Phil Elmassian Reflects On Two Stints At Virginia Tech

Phil Elmassian Virginia Tech
Phil Elmassian had two different coaching stints at Virginia Tech, including a pivotal one from 1993-94 that helped start the Hokies’ bowl streak. (Jon Fleming)

Language Warning: Here at Tech Sideline, we generally don’t use or allow profanity in our articles. (We have a long-standing tradition of deleting profanity from our message boards as well.) In this case, after some internal discussion, we decided to present this series on former Virginia Tech Defensive Coordinator Phil Elmassian uncensored. So be warned that Elmassian, who is a character to say the least, uses some salty language. — Will Stewart


As far as coaching gigs go, the one at Syracuse seemed like a pretty solid one for the ever-itinerant Phil Elmassian.

After exits beyond his control in stops at Virginia Tech and Virginia, he’d fit right in as an assistant with the Orange on Paul Pasqualoni’s staff in 1991-92. Syracuse was cutting edge back then, employing an NFL-like structure at practices, and the paycheck was pretty good, especially with the team getting to the Fiesta Bowl in the ’92 season.

That’s when Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer and athletic director Dave Braine called him about being the Hokies’ defensive coordinator. Beamer’s Hall of Fame career wasn’t yet apparent back then, his job teetering after a 2-8-1 mark in 1992 and an overhaul needed to a coaching staff that wasn’t doing him any favors.

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