Calls for the firing of Virginia Tech’s head football coach, Brent Pry, intensified after a disappointing Week 1 performance. On Saturday, the Hokies began their 2024 season in Nashville against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Despite being nearly two-touchdown favorites, Virginia Tech struggled mightily, finding themselves trailing 17-0 with just over five minutes left in the second quarter.
The game started on a sour note for the Hokies. Their first drive, which initially showed promise, ended in an interception. Their second drive resulted in a punt, and although they reached the red zone on their third drive, they were forced to settle for a field goal late in the second quarter. At halftime, the score was 17-3 in favor of Vanderbilt.
Many had expected Virginia Tech to dominate Vanderbilt, a team considered one of the weakest in the SEC, especially after the Commodores’ 2-10 record last season. The Hokies, who finished 2023 with a 7-6 record and a bowl victory, were seen as the clear favorites. However, the disappointing start led to immediate backlash online, with fans demanding Pry’s dismissal. Social media was flooded with calls to fire the third-year coach, who has a 10-14 record since taking over in 2022.
Pry, who previously served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Penn State from 2011-2021 and played safety for the Buffalo Bulls from 1989-1991, faced intense criticism for the team’s poor performance, particularly for play-calling decisions like a bubble screen on 3rd and 15 in the red zone. Fans made their frustration known, calling for a change in leadership
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