The implications of Kenny Brooks leaving Virginia Tech for Kentucky

Kenny Brooks of the Hokies has resigned to become the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, effective two days after fourth-seeded Virginia Tech was upset in the second round of the women’s NCAA tournament.

After eight seasons, Virginia native Brooks departs from Blacksburg. Since taking over in 2017, he has lead Virginia Tech to its first-ever Final Four participation in 2023, with a 180-82 record. Brooks takes Kyra Elzy’s place in Lexington, where she was fired this month following two losing seasons.

With 22 seasons under his belt as a Division I head coach, Brook’s career winning percentage is.717. His only losing season was in 2003–04, his second year as a coach at James Madison, where he worked for 14 years before moving on to Virginia Tech. With the Hokies, Brooks went 8-4 against SEC clubs.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Virginia Tech was first in the ACC in 2023–24 for offensive efficiency and effective field goal percentage, while Kentucky was last in both areas this past season.

What role does Brooks play in the SEC? What’s next for Virginia Tech? We examine.