Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Mike Brizendine, head coach of the Virginia Tech men's soccer program announced the departure of Associate Head Coach Jeff Kinney Friday afternoon. Kinney will take the head coaching position at UAB effective immediately.
"I'm extremely proud of Jeff and excited for this new opportunity for him," Brizendine said. "He has done a great job helping get our program rebuilt to a place where we think it belongs on the national stage. These past few seasons we have reached new heights, and Coach Kinney has had a big hand in development of our program."
Kinney came to Blacksburg in 2012 after spending seven years at his alma mater, American University. He was elevated to the Associate Head Coach prior to the 2017 season following the Hokies' first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2007, helping Tech reach the Elite Eight.
"I would also like to commend the UAB Athletic Department for such a great hire," commented Brizendine. "I have no doubt that UAB soccer is about to reach new heights. It's bitter sweet because I am happy for him, but we will lose a good coach here at Tech and I will personally miss working day to day with such a great friend."
Virginia Tech has accumulated a 57-57-21 record in the seven seasons that Kinney was a part of the staff, and during that time the Hokies have seen:
- Three players drafted to MLS (Devante Dubose 2014, Juan Pablo Saavedra 2017, Ben Lundgaard 2018)
- Three first team All-ACC selections (Kyle Renfro 2013, Marcelo Acuna 2018 and Ben Lundgaard 2018)
- Two second team All-ACC selections (Ricardo John 2014, Acuna 2017)
- Six different student-athletes have been featured on an All-Academic team
Kinney, Brizendine and assistant coach Pat McSorley have been a part of the most NCAA Tournament wins in program history, five, all taking place in the last three seasons.
Tech finished the 2018 season ranked 13in the RPI and has a 25-9-5 non-conference record in the last three seasons.