Bud Foster

This article is about the American football coach. For the basketball player and coach, see Harold E. Foster.

Bud Foster
Foster with Virginia Tech in 2004
Current position
TitleSpecial Assistant to the Athletics Director
TeamVirginia Tech
Biographical details
Born (1959-07-28) July 28, 1959 (age 65)
Somerset, Kentucky, U.S.
Playing career
1977–1980Murray State
Position(s)Strong safety, linebacker
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1981–1982Murray State (GA)
1983–1985Murray State (OLB)
1986Murray State (LB/ST)
1987Virginia Tech (ILB)
1988–1992Virginia Tech (OLB)
1993Virginia Tech (LB/ST)
1994Virginia Tech (ILB/ST)
1995–2015Virginia Tech (DC/ILB)
2016–2019Virginia Tech (AHC/DC/LB)
Administrative career (AD unless noted)
2020–presentVirginia Tech (Special Assistant to the Athletics Director)
Accomplishments and honors
Awards
Frank Broyles Award (2006)
AFCA Defensive Coordinator of the Year (2000)

Robert Eugene "Bud" Foster Jr.[1] (born July 28, 1959) is a retired American college football coach and former player. He currently serves as a Special Assistant to Athletics Director Whit Babcock.[2] Following the 2006 season, he received the Frank Broyles Award, which is annually given to the top assistant coach in college football.[3] Foster's 2005 and 2006 Hokie defenses led the nation in total defense. Foster is regarded as one of the best defensive coordinators in college football.[4] On August 1, 2019, Foster announced he was retiring at the end of the 2019 season.[5]

Since taking on his first coaching position at Virginia Tech in 1987, Foster coached over 50 players that were drafted in the NFL including first-round draft picks DeAngelo Hall,[6] Kyle Fuller, Tremaine Edmunds and Terrell Edmunds; Pro Bowlers Hall, Brandon Flowers and Kam Chancellor and Super Bowl champions Chancellor, Roger Brown, Tyronne Drakeford, Cornell Brown, Pierson Prioleau, and Kendall Fuller.[7] Foster also coached former All-Americans John Engelberger, Anthony Midget, Corey Moore, Ben Taylor, Ronyell Whitaker, David Pugh, Willie Pile, Darryl Tapp, Jimmy Williams, and Xavier Adibi.[8]

Playing career

Foster went to high school in Nokomis, Illinois.[9] A 1981 graduate of Murray State University,[10] Foster played strong safety and outside linebacker for the Murray State Racers from 1977 to 1980.[11]

Coaching career

Murray State

Foster began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Murray State in 1981,[12] Frank Beamer's first season as the head coach.[13] After two years as a graduate assistant, Foster was elevated to a full-time staff position.[14] He coached outside linebackers for three seasons before taking over the inside linebackers as well in 1986. He also served as the Racers' recruiting coordinator and worked with special teams.

Virginia Tech

Foster moved with head coach Beamer to Virginia Tech in 1987 and became the inside linebackers coach.[15][16] He coached the outside linebackers for the next five seasons. Foster assumed responsibility for both sets of linebackers prior to the 1993 season and also took over special-teams coaching that year. The following year, he coached the inside linebackers and special teams. Foster assumed the position of co-defensive coordinator in 1995 and took over as the sole defensive coordinator in 1996.[17]

After helping Virginia Tech to the national championship game (Sugar Bowl) in 1999,[18] Foster was recognized as the 2000 American Football Coaches Association Defensive Coordinator of the Year.[19] Tech's 1999 defensive unit led Division I-A in scoring defense and ranked third in both total and rushing defense.

Under Foster's coaching, the Hokies' 2001 defense proved to be one of the nation's best, ranking among the top eight teams in Division I-A in six different categories and leading the way in shutouts with four. In 2000, Foster took a defense that returned just three starters and turned it into a unit that led the Big East Conference in rushing defense, placed 16th nationally against the run and tied for third nationally in interceptions. He won the Frank Broyles Award in 2006.[20]

Towards the end of the 2014 season, Foster signed a five-year extension with Virginia Tech.[21]

Following the retirement of Frank Beamer, Foster was promoted to Associate Head coach under new head coach Justin Fuente for the 2016 season.[22][23]

Foster announced his retirement, which was effective at the end of the 2019 season.[24][25] Going into his final season, Foster's defenses at Virginia Tech led all FBS programs in sacks and interceptions since he was promoted to defensive coordinator.[26] His 33 seasons at Virginia Tech made him the longest serving assistant coach at the same school.[27] Foster led seven different defensive units that finished number one in the country in total defense.[28]

"Lunch pail defense"

Virginia Tech lunch pail during the 2018 season

Since the 1995 season, a battered metal lunch pail has been the symbol of Virginia Tech's blue-collar mentality on defense.[29][30][31] Each week a list of goals is put in the lunch pail and a player is chosen to have the honor of carrying the lunch pail onto the sidelines.[32][33][34] The Lunch Pail Defense Foundation was founded to fund academic scholarships for students from the area near Blacksburg, Virginia.[35]

Personal life

Foster was named as a recipient the Distinguished Alumni Award at Murray State in 2022.[36]

Statistics

Foster's defenses consistently rank among the top in the nation. Below are Virginia Tech's defensive statistics since 1995.

Season Rushing defense Passing defense Total defense ‡ Scoring defense
  Actual †Ranking (Conf) Actual †Ranking (Conf) Actual †Ranking (Conf) Actual †Ranking (Conf)
1995[37] 77.4 #1 (#1 BE) 208.5 N/A 285.9 #10 (#1 BE) 14.1 #5 (#1 BE)
1996[38] 112.0 #19 (#3 BE) 204.1 N/A 316.1 #24 (#4 BE) 15.3 #9 (#2 BE)
1997[39] 118.9 #30 (#2 BE) 208.0 N/A 326.9 #26 (#2 BE) 16.8 #13 (#2 BE)
1998[40] 102.2 #11 (#1 BE) 182.7 N/A 284.9 #7 (#1 BE) 12.9 #4 (#1 BE)
1999[41] 75.9 #3 (#1 BE) 171.4 #8 (#1 BE) 247.3 #3 (#1 BE) 10.5 #1 (#1 BE)
2000[42] 99.27 #16 (#1 BE) 224.36 #77 (#6 BE) 323.64 #27 (#2 BE) 22.64 #45 (#4 BE)
2001[43] 71.64 #2 (#1 BE) 166.27 #8 (#4 BE) 237.91 #2 (#2 BE) 13.36 #2 (#2 BE)
2002[44] 121.43 #29 (#3 BE) 213.64 #56 (#7 BE) 335.07 #32 (#4 BE) 18.79 #21 (#2 BE)
2003[45] 136.00 #39 (#4 BE) 231.46 #76 (#7 BE) 367.46 #51 (#4 BE) 23.00 #45 (#3 BE)
2004[46] 115.23 #21 (#4 ACC) 152.77 #4 (#2 ACC) 268.00 #4 (#2 ACC) 12.85 #2 (#1 ACC)
2005[47] 93.38 #8 (#2 ACC) 154.23 #3 (#2 ACC) 247.62 #1 (#1 ACC) 12.92 #2 (#1 ACC)
2006[48] 91.23 #11 (#2 ACC) 128.23 #1 (#1 ACC) 219.46 #1 (#1 ACC) 11.00 #1 (#1 ACC)
2007[49] 86.64 #5 (#2 ACC) 210.29 #31 (#4 ACC) 296.93 #4 (#1 ACC) 16.07 #3 (#1 ACC)
2008[50] 104.43 #14 (#2 ACC) 175.00 #16 (#5 ACC) 279.43 #7 (#2 ACC) 16.71 #9 (#1 ACC)
2009[51] 128.38 #40 (#4 ACC) 167.08 #11 (#2 ACC) 295.46 #12 (#2 ACC) 15.62 #9 (#1 ACC)
2010[52] 155.93 #64 (#7 ACC) 205.57 #40 (#5 ACC) 361.50 #52 (#8 ACC) 20.57 #26 (#4 ACC)
2011[53] 104.07 #14 (#2 ACC) 200.57 #31 (#4 ACC) 304.64 #10 (#2 ACC) 17.64 #7 (#2 ACC)
2012[54] 134.08 #29 (#3 ACC) 199.08 #24 (#2 ACC) 333.15 #18 (#2 ACC) 22.85 #32 (#2 ACC)
2013[55] 110.9 #10 (#1 ACC) 172.7 #8 (#2 ACC) 283.6 #4 (#2 ACC) 19.3 #11 (#2 ACC)
2014[56] 144.8 #39 (#7 ACC) 199.0 #25 (#5 ACC) 343.8 #21 (#5 ACC) 20.2 #14 (#2 ACC)
2015[57] 180.7 #75 (#11 ACC) 189.2 #19 (#4 ACC) 369.8 #44 (#9 ACC) 26.3 #59 (#11 ACC)
2016[58] 140.5 #32 (#8 ACC) 200.2 #26 (#3 ACC) 340.7 #18 (#4 ACC) 22.8 #28 (#5 ACC)
2017[59] 119.5 #15 (#2 ACC) 199.8 #33 (#6 ACC) 319.3 #13 (#2 ACC) 14.8 #4 (#2 ACC)
2018[60] 210.3 #106 (#12 ACC) 228.4 #63 (#8 ACC) 438.7 #98 (#11 ACC) 31.0 #85 (#10 ACC)
2019[61] 139.3 #46 (#5 ACC) 224.0 #63 (#5 ACC) 363.3 #42 (#4 ACC) 24.7 #46 (#5 ACC)
All statistics from the NCAA.

† National rankings are among the teams in the football bowl subdivision (formerly called Division I-A), which currently consists of 127 teams.
The Big East Conference had 8 teams. The ACC had 11 teams in 2004, 12 teams from 2005 to 2012, and 14 teams from 2013 to present.

‡ Scoring defense also includes touchdowns allowed by the offense and special teams.

References

  1. ^ "House Joint Resolution No. 233: Commending Robert Eugene Foster, Jr". Virginia's Legislative Information System. February 24, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  2. ^ Bitter, Andy (October 12, 2022). "The lifetime assistant legend: Bud Foster has 'no regrets' staying at Virginia Tech". The Athletic. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  3. ^ "Foster honored as top assistant coach". Virginia Tech Hokies Athletics. January 16, 2007. Archived from the original on April 17, 2007. Retrieved January 17, 2007.
  4. ^ Sis, Matej (June 30, 2016). "Bud Foster named Top Defensive Coordinator in College Football". 247sports.com. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  5. ^ Niziolek, Mike (August 1, 2019). "Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster to step down". Roanoke Times. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  6. ^ Berman, Mark (November 23, 2019). "Former Virginia Tech players thankful for relationship with Bud Foster". Roanoke Times. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  7. ^ Baptist, Bob (September 2, 2014). "Across the ball: Young defense in good hands with Foster". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  8. ^ Niziolek, Mike (November 23, 2019). "All-Bud Team: Bud Foster's best players from a legendary career". Roanoke Times. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  9. ^ Kurz, Hank (August 1, 2019). "Nokomis grad Bud Foster to retire as Virginia Tech assistant". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  10. ^ Maisel, Ivan (September 27, 2019). "Why assistants like Virginia Tech's Bud Foster belong in the Hall of Fame". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  11. ^ Carroll, Collin (December 2, 2011). "The legend of Bud Foster". Collegiate Times. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  12. ^ Teel, David (August 2, 2019). "Loyalty, humility, lunch-pail work ethic mark Bud Foster's tenure with Hokies". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  13. ^ Giannotto, Mark (August 30, 2012). "Virginia Tech football: Bud Foster's defense could be among best ever in Blacksburg". Washington Post. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  14. ^ Bitter, Andy (November 9, 2015). "Bud Foster on the Hokies: 'I don't think this program needs a culture change'". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  15. ^ Nesbitt, Stephen J. (December 30, 2011). "Beamer, Foster lay blueprint for Hoke and Co". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  16. ^ Hatfield, Roy (September 15, 2015). "Virginia Tech's Perfect Combination". Gobbler Country. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  17. ^ King, Randy (November 23, 2019). "How we wrote it: a 1996 feature on Bud Foster". Roanoke Times. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  18. ^ "1999 Virginia Tech Hokies Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  19. ^ "National Publication Honors Bud Foster - Named Top Defensive Coordinator In Division I-A". Virginia Tech Hokies Athletics. June 1, 2000. Archived from the original on April 16, 2018.
  20. ^ King, Randy (November 23, 2019). "How we wrote it: Bud Foster wins the Broyles Award". Roanoke Times. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  21. ^ Kurz Jr., Hank (December 22, 2014). "AP source: Bud Foster agrees to 5 more years at Virginia Tech". Bluefield Daily Telegraph. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  22. ^ "Frank Beamer to retire after 29 seasons at Virginia Tech". NFL.com. November 1, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  23. ^ "Fuente announces football staff promotions". Virginia Tech Athletics. January 7, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  24. ^ Schad, Tom (August 1, 2019). "Bud Foster, longtime Virginia Tech assistant, to retire at the end of 33rd season with Hokies". USA TODAY. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  25. ^ Dellenger, Ross (November 27, 2019). "Inside Bud Foster's Decision to Retire". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  26. ^ Bitter, Andy (August 2, 2019). "'He's the best to ever do it': Relishing Bud Foster, his final season and the legacy of the lunch pail". The Athletic. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  27. ^ "Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster to step down after season". TribLIVE.com. Associated Press. August 1, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  28. ^ Bowman, Doug (August 2, 2019). "Bud Foster...The GOAT". 247sports.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  29. ^ Schlabach, Mark (August 30, 2007). "Schlabach: Hokies find unique ways to honor victims". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  30. ^ Slater, Darryl (September 4, 2009). "Bud Foster's lunch pail legacy". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  31. ^ Fornelli, Tom (August 1, 2019). "Famed Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster to retire after 2019 season". CBSSports.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  32. ^ Harig, Bob (January 2, 2000). "Sports: Virginia Tech defense carries tradition with its lunch pail". St. Petersburgh Times. Archived from the original on April 16, 2018.
  33. ^ Dinich, Heather (December 2, 2011). "Storied traditions: Virginia Tech". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  34. ^ Schlabach, Mark (August 30, 2007). "Schlabach: Hokies find unique ways to honor victims". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  35. ^ "Lunch Pail Defense Scholarship Fund". LPD Scholarship Foundation.
  36. ^ McGinnis, Carrie (April 5, 2022). "Distinguished Alumni Award recipients 2022". Murray State University. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  37. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 1995" (PDF). NCAA.org. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  38. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 1996" (PDF). NCAA.org. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  39. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 1997" (PDF). NCAA.org. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  40. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 1998" (PDF). NCAA.org. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  41. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 1999" (PDF). NCAA.org. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  42. ^ "Virginia Tech 2000 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved November 19, 2008.
  43. ^ "Virginia Tech 2001 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved November 19, 2008.
  44. ^ "Virginia Tech 2002 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  45. ^ "Virginia Tech 2003 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  46. ^ "Virginia Tech 2004 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  47. ^ "Virginia Tech 2005 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  48. ^ "Virginia Tech 2006 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  49. ^ "Virginia Tech 2007 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  50. ^ "Virginia Tech 2008 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved November 30, 2008.
  51. ^ "Virginia Tech 2009 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  52. ^ "Virginia Tech 2010 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  53. ^ "Virginia Tech 2011 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved April 1, 2012.
  54. ^ "Virginia Tech 2012 National Ranking Summary". NCAA.org. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  55. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 2013". NCAA.com. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
  56. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 2014". NCAA.com. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  57. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 2015". NCAA.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  58. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 2016". NCAA.com. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  59. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 2017". NCAA.com. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  60. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 2018". NCAA.com. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  61. ^ "NCAA Statistics - Teams - 2019". NCAA.com. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
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