Torrian Gray Returns to Virginia Tech

The Virginia Tech coaching staff is now complete. Torrian Gray was announced as the Hokies’ new defensive backs coach on Tuesday afternoon, replacing Lorenzo Ward, who accepted a job with the Oakland Raiders. Gray will join Mike O’Cain, Curt Newsome and Kevin Sherman as new coaches on the staff.

Gray has coached at the University of Maine, the University of Connecticut, as well as the Chicago Bears. In February he accepted a job as defensive backs coach at Temple, but left that job soon after his arrival to join the Virginia Tech staff.

Gray is a former All-Big East defensive back at Virginia Tech. During his career in Blacksburg, he played free safety, rover and even saw some time at cornerback. He went on to play for the Minnesota Vikings, but a knee injury ended his career after just three seasons in the NFL.

Gray has been a defensive backs coach at each of his stops. He began his coaching career at Maine in 2000, and coached through the end of the 2001 season. In 2002 and 2003 he was on the staff at UConn before moving on to be assistant defensive backs coach with the Chicago Bears.

The Virginia Tech coaching staff has not seen this much turnover since the end of the 1992 season. Here is a look at all the staff changes that have taken place in the offseason.

As you can see, only five of last season’s nine assistant coaches are returning to Virginia Tech for the 2006 season. And of those who are returning, there is more change. Bryan Stinespring will move from offensive line coach to tight ends coach. The spring will bring a brand new look to the Virginia Tech football team.

6am conditioning will begin on Monday, March 13. Spring practice will commence on Wednesday, March 22.