Shockwaves at English Field: Hokies Fire Pitching Coach Ryan Fecteau — Virginia Tech Fans Fume as Staff Turmoil Raises Doubts About Szefc’s Program Direction

BLACKSBURG, Va. — In a move that sent tremors through Virginia Tech’s baseball faithful, the Hokies have officially parted ways with longtime pitching coach Ryan Fecteau, further unsettling a program already grappling with tough questions about its trajectory under head coach John Szefc.

The unexpected dismissal of Fecteau—who had served under Szefc since their days at Maryland and played a key role in recruiting and developing pitchers throughout their time in Blacksburg—has left many in the Hokie community stunned and furious. While the athletic department has yet to release a detailed statement explaining the decision, multiple sources close to the program confirmed over the weekend that the separation was not mutual.

Fans and insiders alike are struggling to understand the rationale behind the timing. The Hokies are coming off a tumultuous season marked by inconsistency on the mound and several key departures via the transfer portal. Now, with Fecteau gone, what had already been a shaky offseason has descended into chaos.

Fecteau was more than just a coach—he was a staple of Szefc’s staff for over a decade. Known for his meticulous approach to developing arms and his tireless recruiting efforts, he had built a reputation as a loyal and effective assistant. Together with Szefc, he helped shepherd the Hokies to the 2022 ACC Championship and a historic run to the NCAA Super Regionals.

Since then, however, the magic has seemed to fade. The 2024 season saw the Hokies struggle with consistency in their pitching staff. ERA ballooned, and the bullpen faltered in key moments. That said, few expected Fecteau to be made the scapegoat.

The backlash from the Virginia Tech community was immediate and severe. Social media erupted with criticism aimed at head coach John Szefc, with many accusing him of deflecting blame for the program’s downward trend.

Virginia Tech’s 2025 recruiting class—once ranked among the most promising in the ACC—has already seen signs of unraveling. Several commits are reportedly re-evaluating their futures amid the coaching uncertainty. Parents and recruits have expressed concern about the staff turnover and the apparent lack of a clear vision moving forward.

The firing of Fecteau signals more than just a tactical change—it suggests a program teetering on instability. Szefc, now entering his eighth season at the helm, finds himself under increased scrutiny. Once heralded as a program builder with a proven track record at Maryland and Marist, his recent years in Blacksburg have been marred by underachievement, especially given the talent brought in through the transfer portal and recruiting pipelines.

Virginia Tech finished last season with a middling ACC record and an early tournament exit. The pitching staff, once a strength, was widely viewed as the weakest link. Even so, many believed Fecteau deserved an opportunity to right the ship, particularly given the injuries and attrition that plagued the rotation.

Insiders suggest that pressure from the athletic department may have prompted the decision, with the hope that a fresh voice could rejuvenate the team’s struggling arms. But if that’s the case, critics argue, why not address broader systemic issues instead of zeroing in on a single assistant?

As the Hokies search for a replacement, the program faces tough questions about its identity and leadership. The pitching coach position is a critical hire—especially as the transfer portal continues to reshape college baseball rosters in real time. With summer workouts and fall ball fast approaching, any delay in naming a successor could leave the current roster in limbo.