Darryl Tapp gets NFL coaching assignment News Highlights: Darryl Tapp gets NFL coaching assignment Football 1/27/2021 12:00:00 PM Tech alum to continue the dream of earning a Super Bowl ring Story links BLACKSBURG – Head coach Justin Fuente confirmed that Wednesday Tech co-defensive line coach Darryl Tapp has accepted a position as an assistant defensive line coach in the National Football League. Tech will delay any announcement of the franchise in which Tapp participates until that team has completed its staffing and made its hiring official. “I see it as a compliment to our entire program when NFL franchises want to sign Virginia players, coaches, or staff. Tech, ‘Said Fuente. “We are clearly disappointed to lose him, but I know NFL teams see the same kind of talent, potential and passion in Darryl Tapp as a coach that we have seen at Virginia for the past year. Tech. After the 2020 season, Darryl and I had talked about expanding his role in our recruiting efforts and we were both excited about the opportunity. “I know how much Darryl cares about the future of our Virginia program Tech, but I also knew that the day would come when an NFL team would try to take him away, ”Fuente continued. “I speak on behalf of our players, coaches and fans when I thank Darryl for his many contributions to Virginia Tech. While I don’t think either of us expected an NFL coaching opportunity to come so soon for him, we certainly wish him and his family all the best in pursuing his dream of coaching to the next level. I know he will continue to be a great ambassador for the Hokies and we will all be proud to say that he is a Tech alum. “” I cannot thank Coach Fuente enough for offering me the opportunity to coach at my alma mater, “said Tapp.” I enjoyed my return to Blacksburg and learned so much from these staff over the past year My love for Virginia Tech will never hesitate. I will be forever grateful for all the opportunities this school and football program have opened for me and my family. This program is great with Coach Fuente and the staff he has put together. I know how much our players appreciate how these coaches put their heart and soul into their work every day. They are so invested in helping these young men grow and develop in all aspects of their lives and without a doubt I am going to miss these players and staff very much, especially my guys on the defense line. When I got back to Virginia Tech”I told Coach Fuente that I hoped to stay here for a long time,” Tapp continued. “Even when I was still in the NFL, I had always imagined that I could one day pay as a coach for the Hokies. That has been a real blessing. Coach Fuente and I also discussed from the start that is the only thing that could potentially lure me away Tech was the chance to coach the best of the best. I was lucky enough to play at the highest level of the game for 12 seasons and I have always dreamed of coaching in the NFL. I certainly never thought that day would come so soon, but I feel like I owe it to myself and my family to seize an opportunity that may never come again. Basically, I’ll always be a Virginia Tech Hokie, I’m always going to bleed maroon and orange, ”Tapp concluded. Rest assured I will continue to invest in Virginia Tech Football for the rest of my life. I am excited about the direction of the football program in Virginia Tech and I’m really going to miss a hands-on role in a place I love so much. I would just like to ask you to join me in putting your support behind our coaches and players. I will applaud them all from afar. Be blessed and go Hokies! A 2005 All-America selection for the Hokies and a member of the Virginia Tech In Sports Hall of Fame, Tapp played in 165 regular NFL games (39 starts) and participated in six playoff games. Before they are mentioned TechCo-defensive line coach in December 2019, Tapp served as a special quality control team coach at Vanderbilt for the 2019 season. He began his coaching career as a defensive quality control coach at Central Michigan and also interned with the New Orleans following his NFL career.