Virginia Tech has made a significant stride in enhancing its football program with the recent hiring of Ty Howle as the new offensive coordinator. Howle, known for his expertise in tight end development and offensive strategy, formerly served as co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at Penn State, where he garnered acclaim for building one of the most productive tight end units in college football.
In 2024, Howle received the prestigious title of Football Scoop’s National Tight Ends Coach of the Year. This accolade highlighted his effective leadership in coaching Tyler Warren, who became the first player in Penn State history to win the John Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end. Under Howle’s guidance, Warren achieved first-team All-America honors, was named Big Ten Tight End of the Year, and set both school and conference records. Warren recorded an impressive 104 receptions and 1,233 receiving yards in a single season, along with career totals that included 153 catches, 1,839 yards, and 25 touchdowns.
In 2023, the overall performance of Penn State’s tight ends under Howle was remarkable, as they collectively scored 16 receiving touchdowns—the highest in the nation. Notably, Theo Johnson was drafted by the New York Giants, and Brenton Strange was selected in the second round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, both showcasing Howle’s ability to develop talent.
Howle’s experience extends beyond Penn State. He served as an offensive analyst in 2020, where he not only worked with tight ends but also contributed to the offensive line’s success. This involvement facilitated Pat Freiermuth in earning the Big Ten Tight End of the Year title while also guiding four offensive linemen to All-Big Ten honors.
His coaching career began at Western Illinois, where he held multiple roles including offensive line coach, assistant head coach, and co-offensive coordinator. His efforts helped the Leathernecks achieve a national ranking of 21st in passing in 2018 and advance to the FCS Playoffs in 2017. Additionally, during his time as a graduate assistant at NC State, he played a significant role in developing future NFL draft picks like Garrett Bradbury and Joe Thuney.
A former player himself, Howle captained the Penn State team from 2009 to 2013, participating in 47 games with 13 starts. He earned four Academic All-Big Ten honors and received the Maginnis Memorial Award, which recognizes the top senior offensive lineman in the program.
With Howle’s expertise and a record of success in developing players and offensive strategies, Virginia Tech hopes to elevate its football program and compete at a higher level in the upcoming seasons.
