Wrestling welcomes four-time All-American James Green as assistant coachWrestling welcomes four-time All-American James Green as assistant coach
Levi Ventura
Wrestling

Wrestling welcomes four-time All-American James Green as assistant coach

Virginia Tech Wrestling adds Husker legend to staff ahead of 2026-2027 season announced head coach Tony Robie

BLACKSBURG – One of United States wrestling's most recognizable figureheads and mainstays has chosen once again to call Blacksburg "home." Virginia Tech wrestling head coach Tony Robie announced the addition of former University of Nebraska wrestling legend James Green as assistant coach to the Hokies' coaching staff on Monday.

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Not unfamiliar to Blacksburg after spending time with the Southeast Regional Training Center as a resident-athlete from 2020-2022, the Willingboro, New Jersey native returns to Blacksburg to join Robie and staff once again ahead of the 2026-2027 season.

“James’ return to Blacksburg – this time in a coaching role – has generated tremendous excitement. During his two years with us as a resident athlete, he left a lasting impression across our entire organization. James carries himself with a quiet confidence that immediately earns respect and credibility from everyone he interacts with. His wrestling acumen speaks for itself as a two-time world medalist, seven-time world team member, four-time NCAA All-American, and Big Ten champion."

Hokies Wrestling head coach Tony Robie

After a brief retirement from professional competition due to injury, Green announced his return to training and competition in 2023 after spending time as USA Wrestling’s National Freestyle Development Coach in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Since his return, he’s made his seventh world team and has solidified a chance to make another world team on June 19 at Final X in Newark, New Jersey.

“My family and I are grateful to be welcomed back to Blacksburg. While I was part of the Southeast RTC, I felt as if I was an extension of the coaching staff. Now, having the opportunity to step into a coaching position, I really look forward to helping expand on what Hokies Wrestling has been able to build. Can’t wait to get to work. #ThisIsHome."

Hokies Wrestling assistant coach James Green

As a coach, Green helped guide Huskers, Ridge Lovett and Antrell Taylor, to both national finals appearances and individual titles. While in Lincoln, Green was instrumental in Nebraska’s back-to-back top three trophy finishes at the national tournament in 2025 and 2026.

A 2014 Big Ten champion, Green became just the second four-time All-American in Husker history with two seventh and two third place finishes at the NCAA tournament. On the professional side, Green represented the United States at the World Championships at 70-kilograms from 2015-2021 and 2024, winning bronze in 2015 and silver in 2017.

Robie added, “James has gained valuable experience and built meaningful relationships through his roles as Developmental Coach with USA Wrestling and assistant coach at the University of Nebraska. We’re thrilled to welcome James, his wife Chandell, and their two daughters, Glory and Aubrey, back to the Virginia Tech Wrestling family.”