Virginia Tech fires Chris Marve as defensive coordinator amid staff shakeup

Virginia Tech, a prominent university in the United States, recently made significant changes to its football coaching staff amid a lackluster performance during the season. On Thursday, December 12, 2024, head coach Brent Pry announced that defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Chris Marve was among three staff members who were dismissed. This decision came as a response to disappointing results, as the team was set to enter the upcoming Duke's Mayo Bowl with a 6-6 record. Along with Marve, the program also parted ways with offensive line coach Ron Crook and senior director of strength and conditioning Dwight Galt IV. Coach Pry publicly acknowledged the dedication and hard work of Marve, Crook, and Galt, emphasizing that they were great men who invested their efforts into the university and its athletes. Despite these commendations, he stressed the necessity of making changes to elevate the program's standards and restore its competitive stature among elite college football teams. Throughout the season, the team's defensive performance came under scrutiny, with the Hokies allowing an average of 359.7 yards per game, placing them 58th in the national rankings. Notably, this season saw a drop in scoring defense, with Virginia Tech tied for 44th nationally, allowing an average of 22.8 points per game. Comparatively, the previous season resulted in a slightly better position, tying for 49th with 23.9 points per game allowed. As a result, the dissatisfaction with the coaching staff's ability to improve defensive metrics and overall team performance ultimately led to the dismissals. Marve and Galt had been with the Hokies for three seasons, while Crook had served for two. Pry's record at Virginia Tech over his three seasons has been 16-20, underscoring the program’s struggle to achieve the expected success. The Hokies are preparing to face Minnesota in the Duke's Mayo Bowl on January 3, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the departures signal a pivotal moment for the team and its coaching dynamics as they seek to rebuild and regain a position of prominence in college football. The implications of these staff changes may become evident in the upcoming bowl game and in future recruitment strategies as the university aspires to create a more competitive football program.