Virginia Tech hires Ty Howle as OC as former Penn State co-OC makes splash move

Updated –Dec 9, 2025

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Virginia Tech is expected to hire Ty Howle as its offensive coordinator, bringing in a proven tight-end developer and former Penn State co-OC.

Virginia Tech is set to hire Ty Howle, who spent the last several years at Penn State Nittany Lions as co-offensive coordinator and tight-ends coach, as its new offensive coordinator.

The move was first reported by multiple outlets, and Howle is expected to handle play-calling duties under head coach James Franklin.

Sources: Virginia Tech is expected to hire Penn State co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Ty Howle as the school’s new offensive coordinator. He’s expected to be the school’s play caller as well. pic.twitter.com/6EEowrQPba

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 9, 2025

Howle brings a diverse coaching background: a former Penn State offensive lineman, he transitioned to coaching after his playing days.

Before his time at Penn State, he had coaching stints at NC State (graduate assistant) and Western Illinois (offensive line coach, then assistant head coach/co-OC), giving him experience both in the trenches and in play-calling.

At Penn State, his tight end units flourished, producing standout players and earning him national praise.

Why this hire matters for Virginia Tech’s reboot

For Franklin, who took over the Hokies this offseason, adding Howle helps bring familiarity, cohesion, and upward momentum right away. Rather than starting fresh with an untested coordinator or rolling the dice on a big-name outsider, this hire offers stability and a proven track record.

Reports indicate Howle is “one of the nation’s premier tight end developers and a proven offensive strategist.”

That could pay immediate dividends: tight ends have often been overlooked, yet under Howle’s guidance at Penn State, they became offense-driving weapons.

“Tyler Warren” chants. “We love you!” Screams for Ty Howle.

The Penn State fans love the tight end room — for good reason pic.twitter.com/THL2jwTeLY

— Max Ralph (@maxralph_) October 12, 2024

For Virginia Tech, a program looking to rebuild its offense and identity, that skill set might create mismatches, foster versatility, and generate playmaking advantages.

Also, given Howle’s experience across multiple levels (OL, TE, co-OC), he brings a full-spectrum understanding of offense, line play, run/pass balance, tight ends, and play-calling.

That versatility might allow Virginia Tech to craft a balanced, adaptable attack tailored to whatever personnel arrive on campus.

What to watch: challenges and upside ahead

Adjusting to ACC defenses and the roster: East Coast recruiting, ACC defensive styles, and the available Virginia Tech roster will require adaptation. Howle’s success at Penn State and lower-level stops shows flexibility, but replication isn’t guaranteed.
Recruiting and development of tight ends/offense skill-positions: Much of Howle’s resume centers on tight ends. Can he attract and convert talent at TE, WR, QB, and OL to build a competitive offense?
Recent Penn State TEs drafted.

2025: Tyler Warren — No. 14 overall
2024: Theo Johnson — No. 107 overall
2023: Brenton Strange — No. 61 overall
2021: Pat Freiermuth — No. 55 overall
2018: Mike Gesicki — No. 42 overall

The last four are under Ty Howle. Talk about development. pic.twitter.com/gmlQwRgfFG

— Lyle Alenstein (@LAlenstein) April 25, 2025
Program identity under Franklin + Howle: With Howle leading the offense and Franklin bringing in a staff overhaul, the question is what kind of identity Virginia Tech will build: pro-style, balanced, tempo-oriented, or a hybrid. The early season and 2026 recruiting class will give signals.
Expectations vs. patience: Bringing in a promising coordinator may raise expectations; if early struggles occur, patience and support from boosters/fans will matter. Realistic evaluation should account for transition and rebuild cycles.

Overall, Ty Howle’s hiring signals a strategic and thoughtful reset for Virginia Tech, blending fresh energy, offensive ambition, and coaching experience.

If executed well, this could mark the beginning of a turnaround: better offense, stronger recruiting, and restored competitiveness in the ACC.