Virginia Tech Adds Jon Tenuta As Senior Defensive Analyst

By: Virginia Tech Press Release |
Jon Tenuta
Jon Tenuta (2015, TheSabre.com)

 BLACKSBURG – Head coach Justin Fuente announced Monday that 40-year coaching veteran Jon Tenuta is joining Virginia Tech as senior defensive analyst. Tenuta owns 19 seasons of experience as defensive coordinator and has been associated with programs that have made 19 bowl appearances during his career. He has coached over 40 players who have gone on to play professionally.
Tenuta most recently spent the past four seasons at the University of Cincinnati. He served as a senior defensive analyst in 2020 after a three-year stint as safeties coach for the Bearcats from 2017-19.

“We’re thrilled to bring Jon’s wisdom, experience and football background into our program,” Fuente said. “Jon could help any program in America, but I’m exceedingly grateful that he’s joining us at Virginia Tech. Jon will be a valuable resource for all of us at Virginia Tech and I’m glad he’s here. I know Jon is eager to help our team while also having a front-row seat watching his son, Luke, continue to grow and develop as a young man and a player.”

“I appreciate Coach Fuente extending this role to me,” Tenuta said. “Football has been very good to me and my family over the years, so the chance to join the program where my son is playing was really an opportunity I couldn’t pass up at this stage of my career. I’ve missed a lot of games and moments to see all of my three sons compete in person over the years, so from a personal and a professional standpoint coming to Virginia Tech was an offer I couldn’t refuse. I look forward to getting to work with Coach Fuente, his staff and the Hokies.”

In addition to his tenure at Cincinnati, Tenuta’s lengthy resume includes coaching stops at Virginia (2013-15), NC State (2010-12), Notre Dame (2008-09), Georgia Tech (2002-07), Ohio State (1996-2000), Oklahoma (1995), SMU (1989-94), Kansas State (1988), Marshall (1987-88), Vanderbilt (1984-85), Maryland (1983) and Virginia (1981-82).Fuente was a quarterback at Oklahoma when Tenuta coached the Sooners defensive backs in 1995. 

A three-year letterwinner as a defensive back at Virginia, Tenuta has coached over 30 players who have gone on to play professionally.

In addition to Luke, Tenuta and his wife, Dori, have two other sons – Zach (married to Jennifer) and Matt. Zach serves as the defensive coordinator at Norfolk State University. Matt is a professional baseball player and is currently with the Monterrey Sultans.

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  1. Definitely intrigued and excited about the hire, tons of experience, but seems like a bit of a journeyman. Wonder why he seemed to change major programs every few years.

  2. Good hire and beat news of 2021
    For the football program as his Defensive have always been well respected combined with a good wye for talent to fit the scheme. This is a solid move to aid Coach Hamilton in his growth as a Defensive Coordinator.
    Also remember him coaching the second level, so could aid Coach Tyler in his growth as well.

    Welcome Coach Tenuta Aboard.

    Now get him some maroon, somebody quickly.

    Let’s Go… Hokies!!

  3. Ah, I see, an ex- UVA player and two time UVA coach will now serve as our oversight defensive analyst. What’s the world coming to!

  4. Could we at least get a better photo of Jon Tenuta wearing anything other than a DSU ball cap? (TIC)

  5. At the beginning of the article, it states ” He has coached over 40 players who have gone on to play professionally.” At the end of the article, it states ” Tenuta has coached over 30 players who have gone on to play professionally.” Which is it?

        1. So how many players has he coached that have gone on to play professionally….

          41 ….. or …. 4,100

          Both numbers are ” over 40″ or “over 30″….. as are an infinite number of numbers.

  7. My first thought was why would he leave Cincinnati and come to come to poor old VT. But now I know.

        1. The article doesn’t say but does it matter? The fact that his son is a rising redshirt Jr is bound to be a strong reason to lure him here & he obviously has a lot of valuable experience that will benefit Justin Hamilton going forward.

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