Lechtenberg to serve as assistant head coach/executive director of player development

Tech alum Justin Hamilton added to football staff as director of player development - defense

January 30, 2018

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente announced on Tuesday that Adam Lechtenberg has been promoted to assistant head coach/executive director of player development. Lechtenberg will work directly with Fuente in overseeing the program’s recruiting efforts and managing Tech’s roster. In addition, he also will serve as the 10th assistant coach to Fuente.

“Adam has earned the opportunity to take on a larger role with our program,” Fuente said. “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.”

The Butte, Nebraska native originally joined the Virginia Tech staff as director of player development in March of 2017. In his new role, he will manage all aspects of Tech’s roster with Fuente from scholarship allocation to directing the team’s walk-on program. His new designation also will permit him to represent Tech on the road as a recruiter and engage directly with high school coaches across the nation.

During his tenure working with Fuente at Memphis from 2012-15, Lechtenberg served as director of player personnel, and he managed many aspects of the evaluation and recruiting process. In addition, he acted as a liaison between the football program and academics, admissions and housing, while overseeing the Tigers’ walk-on program that made a substantial impact on the on-field turnaround at Memphis under Fuente. In total, 11 of his walk-ons eventually earned scholarships at Memphis, while 23 made major contributions.

Lechtenberg spent the 2016 season as passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach at the University of Tennesee at Martin. In addition to his on-field coaching duties, his recruiting territory included Alabama, Tennessee and junior colleges.

A former football student-athlete at the University of Nebraska, he began his coaching career as an offensive graduate assistant working with Fuente at TCU from 2007-09. He spent the 2010-11 seasons as co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Central Connecticut State.

He and his wife, Kristy, are parents of a daughter, Madison.

Fuente also confirmed that kickoff for the that the 2018 Spring Game is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 at Lane Stadium. Admission to the Spring Game is free.

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Justin Hamilton returns to Virginia Tech as director of player development – defense. A versatile player for Frank Beamer and the Hokies from 2002-05, he spent time working at running back, wide receiver and defensive back for Tech, in addition to playing a prominent role on special teams.

As a senior defensive back in 2005, he posted 35 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions, helping lead the Hokies to their second consecutive appearance in the ACC Championship Game and a win over Louisville in the 2006 Gator Bowl. Overall, Hamilton appeared in 52 career games, with three rushing touchdowns and a touchdown reception.

The Clintwood, Virginia native spent the past four seasons as inside linebackers coach and special teams co-coordinator at VMI. Hamilton joined the Keydets after serving as defensive coordinator at UVA-Wise from 2011-13. He also spent time as a strength and conditioning coordinator at UVA-Wise in 2010-11.

Hamilton was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and he registered 15 tackles in 10 games as a rookie. He also spent time with Washington Redskins during the 2008 season before retiring from the NFL.

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