**BREAKING NEWS: Brent Pry, Virginia Tech Football Head Coach, Stuns the NCAA World, Rejects Jaw-Dropping \$45 Million Offer from Las Vegas Raiders to Remain with Tech Hokies: “I Have No Plans of Leaving What We’re Building Here”**
*By \[Your Name], Sports Correspondent*
**Blacksburg, VA – May 7, 2025** — In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through both college and professional football circles, Virginia Tech Hokies Head Coach Brent Pry has rejected a massive \$45 million contract offer from the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. The blockbuster offer, confirmed by multiple sources within both organizations, would have made Pry one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL. Instead, the 54-year-old coach delivered a firm and emotional statement today, reaffirming his commitment to the Hokies football program.
> “I have no plans of leaving what we’re building here,” Pry said at a press conference hastily organized after news of the Raiders’ offer leaked Tuesday evening. “Virginia Tech is home. This community, this team, these fans – they mean everything to me. We’ve only just begun.”
### **NFL’s Pursuit of Pry**
The Las Vegas Raiders, currently undergoing a complete organizational overhaul following a disappointing 2024 season, have been aggressively hunting for a transformative leader to guide their future. Team owner Mark Davis reportedly set his sights on Pry after witnessing Virginia Tech’s remarkable turnaround under his leadership. The Hokies’ 2024 campaign saw them finish with a 10-3 record, capped by a New Year’s Six bowl win — their best season in over a decade.
Raiders insiders described Pry as “the culture changer” the franchise desperately needed — a coach with defensive prowess, emotional intelligence, and a proven ability to rebuild a faltering program. The team’s \$45 million offer was said to span five years, with additional incentives and full control over personnel decisions.
Despite the allure of the NFL stage and a life-changing financial package, Pry declined the offer after two days of consideration.
> “It wasn’t an easy decision from a professional standpoint,” Pry admitted. “The NFL is a dream for many, and I respect the Raiders organization. But I’ve made a promise to these young men at Virginia Tech. We’re chasing something special here, and I’m not stepping away when we’re this close.”
### **A Program Reborn**
When Brent Pry was hired as Virginia Tech’s head coach in late 2021, the Hokies were reeling. The once-proud program had lost its identity and struggled with inconsistent play and recruiting woes. Pry, who previously served as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, brought not only tactical excellence but a renewed sense of purpose.
In just three full seasons, he has orchestrated a cultural renaissance. His teams play with discipline, heart, and an edge that echoes the glory days of Frank Beamer. The 2024 campaign, in particular, solidified his reputation as one of college football’s rising coaching stars.
Under Pry’s guidance, Virginia Tech has also surged in recruiting rankings, landing top-20 classes in back-to-back years. Perhaps even more importantly, he has reinvigorated fan support. Lane Stadium is once again one of the most electric environments in the country, with “Enter Sandman” becoming symbolic of a true home-field advantage.
### **The Fallout and Reactions**
Reactions to Pry’s decision have poured in from all corners of the football world.
**Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock** released a statement lauding Pry’s loyalty and vision:
> “Brent Pry embodies everything we stand for at Virginia Tech. He’s more than a coach – he’s a builder, a leader, and a Hokie through and through. We’re beyond fortunate to have him.”
**Former Hokie greats** like Michael Vick and DeAngelo Hall took to social media to applaud Pry’s choice. Vick posted on X (formerly Twitter):
> “Coach Pry turning down the NFL to stay in Blacksburg? That’s LEGEND stuff. Respect.”
Even within the NFL, the move was met with admiration. ESPN analyst and former NFL head coach Rex Ryan commented live on air:
> “You don’t see this every day. That’s a guy who believes in what he’s doing. Turning down \$45 million to stay in the college game? That tells you everything about his character.”
### **What’s Next for Pry and the Hokies?**
The question now shifts from *if* Pry will stay, to *how far* he can take Virginia Tech.
With a strong returning core, including standout quarterback Malik Jefferson and All-American linebacker Jaylen Moss, the Hokies are widely projected as preseason favorites to win the ACC in 2025. The College Football Playoff, expanded to 12 teams this year, is firmly within reach.
Insiders also suggest that Virginia Tech is preparing a significant contract extension and facility upgrade package for Pry, aimed at ensuring he remains the centerpiece of the program for the long haul. Though terms have not been finalized, early estimates indicate a multi-year deal worth upwards of \$7 million annually.
> “We want Brent to know that his commitment goes both ways,” Babcock noted. “We’re ready to invest in him the way he’s invested in our student-athletes.”
### **A Defining Moment for College Football**
In an era where coaches often bolt for the next big payday, Brent Pry’s decision may signal a cultural shift — or at least offer a hopeful counter-narrative. His move stands in stark contrast to recent trends, where even long-tenured college coaches like Jim Harbaugh and Lincoln Riley have leapt to the NFL for high-profile contracts and control.
For Virginia Tech fans, however, the message is clear: the program is in safe, ambitious hands.
> “I’m not chasing dollars,” Pry concluded at the press conference. “I’m chasing championships. And I believe we can win them right here, in Blacksburg.”
### **Final Thoughts**
While the Las Vegas Raiders
will now pivot to other candidates, they may look back and wonder what might have been. For Brent Pry, the decision was about more than money or prestige. It was about purpose, legacy, and loyalty to a community that believed in him from the start.
As Hokie Nation celebrates, one thing is undeniable: in rejecting the NFL’s millions, Brent Pry may have made the boldest — and most inspiring — move of his coaching career.
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