Coaching Carousel Hits Early with Major Changes at Virginia Tech and UCLA

BLACKSBURG, Va. — The coaching carousel in college football has taken an unexpected turn this fall, with Virginia Tech and UCLA parting ways with their head coaches just three games into the 2025 season.

Virginia Tech dismissed Brent Pry after a disappointing 0-3 start, marking the end of a tenure that saw a 16-24 overall record. Under Pry, the Hokies struggled significantly in close games, finishing with a 1-12 record in one-possession matchups. Compounding this, Virginia Tech has not beaten a Power 4 nonconference opponent since 2017, suffering 15 consecutive defeats.

Pry’s departure will cost Virginia Tech more than $6 million in buyout fees, a significant financial burden as the program attempts to recover its standing in the ACC.

Meanwhile, UCLA has fired DeShaun Foster after a season marred by poor performance and controversy over the quarterback position. The Bruins have been outscored a staggering 108-43 in their three losses and faced internal turmoil as Foster moved players in and out of critical roles. His contract included a guaranteed buyout of $5.27 million, which the school will incur for this early termination.

The department is already grappling with declining financial health, having recorded deficits for six consecutive years. This situation exacerbates concerns about ongoing financial obligations, including payments to UC Berkeley, which compound UCLA’s budget challenges as they transition into a richer athletic conference.

Both universities find themselves in a predicament; their financial resources continue to lag behind their peers. Virginia Tech’s football budget sits around $40.9 million, while UCLA’s is significantly lower than the Big Ten average. Athletic directors at both institutions are now under pressure to not only find replacement coaches but also stabilize their teams amid threats from the transfer portal, which opens to players under new head coaches.

As changes ripple through these programs, the implications of early coaching removals signal a shifting landscape in college athletics. With heightened expectations and a blend of new financial realities, the urgency to address coaching challenges has never been clearer. Will more programs follow suit in this tumultuous season?