Virginia Tech offensive coordinator is leaving Blacksburg to join Ohio State as their new offensive line coach, according to Pete Nekos on On3. A native of Helena, Georgia, played offensive line at Maryland under head coach Ralph Friedgen. He began his coaching career in 2010 as a student assistant before spending two years as a graduate assistant.
After one year at Towson, he moved to Penn State in 2014 as a grad assistant under head coach James Franklin. He had previously met Franklin while he was serving as Friedgen’s offensive coordinator at Maryland, and it was during this time that he also first connected with Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry.
Over the next several years, Bowen had coaching stints at Fordham (offensive line coach/offensive coordinator), Maryland (offensive line coach), Penn State (tight ends coach, recruiting coordinator, interim offensive coordinator), and the Jacksonville Jaguars (tight ends coach) before landing at Virginia Tech in 2022.
In his first season with the Hokies, Bowen served as both the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. By 2023, he shifted to quarterback coach, with Stu Holt moving to tight ends coach.
Virginia Tech’s offense saw fluctuating results during Bowen’s tenure. The 2024 team boasted several players with NFL potential, including Bhayshul Tuten, Da’Quan Felton, and Jaylin Lane, but underperformed due to offensive line struggles and injuries to quarterback Kyron Drones.
Bowen faced criticism, as offensive coordinators often do, especially when things aren’t going well. Some questioned his offensive scheme, and it was fair to do so at times. However, there was plenty of blame to spread around. Pry made an error by naming Bowen as the quarterback coach after Brad Glenn left following the 2022 season. It would have been better for Pry to hire a dedicated QB coach and leave Bowen with the tight ends.
Now, Pry is searching for his second coordinator since the season ended. In December, he fired defensive coordinator Chris Marve and hired Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach Sam Siefkes in a drawn-out process that lasted nearly two months. While many may welcome Bowen’s departure, the timing of Pry needing a new offensive coordinator isn’t ideal.
Whoever Pry hires will have the benefit of working with Matt Moore, the new offensive line coach who has received universal praise. The only potential replacement already on staff is wide receivers coach Fontel Mines. It’s still unclear if Pry will promote Mines or look to the NFL for a potential replacement.
As for Bowen, coaching the offensive line may be his most fitting role at the Power Five level. While losing Bowen could serve as a reset for the Hokies, the timing of his departure leaves Pry in a challenging position. It will be interesting to see who Pry hires, and don’t be surprised if he makes an unconventional choice.
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