CHARLOTTE, N.C. – College football bowl season is going strong into the new year, the Virginia Tech Hokies included as they prep for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl Friday night.
While the team underwent some coaching changes just a few weeks ago, including the release of defensive coordinator Chris Marve, the program is turning to a reliable defensive force to help.
Former longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster is still a fixture in the athletics department as a special assistant and head coach Brent Pry asked if he was willing to help out with bowl preps.
“Knowing I would be busy with retention meetings, official visitors, could he assist in that room? Help coach Quinn, who is coordinating things, help him where he needs t,” said Pry. “He’s been great the way he’s been in our meetings. He’s been in our practices. I’m thankful he wanted to be involved and we’re able to do that.
“Now that he’s on the field coaching us guys, it’s been big time,” said Hokies defensive end Cole Nelson. “He’s also just provided us with extra pep in our step. More energy in the room. He doesn’t say too much but when he comes up and speaks to us its like alright guys, it’s time to lock in. It’s no joke.”
Coach Pry made it clear that moving forward Foster will be a part of the program but not to return as the defensive coordinator.
Friday provides an ironic opportunity for Foster who’s final game coached in 2019 came in the Hokies Belk Bowl loss to Kentucky. That game was also played in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium.