Former Hokie Jack Tyler Lands Promotion as Linebackers Coach

Name: Sons of Saturday
Price range: $

By Brett Smith | January 14

Jack tyler 1 — via Virginia Tech Athletics

Virginia Tech football announced Wednesday that linebackers coach Tracy Claeys, would retire and not return for the 2021 season. For a couple hours, rumors were circulating who the next LB coach would be and all signs pointed to Jack Tyler, a tenured assistant and former All-ACC linebacker for the Hokies.

Wednesday afternoon, Tyler was announced as the new linebackers coach at only 30 years old and Hokie nation was ecstatic.

DREAMS COME TRUE! I am so thankful to @CoachFuente and @coach_ham for this opportunity. Thank you to @coachfostervt and @t_claeys and all my many great mentors and coaches that have helped me get to this position to achieve my dreams. I can’t wait to get to work! Go Hokies!
— Jack Tyler (@JackInTheBox58) January 13, 2021

Jack Tyler IS Virginia Tech Football

While having one of the greatest names for a linebacker ever in college football, Tyler was one heck of a story at Virginia Tech. From Oakton, Virginia, Tyler was the 2008 Virginia Player of the year, breaking tackling records left and right. Tyler came to Blacksburg as a walk-on, earned a scholarship, and never looked back.

He was a four year letterman, a two-time All-ACC player, never lost to UVA, and was instrumental in leading the defense for his 37 starting wins as a Hokie. He had 286 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 32.5 tackles for loss.

I'd be hard pressed to find a single Hokie that didn't like this hire. Tyler is a legend in Blacksburg and worked his way up through his coaching career, just like he did it as a player.

Tyler came back to Blacksburg as a graduate assistant for the defense in 2017 to then moving to quality control of the defense in 2019 where he stayed until Wednesday. Tyler adds energy, charisma, and of course, passion for Virginia Tech to its lineup of young defensive coaches.

This is now a *very* young defensive staff. Justin Hamilton (38), Darryl Tapp (36), Ryan Smith (30) and Jack Tyler (30) are all under 40. The oldest is DL coach Bill Teerlinck, who is all of 42. #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) January 13, 2021

The Future Is Here

Tyler is seemingly the last piece of the puzzle for Justin Hamilton's team. Many were wary of Jham taking over at his age and experience, but it sure does seem like he's done everything right so far. Former coach Bud Foster seems to think highly of this move as well.

Congratulations to Jack Tyler @JackInTheBox58 on his promotion. I couldn't be more excited for him or more proud of him. I've had the pleasure of watching him develop and evolve as a man, a player and as a coach. He's a special man and has a bright future in this business. #LPD
— Bud Foster (@coachfostervt) January 13, 2021

I'm all aboard in rooting for the success of Jack Tyler and I think I say that for all of Hokie Nation.