Key Development
The name Ty Howle Penn State is trending across college-football circles today. Multiple outlets report that after a successful run with the Penn State Nittany Lions, longtime assistant coach Ty Howle is expected to become the new offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech Hokies under head coach James Franklin — and he’s slated to call plays.
Howle spent the past several years as Penn State’s co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. This potential move marks his first role leading the offense at a major-conference school and represents a major shift for both programs as they head into a pivotal offseason.
Table of Contents
From Penn State lineman to rising coordinator
Howle’s ties to Penn State run deep. He played offensive line for the Nittany Lions from 2009 to 2013, appearing in 47 games and earning academic honors throughout his college career. After graduation, he began climbing the coaching ladder, starting as a graduate assistant at NC State Wolfpack in 2014–2015. He then moved to Western Illinois Leathernecks, serving as offensive line coach, co-offensive coordinator, and assistant head coach from 2016–2019.
In 2020, Howle returned to his alma mater as an offensive analyst before being promoted to tight ends coach in 2021. By 2023, he added the title of co-offensive coordinator while still overseeing tight ends — and quickly earned a reputation as one of the nation’s top tight-ends developers. His units produced high draft picks and collegiate award winners, with tight ends combining for impressive production.
That background and success helped position Howle for this new opportunity at Virginia Tech, where he’ll get full play-calling authority.
What Howle brings to Virginia Tech
- Expertise in tight-end heavy offenses: At Penn State, Howle helped transform the tight end room into an NFL-ready stable, developing players who went on to pro careers. His familiarity with pro-style offenses that leverage versatile tight ends should suit Virginia Tech’s ambitions under Franklin.
- Continuity with Franklin’s system: Franklin coached at Penn State during much of Howle’s tenure. The two share history and philosophy — a powerful foundation for reviving a Virginia Tech offense in transition.
- Recruiting and regional ties: Howle has recruiting roots in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, regions Franklin plans to tap heavily. His arrival could help the Hokies regain recruiting momentum where Penn State has long been a presence.
In short, Howle gives Virginia Tech a blend of technical expertise, familiarity, and recruiting connections — all useful as the Hokies aim to bounce back from recent struggles.
What this means for Penn State
Howle’s expected departure creates a clear vacancy in Penn State’s offensive staff. The tight end room and offensive scheming responsibilities will need reassigning. With the early signing period approaching and the transfer portal active, this shift could influence recruiting outcomes and roster decisions — particularly for players or commit-to-be prospects drawn by Howle’s presence.
Penn State’s new head-coach regime will need to act swiftly to maintain stability and reassure both current players and recruits.
Bigger picture: A staff overhaul at Virginia Tech
Howle isn’t the only Penn State-linked coach joining Virginia Tech. Head coach James Franklin is rebuilding his staff rapidly in Blacksburg, aiming to import trusted assistants familiar with his system and approach. Pairing Howle with Franklin could set the tone for an offense built around pro-style flexibility and tight-end versatility.
At the same time, returning former Hokies head coach Brent Pry is reportedly coming back as defensive coordinator, signaling a broader rebuild across the program. The dual re-additions — clocking familiarity on both sides of the ball — suggest that Franklin aims to hit the ground running rather than ease into the job.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation: While multiple reports flag the hire as “expected,” formal announcements and staff listings will confirm Howle’s role, title, and start date.
- Impact on recruiting: Will prospective recruits — especially tight ends and skill-position players — shift toward Virginia Tech given Howle’s arrival? And how will Penn State respond to retain existing commitments?
- Staffing ripple effects: Penn State’s offensive staff reshuffle may trigger cascading changes as coaches reposition or depart.
- Early performance trends: With Howle likely calling plays next season, how quickly can he establish rhythm and identity at Virginia Tech? Success there could elevate his profile nationally.
Final thought
With the addition of Ty Howle, Virginia Tech appears to be betting on familiarity, proven positional coaching, and a fast rebuild. Howle’s journey from Penn State lineman to assistant to prospective offensive coordinator encapsulates steady growth — and under Franklin he may finally get the chance to shape a full offensive identity on his own.
