Brian White stands on a football field at Lane Stadium, smiling and waving to fans, with Virginia Tech branding visible.
Brian White stands on a football field at Lane Stadium, smiling and waving to fans, with Virginia Tech branding visible.

This leadership shift signals continued ambition for Hokie athletics, useful context for a colleague or fan following college sports evolution.

Hokies Hire Brian White as New Athletic Director Story flow and key facts

Virginia Tech has named Brian White as its new vice president and director of athletics, marking a pivotal leadership change as the school navigates a transformative period in college sports. White arrives after eight years as athletics director at Florida Atlantic, where he oversaw the school’s move to the American Athletic Conference and a historic 35-win season that culminated in a Final Four appearance by the men’s basketball team. Under his leadership, FAU teams earned 26 NCAA postseason or bowl appearances and 11 conference titles, including recent championships in softball and beach volleyball.

White brings a strong record of fundraising and revenue growth, securing over $26 million in philanthropic support in a single fiscal year and negotiating a landmark stadium naming rights deal with Flagler Credit Union. He also partnered with Playfly Sports to double the school’s sponsorship revenue. Recognized nationally, White was named to Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list in 2023.

He succeeds Whit Babcock, who retires after 12 years leading Virginia Tech Athletics through significant growth, including 30 ACC titles and record academic and fundraising achievements. White officially starts June 24 and will work closely with head football coach James Franklin to build a championship-caliber program across all 22 sports.

Facts

  • Brian White was named Virginia Tech’s vice president and director of athletics on June 22, 2026.
  • He previously served as athletics director at Florida Atlantic from 2018 to 2026, leading the Owls to 26 NCAA postseason appearances and 11 conference titles.
  • FAU moved to the American Athletic Conference in July 2023 under White’s leadership, following a historic men’s basketball Final Four run in 2022–23.
  • White secured over $26 million in philanthropic support in 2024–25 and negotiated the largest football stadium naming rights deal in the American Conference with Flagler Credit Union in December 2024.
  • He succeeds Whit Babcock, who retires after 12 years leading Virginia Tech Athletics, during which the Hokies won 30 ACC titles and set fundraising and academic records.
  • White earned a degree from Notre Dame in 2006 and an MBA from Ohio University in 2009; he officially starts June 24, 2026.

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