When the NCAA announced that FBS programs could hire a 10th full-time assistant coach, many wondered exactly how Virginia Tech and Justin Fuente would fill that role. On Tuesday, everyone got their answer.
Virginia Tech has promoted Adam Lechtenberg to the new full-time position, as an assistant head coach/executive director for player development. Lechtenberg's role will be to work with Fuente in "overseeing the program’s recruiting efforts and managing Tech’s roster."
“Adam has earned the opportunity to take on a larger role with our program,” Fuente said in a statement. “I implicitly trust his judgment and skills as a talent evaluator. He shares my vision for the program and understands what we need to accomplish on a daily basis. Adam also knows the type of people and the traits of players who will help our team improve. I also have a tremendous appreciation for all the positives he brings to our coaching staff as a teacher and innovator. This expanded role allows us to take full advantage of Adam’s many skills as our program continues to evolve.”
Lechtenberg joined the Virginia Tech staff in March 2017 as a director of player development. His new role will include managing Virginia Tech's scholarship allocation and the Hokies' walk-on program. Lechtenberg will also be able to go out on the road to recruit on Virginia Tech's behalf.
After graduating from Nebraska as a walk-on defensive back in 2002, Lechtenberg served as an assistant at both Wayne State and Truman State before joining up with Fuente at TCU in 2007. Lechtenberg worked under Fuente as an offensive gradate assistant until 2009, before taking the offensive coordinator position at Central Connecticut State. Lechtenberg reunited with Fuente again at Memphis in 2012, and served as a director of player personnel until 2015, when Fuente left for Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech also announced on Tuesday that former player Justin Hamilton has returned to Blacksburg to serve on staff as a director of player development on defense. Hamilton played at Virginia Tech from 2002-2005, and played in the NFL for two-plus seasons. Since retiring from the NFL, Hamilton has coached at both VMI and UVA-Wise, coaching in positions ranging from defensive coordinator to strength and conditioning coordinator.
You can read Virginia Tech's entire press release here.