Blacksburg, Virginia – May 13, 2025 – In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, ESPN has reported that Virginia Tech Head Football Coach Brent Pry has turned down significant offers from two of the nation’s most prestigious programs, the University of Georgia and the University of Notre Dame. Sources close to the situation indicate that both institutions presented Pry with offers in the range of $7.5 million per year, a substantial increase from his current compensation at Virginia Tech.
The news, first broken by ESPN’s prominent college football insider, has been met with a mixture of disbelief and elation in Blacksburg. Pry, who is heading into his fourth season at the helm of the Hokies, has seemingly opted to continue building the program he inherited, despite the allure of leading perennial national championship contenders.
According to the ESPN report, the offers from both Georgia and Notre Dame came within the last few weeks, as both programs were reportedly exploring potential coaching changes for the 2026 season and beyond. While the specific circumstances surrounding these potential vacancies remain unclear, the fact that Pry was a prime target underscores the growing respect and recognition he has garnered within the coaching fraternity.
When contacted for comment by ESPN, Pry reportedly stated, “Blacksburg is home for my family and me. We are deeply invested in the Virginia Tech community, the passionate fanbase, and the young men in our football program. While I am appreciative of the interest from other institutions, I have no plans beyond being the head football coach at Virginia Tech and continuing the work we have started here. We are building something special, and I am excited about the future of the Hokies.”
This decision is particularly surprising given the historical prestige and consistent national success of both Georgia and Notre Dame. Georgia, under their current leadership, has been a dominant force in recent years, consistently competing for national championships. Notre Dame, with its storied tradition and nationwide following, remains one of the most coveted coaching destinations in the sport.
Pry’s commitment to Virginia Tech signals a strong belief in the trajectory of the program under his leadership. After taking over in December 2021, he has worked to instill a new culture and rebuild the Hokies, who have experienced a period of relative decline following years of sustained success. While the team’s on-field results have shown steady improvement, they have yet to reach the heights of the program’s past glory.
However, Pry’s emphasis on player development, recruiting, and fostering a strong team environment has resonated with both the players and the Virginia Tech faithful. His deep ties to the region, having previously served as the defensive coordinator at Penn State under former Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer’s son, Bud Foster, are also believed to be a significant factor in his decision.
The financial implications of Pry’s decision are also noteworthy. While $7.5 million per year would have placed him among the highest-paid coaches in the nation, his current salary at Virginia Tech is significantly lower. This suggests that Pry’s motivations extend beyond monetary compensation, highlighting his commitment to the program and the Blacksburg community.
The news has been met with an outpouring of support and gratitude from Virginia Tech fans on social media and message boards. Many are praising Pry’s loyalty and dedication, viewing his decision as a significant boost for the program’s future. It is seen as a powerful statement that a highly sought-after coach is choosing to remain in Blacksburg despite lucrative offers from elite programs.
This development will undoubtedly have ripple effects across the college football coaching landscape. It may force Georgia and Notre Dame to turn their attention to other candidates, and it sends a clear message that Virginia Tech, under Pry’s leadership, is a program on the rise that can retain its top talent, both on the field and on the sidelines.
As the Hokies prepare for the upcoming 2025 season, Pry’s commitment provides a significant morale boost and reinforces the positive momentum building within the program. The fanbase will undoubtedly be even more energized, knowing that their head coach has chosen to stay and continue the journey of restoring Virginia Tech football to national prominence. This decision by Brent Pry will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the program’s history, demonstrating a deep commitment that transcends the allure of immediate success and immense wealth.
