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Kenny Brooks Steps Down at Virginia Tech to Become Head Coach at Kentucky
After a surprising exit from the Women’s NCAA tournament, Kenny Brooks, the head coach of fourth-seeded Virginia Tech, has announced his departure to take over as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats. This move marks the end of Brooks’ eight-year tenure in Blacksburg, where he led the Hokies to their first Final Four appearance in 2023 and compiled an impressive 180-82 record since 2017. Brooks will be filling the vacancy left by Kyra Elzy, who was relieved of her duties after consecutive losing seasons.
With a career spanning 22 seasons as a Division I head coach, Brooks boasts a .717 winning percentage. Despite only experiencing one losing season in 2003-04 during his time at James Madison, where he coached for 14 years before joining Virginia Tech, Brooks has stood out as a consistent performer. Notably, he achieved an 8-4 record against SEC teams during his tenure at Virginia Tech.
While Virginia Tech led the ACC in offensive efficiency and field goal percentage last season, Kentucky struggled in both areas. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Kentucky ranked last in both offensive efficiency and effective field goal percentage for the year.
Impact on Kentucky
Brooks brings a wealth of experience and success to Kentucky, a program that enjoyed a period of success under former coach Matthew Mitchell. However, following Mitchell’s retirement before the 2020-21 season, Kentucky has faced both highs and lows under Elzy’s leadership. With Brooks now at the helm, the Wildcats aim to regain their competitive edge and position themselves as a force in the SEC.
Entering the SEC poses both opportunities and challenges for Brooks and Kentucky. While the conference offers stability and visibility, it has been dominated by South Carolina in recent years. With other strong programs like LSU, Texas, and Oklahoma in the mix, competition within the SEC remains fierce. Nevertheless, Brooks’ track record suggests that he is well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead.
Impact on Virginia Tech
Brooks’ departure leaves Virginia Tech facing a period of transition. With star players like Elizabeth Kitley moving on and the potential departure of all-American Georgia Amoore, the Hokies must now navigate a path forward without their successful head coach. Athletic director Whit Babcock faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to maintain the program’s momentum and uphold the culture Brooks instilled during his tenure.
Despite the loss of Brooks, Virginia Tech aims to build on the foundation he laid and continue their upward trajectory in the ACC. The search for a new head coach presents an opportunity for the program to attract top-tier candidates and solidify its position within the competitive landscape of college basketball.
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