The greatest era in Virginia Tech Women's Basketball history to date has come to a close as Kenny Brooks has left to become the new head coach at Kentucky after eight highly successful years in Blacksburg.
The man who seemed certain to be the top target, Chattanooga head coach and former VT assistsnt Shawn Poppie, has reportedly accepted the Clemson job according to On3's Matt Connolly and has since been formally named as the Clemson head coach, ruling him out from consideration.
Here's a look at several coaches I would consider including a few who have already been linked with the opening.
VT Assistant Lindsey Hicks
If I'm Whit Babcock, I'm absolutely giving Lindsey Hicks consideration to be the Hokies' next head coach.
Hicks has done a tremendous job during her time in Blacksburg since joining the staff from Louisiana Tech in 2020. She's proven herself to be a great coach and recruiter playing a major role in the development of Tech's post players including Liz Kitley while also helping the Hokies build some fantastic recruiting classes.
That includes having some international roots from her time as a professional playing overseas, which could help the Hokies continue their success in bringing in international talents, which has clearly proven valuable for Tech.
It also became clear that Brooks trusts Hicks a ton as she became the top assistant following Shawn Poppie's departure to become the Chattanooga head coach, and has played an integral role in Virginia Tech's two best seasons in program history. That shows as reports already have emerged about Hicks going with Brooks to Kentucky so if it wasn't clear already, Hicks is very highly-regarded by Brooks.
Given that Brooks' coaching tree is quite strong, that seems like a pretty good indirect endorsement of Hicks' potential as a head coach.
This hire should be about the best for the long term and not just retaining talent and continuity in the short term, but there is no doubt that Hicks would be able to likely keep the program rolling and largely keep the roster intact.
Promoting an assistant with no head coaching experience is always a risk and is something I would avoid most of the time even for a highly successful program that loses their head coach. However, Hicks is an exception to the rule and would be one of my top candidates.
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No one mentions the Jackson State coach whos known as a great recruiter and tactician by upper level D-1 winners like Geno. Her contract is up at JSU and she could be available