Previous role: Defensive coordinator, Penn State Nittany Lions
Sure, SEC rivals are a big deal when it comes to coaching hires. However, there are also natural regional rivals that have an impact on Tennessee football when it comes to recruiting. In general, they have always seemed like a natural rival with the Virginia Tech Hokies given how close the two schools are to each other.
There’s a reason the Battle at Bristol was such a huge deal, and if VT could ever join the SEC, UT and VT would be a great rivalry. Either way, though, VT is capable of being a powerhouse program, and doing so would have a huge impact on recruiting by the Vols.
Rocky Top targets tons of talent in the DMV, more than any other SEC program. As a result, any hire the Hokies make is a big deal related to them. Well, they have chosen Penn State Nittany Lions defensive coordinator Brent Pry. Ironically, Pry replaced Bob Shoop as PSU DC once he left for the Vols, and he shared the role with Tim Banks until Banks joined Heupel’s staff in 2021.
Anyway, Virginia Tech has made it clear they’re shooting for the stars, as they only had one losing season in six years under Fuente. He was fired after going 5-5 this year, and they went 1-2 under J.C. Price as interim head coach. If they take that next step with Pry, it means trouble for Tennessee football in the future.