Virginia Tech is actively seeking a new offensive coordinator following Tyler Bowen’s departure to Ohio State. Recent reports indicate that the Hokies are focusing on Christian Taylor, an assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills, as a leading candidate for the position. Taylor, 41, has a diverse coaching background, including serving as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach at William & Mary from 2020 to 2023, where he was recognized as the AFCA FCS Assistant Coach of the Year in 2023. His innovative offensive strategies have garnered attention, and his connections with William & Mary alumni on the Bills’ coaching staff, such as head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, facilitated his move to the NFL.
The urgency in filling the offensive coordinator role is heightened by the timing of Bowen’s departure, which occurred late in the hiring cycle. Head coach Brent Pry is moving swiftly to secure a replacement, with Taylor emerging as a prominent candidate. Other potential candidates have been considered, but Taylor’s recent experience and innovative approach make him a compelling choice for the Hokies.As the situation develops, Virginia Tech aims to finalize the hiring process promptly to ensure stability and continuity within the coaching staff ahead of the upcoming season.
Here are three potential candidates to replace Tyler Bowen as Virginia Tech’s offensive coordinator:
- Neal Brown – Former West Virginia head coach Neal Brown is currently available and could be a strong addition to Brent Pry’s staff. Pry already hired Brown’s former offensive line coach, Matt Moore, making a reunion possible. Brown has extensive experience coaching offenses, having served as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Troy, Kentucky, and Texas Tech. With dual-threat quarterback Kyron Drones set to return for 2025, Brown’s expertise could help maximize Drones’ potential.
- Josh Gattis – Recently let go by Maryland, Josh Gattis has built a strong reputation as an innovative offensive mind. He has held offensive coordinator roles at Michigan, Miami, and Maryland and previously worked under Nick Saban at Alabama. Additionally, Gattis has ties to Brent Pry from their time together at Penn State, which could make him a logical candidate for the Hokies’ OC position.
- Fontel Mines – Promoting from within, assistant head coach, wide receivers coach, and offensive recruiting coordinator Fontel Mines could be a bold but rewarding choice. Mines has played a key role in Virginia Tech’s recent recruiting success and has strong relationships with many of the team’s offensive players. While it would be a significant step up, his deep connection to the program and recruiting impact make him a compelling option.
