Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech head men’s soccer coach Mike Brizendine announced the hiring of Jeff Kinney as Associate Head Coach, adding a veteran leader with extensive collegiate, professional and developmental experience to the Hokies’ staff.
Kinney, who served a five-year stint as the head coach at UAB, makes his return to Blacksburg after holding the Associate Head Coach role beginning in the summer of 2017 following five seasons as an assistant with the Hokies. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in rebuilding the program after significant recruiting restrictions, overseeing all facets of the program including recruiting, budget management, training sessions, and scheduling.
During his time at Virginia Tech, Kinney helped guide the Hokies to one of the most successful seasons in program history, advancing to the Elite Eight of the 2016 NCAA Tournament and finishing with a No. 8 final national ranking—the program’s highest since its 2007 College Cup run. He also helped develop six All-ACC selections and coached three MLS Draft picks, including Devante Dubose (2014), Juan Pablo Saavedra (2017) and first-round selection Ben Lundgaard (2018).
Off the field, Kinney has emphasized academic and personal development. The Hokies earned the NSCAA Team Academic Award five times during his tenure, and he founded a continuous learning leadership program within the athletic department to support the professional growth of assistant coaches.
Kinney most recently served as head coach at UAB, where he led the Blazers’ program and continued to build his reputation for player development, recruiting and program culture. His leadership at UAB further strengthened his experience managing all aspects of a Division I program while competing at a high level.
Prior to his time in Blacksburg, Kinney spent seven seasons as the top assistant coach at American University. There, he helped guide the Eagles to two outright Patriot League championships and a co-championship, along with an NCAA Tournament Second Round appearance in 2004. He played a key role in developing multiple conference award winners, including two Rookies of the Year and two Players of the Year, while also coordinating travel, gameday logistics and recruiting operations.
Kinney’s experience extends beyond the collegiate level. He served as Technical Director of New River United, overseeing all club operations and development for 21 travel teams. With the D.C. United Academy, he led the U-18 squad to the 2009 national championship game with a 26-6-5 record and helped develop four professional players in his first two seasons. He also previously served as Director of Coaching at Reston Football Club, leading the RFC ’89s to a No. 7 national ranking.
Over the course of his career, Kinney has coached and developed 26 professional soccer players in the United States and abroad.
A 2003 graduate of American University, Kinney was a member of back-to-back NCAA Tournament teams in 2001 and 2002. He earned Patriot League Academic Honor Roll recognition twice and was named an Academic All-American.
Kinney and his wife, Kimberly Pardo, have twin sons, Finley and Bennett.