It’s common to see college coaches go to the NFL and vice versa. Even though longtime NFL head coach Bill Belichick decided to try his hand at college ball for the first time — he’s absolutely a rarity.
In the meantime, someone like Jeff Hafley has become more the norm. Hafley was the head coach at Boston College but left ahead of the 2024 season to become the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.
Going from head coach to DC seems like a step-down, but in today’s NIL and transfer portal-obsessed college football environment, it does make sense that coaches are leaving for the stability of the NFL.
That’s not always the case, though, especially when the chance to prove oneself at a better coaching slot is on the line, and that’s apparently what drew Sam Siefkes to Virginia Tech.
Siefkes has been the linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals for the past two seasons, but now he’s going to become head coach Brent Pry’s defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech.
“People across the country couldn’t stop praising Sam’s knowledge of the game and his abilities as a coach. As I got to know him, I couldn’t agree more. I am thrilled to have Sam join our program. He’s worked under some of the best minds in the game,” Pry said in a press release, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN.
“Virginia Tech and Coach Pry are getting a remarkable leader in the coaching world,” Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said, per ESPN. “Sam is a fantastic communicator and teacher and has unbelievable knowledge on how to stop offenses.”
