When Virginia Tech announced the hiring of former Memphis defensive coordinator Galen Scott on January 4, the school said head coach Justin Fuente tabbed Scott as Tech's linebackers coach. In an interview today with Mike Barber, Fuente shed some more light on Foster and Scott's coaching responsibilities.
"Bud's going to be our associate head coach," Fuente said. "For me it was an obvious thing. In a very short time it's very apparent, his pulse on Virginia Tech, his quality as a person, he's a natural fit."
Fuente clarified that Foster, the defensive coordinator, will continue to coach the linebackers, while Scott, who was the defensive coordinator at Memphis, will split coaching the defensive line with current D-line coach Charley Wiles.
Fuente said, as the associate head coach, Foster is the next in line to run the team if Fuente is not available or able to do so. As the assistant head coach, Scott will help more with day-to-day operational issues.
"Bud Foster and Galen Scott will both be taking on additional leadership roles on our staff," Fuente added in a release. "I've appreciated Galen's counsel and perspective for many years. It hasn't taken me long to gain an even deeper respect for Bud and the pulse he has on Virginia Tech and our program. I trust both of them implicitly, and I will lean on them to help ensure we're always heading in the right direction."
This is an interesting dynamic, and I'm curious to see how Foster and Scott's positional coaching responsibilities work during an open practice or scrimmage this spring or summer (if the opportunity is available) before I comment more. For what it's worth, at the time this was published, Scott is still listed as Tech's linebackers coach on HokieSports.com.
In somewhat related news, Virginia Tech shared a 3:34 video interview between Jon Laaser and Scott.
Comments
Scott is very well spoken, let's get him out there recruiting.
Damnit, Laaser, stop wearing that shirt!
Oh Lord that shirt...sorry Laas, it's hideous. I think someone barfed all over it haha.
He called the (baby) shit, barf.
If that shirt wasn't a gift from a special woman (mom, wife, girlfriend), I'll eat it!
...At least then we won't have to see it again.
It looks like a 1MX spread collar, which is an excellent choice. But my God, is that an ugly color.
Do we think that is his lucky interview shirt, or were these filmed on the same day?
I don't mind the color at all, just doesn't suit him. It would suit Coach Scott actually!
Also, maybe it's just me, but Coach Scott kinda looks like Kam Chancellor a bit, right?
Can we start a Go-Fund Me page for Laaser's wardrobe? I seriously would donate just to not see that shirt ever again. Suit up.
Virginia Tech Shirt Color Difficulty Level
Rookie - White
Varsity - Blue
Pro - Maroon
All Pro - Orange
All Madden - Any other color and/or color combinations possible.
He went All Madden right out of the gate...
Titles and responsibilities seem to be a little confusing, Wiles needs help coaching DL? I'm sure they will work it out but as I said a little confusing.
In addition to whips, Cornell Brown was tagged as assistant d-line coach too. Although, I am bit confused myself. Even though it seems like the opposite has been reported, I don't think Scott's only responsibility will be assistant d-line coach. My guess is something has been lost in translation.
I agree
Somebody needs to give Laaser a wardobe and stylist stipend. Regardless of color choice, that dress shirt is dated.
Seriously, he needs to hook up with Buzz's clothing designer.
Maybe he also has on silk boxers.
At 0:45 "Getting after people"... VT coach speak at it's finest.
Hmm, so the video above and the VT Athletics post on facebook both say linebackers coach. Fuente's interview says assistant D line coach and assistant head coach.
I may be reading into this too much, but it seems to me Scott could primarily be the defensive recruiting coach. We need to recruit the DL and LB spots heavily, and I think that is exactly what Scott is going to do, while also helping out with coaching duties. As has been mentioned on here recently, a conduit of sorts to the defense for Fuente and the overall program's recruiting efforts. Nice move to make Bud associate head coach, and very well deserved.
So hokiesports.com updated their site today...
I'm so confused.
I'm betting Scott is still coaching wips, Fuente said nothing was changing for Bud's coaching responsibilities
Well whatever the situation is, Bud looks way happier. So I would conclude he has more power and money.
Assistant TO the head coach?
Somehow Bud's face is even more terrifying when he smiles.
It's the eyes. When you have that intensity and an angry face, it fits and you roll with it. When you have that intensity and a smile, it's just really really disconcerting
*murder face*
*smiling and happy*
*murder face*
Scott seemed to be in absolute awe of the Beamer Barn during his response to the first question haha
Probably didn't have anything like that at Memphis.
Well considering it's the largest indoor practice facility in the country, probably not.
I like this guy a lot! Really have a feeling that he and Bud will make an incredible team....Happy Days are here again!
This guy is going to run train on the recruiting trail.
gross
Simply put.... a win win!
Sounds like a Lunchpail D fit to me!
Exciting times!
Love the expression on Bud's face in this tweet. Fuente must have told him he wouldn't steal any of his D-line recruits if he'd smile for the picture!