Virginia Tech has announced the hiring of Philip Montgomery as its new offensive coordinator. Montgomery brings over two decades of coaching experience, including head coaching roles at Tulsa and offensive coordinator positions at Auburn, Baylor, and Houston. He is recognized for his innovative offensive strategies and has mentored several elite quarterbacks throughout his career.
During his tenure at Tulsa from 2015 to 2022, Montgomery led the Golden Hurricane to four bowl games and guided the program to its first-ever appearance in the American Athletic Conference championship game in 2020. Notably, his 2016 offense set an NCAA record, becoming the first team in FBS history to feature a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers, and two 1,000-yard receivers in the same season
At Baylor, Montgomery served as the offensive coordinator from 2012 to 2014, where the Bears posted 10 or more wins in three of his last four seasons, including 11 victories in both 2013 and 2014. In 2014, Baylor produced an 11-1 record and a No. 4 ranking in the Associated Press poll. For four straight seasons, each with a different quarterback, Montgomery’s pupils earned All-America honors. In 2013, Bryce Petty threw for 4,200 yards and 32 touchdowns, finishing seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting and earning unanimous Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. Under Montgomery’s guidance, Nick Florence threw for a school-record 4,309 yards in 2012 and was named an honorable mention All-American by Sports Illustrated. As backfield coach in 2011, Montgomery coached two All-Americans—Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III and future NFL draftee Terrance Ganaway, who set Baylor single-season records for rushing yards (1,566) and rushing touchdowns (21). Baylor’s offense set or tied 101 school records en route to a 10-3 record and a memorable 67-56 Alamo Bowl win over Washington.
Montgomery’s coaching philosophy emphasizes a balanced offensive attack that utilizes the entire field. He aims to implement an aggressive strategy that spreads the defense horizontally and vertically, creating opportunities for players to excel. His previous experience coaching quarterbacks such as Robert Griffin III, Bryce Petty, and Case Keenum has honed his ability to develop elite signal-callers.
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry expressed enthusiasm about Montgomery joining the staff, stating, “Philip Montgomery is one of the most respected offensive minds in college football. His ability to develop quarterbacks and build explosive offenses will be instrumental in our continued growth as a program.” Pry believes Montgomery’s experience as both a head coach and a coordinator will help maximize the team’s talent and put players in the best position to succeed.
Montgomery’s hiring is part of a broader effort by Coach Pry to revitalize the Hokies’ football program. Alongside Montgomery, Pry has made several other coaching changes to strengthen the team’s staff. These adjustments reflect a commitment to enhancing the program’s competitiveness and success in the upcoming seasons.
With Montgomery at the helm of the offense, Virginia Tech fans can anticipate a dynamic and high-powered offensive unit that leverages innovative strategies and player development to achieve success on the field.
