Only 3 weeks have passed in the college football season, and heads are already rolling. Joining the list of fired coaching staff is Virginia Tech’s Brent Pry, after charting a 0-3 course so far. Fans have long called for his firing, and the day is finally here. The community is already forwarding their picks for Pry’s replacement. And there’s one name that’s at the top of these lists: former Hokies icon, Michael Vick.

With Pry’s total record standing at 16-24, it was time for the management to make the tough call. Virginia Tech going winless before conference play began was an alarming reality. Pry’s humiliating loss to Old Dominion yesterday ended up being the final blow to his short-lived head coaching career. Though OC Philip Montgomery takes over as interim HC, Virginia Tech will want to look for a better and secure candidate. And who better than their own star and former NFL player, Michael Vick?

Pry’s firing has opened up a new conversation about the people who could replace him, and Vick is a top candidate. A to Z Sports’ Joe DeLeone also put in his vote. “Please hire Michael Vick,” he wrote on X. Vick is a Virginia man and is one of the most legendary players from the program. He’s also a Hall of Fame inductee at the program, so it makes complete sense for him to be in consideration for the job. He’s also had a stellar career in the NFL with 4 Pro-Bowl mentions, making him a lucrative option as well.

Perhaps where Vick can bring in the most advantage as the Hokies’ HC is in the NIL area. It’s something that’s been a problem for Virginia Tech. Vick’s NFL resume and his familiarity with Virginia Tech can bring the program into national attention if he comes back. That’s exactly what’s happening at Norfolk State, where Vick is currently the head coach. It’s his first-ever role in college football as a coach, and this season will be the litmus test for him. 3 games into the season, Vick is now at 1-2 with the Spartans.

There are others, of course, who are being touted as candidates for the job. Vick is still new to the coaching scene, and Virginia Tech would likely wait it out to see how he fares at Norfolk State. But the connection Michael Vick has with the program can be a win-win for both parties. Maybe Vick comes full circle in his career and is the answer that Virginia Tech has needed in these past few years. But he will have to beat out a few others to bag the role, if offered.

Other candidates joining Michael Vick as replacements for Brent Pry

The Hokies legend will have to compete with quite a few worthy choices. Up first is Shane Beamer. Head coaching in the SEC is never easy, but Beamer has helped turn around South Carolina during his tenure. Beamer is no stranger to Blacksburg, as dad Frank Beamer is the best coach that ever walked the campus grounds. Shane Beamer’s family connection and his experience as a head coach make him a prime candidate for the job. But will he leave an SEC program for one in the ACC?

There are also talks about Will Stein, the Oregon OC, to be considered for the job. Stein’s success in creating powerful offenses for the Ducks, as well as his record with QBs Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, looks great on his resume. Another choice could be Liberty’s Jamey Chadwell, who comes with a 120-64 record so far. He’s charted success with programs like Charleston Southern and Coastal Carolina. Though 2024 has been rough for Chadwell, he took the Flames to the Conference USA championship title in his first year as HC in 2023.

Alex Golesh (USF) and Buster Faulkner (Georgia Tech, OC) are also making it to proposed lists for Brent Pry’s replacement. The tough call was long overdue for the coach, and three straight losses in 2025 became unbearable for the program. “[The] results on the field were not acceptable and a change in leadership is necessary,” Virginia Tech said in a statement. As Pry packs his bags, fans sure are looking at their best player to make a comeback and help save a sinking ship at Blacksburg.