Published: November 30, 2008 10:40 pm            

Bud Foster is weighing his future

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Through twelve games this season, Virginia Tech is averaging less than 22 points per game. That ranks 92nd in the country among 119 teams ranked in Football Bowl Subdivision.

Fortunately for the Hokies (8-4, 5-3), Bud Foster is still doing his defensive coordinator thing on their sideline.

His eleven are holding opponents to under 18 points per game, 16th best in the nation, and in Tech’s two must-wins over Duke and Virginia, only 17 points were scored between the two opponents.

That kind of defense is especially important when your team’s average margin of decision, win or lose, is less than eight points per game.

Foster, who is in his 22nd season at Virginia Tech, is one of the nation’s most respected defensive coaches and was the 2006 Broyles Award winner that honors college football’s top assistant coach.

Currently, Virginia Tech’s defense is holding opponents to an average of only 274.50 yards per game, sixth best in the country. That kind of recognition and those kinds of numbers will get you noticed.

Clemson has already interviewed Foster for their head coaching position, but he indicated after Virginia Tech defeated Virginia on Saturday that it might be awhile before he is notified one way or the other.

Still, he believes Clemson’s interim head coach Dabo Swinney has the inside track now by virtue of the Tiger’s success of late, including three straight wins and a 31-14 thrashing over state rival South Carolina.

“Since Clemson (beat South Carolina), that might rule me out. Dabo Swinney is a good guy and probably a good fit for them,” said Foster. “I think they also want to interview Bobby Johnson from Vanderbilt. I heard that my interview went really well and they liked me, but I won’t lose any sleep if I’m not the guy.”

Foster insists that while the Clemson job would be a great opportunity for him, he is not one of those assistant coaches who have to reach the head coaching level to fulfill his career.

He is happy at Virginia Tech and proud to be a reason that they have been successful, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

“It would be a great situation, and has been a great learning process, but I’m happy here,” Foster said, an outstanding strong safety and outside linebacker for Murray State from 1977 to 1980. “I’ve been blessed that we’ve been successful here and that I’ve been a part of it.

“I appreciate our fans and our players and their hard work and commitment. HokieNation is special and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

        

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