Darryl Tapp Leaves Virginia Tech Coaching Staff For NFL

Photo Credit: Harley Taylor

Virginia Tech announced today that co-defensive line coach Darryl Tapp is leaving for an assistant defensive line coach job in the NFL with ESPN's Field Yates reporting that he will be joining the San Francisco 49ers staff.

Tapp joined Tech's staff in December of 2019 as Justin Hamilton built out his group of defensive assistants after replacing the retired Bud Foster. He was considered one of the top recruiters on the staff and a popular hire throughout his tenure given his impressive career in Blacksburg and the NFL.

Tapp is expected to work alongside his 49ers DL coach Kris Kocurek who coached Tapp during his time with the Detroit Lions.

Tapp had this to say about his decision to head to the NFL in Virginia Tech's press release.

“I can’t thank Coach Fuente enough for offering me a chance to coach at my alma mater,” Tapp said. “I’ve enjoyed being back in Blacksburg and I’ve learned so much from this staff this past year. My love for Virginia Tech will never waver. I’ll forever be grateful for all the opportunities that this school and this football program have opened up for me and my family. This program is great hands with Coach Fuente and the staff he’s assembled. I know how much our players appreciate how these coaches pour their heart and soul into their jobs on a daily basis. They’re so invested in helping these young men grow and develop in all aspects of their lives, and without question, I’m going to miss these players and this staff very much, particularly my guys on the defensive line.

“When I came back to Virginia Tech, I told Coach Fuente that I hoped to be here a long time,” Tapp continued. “Even while I was still playing in the NFL, I had always envisioned that someday I might be able to pay it forward as a coach for the Hokies. That’s truly been a blessing. Coach Fuente and I also discussed from the outset that the only thing that could potentially lure me away from Tech was the chance to coach the best of the best. I was fortunate enough to play at the game’s highest level for 12 seasons and I’ve always dreamed of coaching in the NFL. I certainly never imagined that day would come so soon, but I feel like I owe it to myself and my family to seize an opportunity that may never come around again.

“To my core, I’m always going to be a Virginia Tech Hokie, I’m always going to bleed Maroon and Orange,” Tapp concluded. “You can rest assured I’ll continue to be invested in Virginia Tech Football for the rest of my life. I’m excited about the direction of the football program at Virginia Tech and I’m really going to miss having a hands-on role at a place I love so much. I’d just ask that you join me in putting your support behind our coaches and players. I’ll be cheering for all of them from afar. Be blessed and Go Hokies!”

Justin Fuente had this to say about Tapp's decision to take an NFL assistant coaching job.

“I know how much Darryl cares about the future of our program at Virginia Tech, but I also knew the day might come when an NFL team tried to hire him away,” Fuente continued. “I speak for our players, coaches and fans when I thank Darryl for his many contributions to Virginia Tech. While I don’t think either of us anticipated that an NFL coaching opportunity would come this quickly for him, we certainly wish he and his family the very best as he pursues his dream of coaching at the next level. I know he will continue to be a great ambassador for the Hokies and will make us all proud to say he’s a Tech alum.”