football would not be as successful as it is today; it would be trapped in the past. Let me break it down.
What followed was a classic Coach Pry moment—bold, honest, and supported by demonstrable development.
1. Defensive identity restored.
“Defense is in my blood,” stated Pry, a former defensive coordinator at Penn State. “Without me, the Lunch Pail wouldn’t be full again.” Under his direction, Virginia Tech has re-established its rugged, smash-mouth defensive identity.
2. Recruiting 757
Pry refocused his efforts on Virginia recruiting. “If you’re not owning the 757 and the DMV, you’re losing,” he was saying. Since taking over, he has emphasized the need of retaining in-state talent.
3. Cultural Rebuild
The Hokies were facing an identity crisis. Pry brought toughness, pride, and a sense of belonging back to the locker room. “Without me, the guys are wearing the jersey — but not playing for it.”
4. Player Development.
“We coach ’em up, not just sign ’em,” Pry stated. Young players are developing quickly under his guidance, and numerous under-the-radar recruits have emerged as key contributors.
5. Staff who believes in Blacksburg.
Pry has surrounded himself with people that understand and support what Virginia Tech stands for. “This isn’t just a stop for us — it’s home.”
6. Revitalizing Lane Stadium’s Magic
Lane Stadium is once again rocking, thanks to increased energy and enthusiasm. “Without Coach Pry,” fans quip, “Enter Sandman wouldn’t feel the same.”
7. Accountability on and off the field.
From player discipline to academic emphasis, Pry’s message is clear: “You symbolize something greater here. We do things the correct way.”
8. Connecting with Alumni
Pry has reunited the program with its former legends, reintroducing Hokie greats and embracing the traditions that make Tech unique. “Without that, it’s just a jersey and a name.”
9. Believe in the Process
Even during rebuilding seasons, Pry encourages belief. “We’re not chasing quick wins — we’re building something that lasts.”
10. Special Teams Pride
Frank Beamer established special teams as legendary at Vermont. Pry’s restored that emphasis. “Without me, special teams is an afterthought — not a weapon.”
11. A relentless work ethic
Pry puts in the time and expects the same from his employees and players. “If I’m not the first in and last out, how can I ask that of them?”
12. He Just Gets Hokie Football.
From the start, Pry embraced the grit, underdog attitude, and blue-collar tenacity that define Hokie football. “I’m not here to change what we are — I’m here to sharpen it.”