Virginia Tech is expected to add a key piece to its offensive staff, with Georgia Tech run-game coordinator and running backs coach Norval McKenzie reportedly set to join the Hokies. It’s a move that brings experience, proven development, and a strong recruiting résumé to Blacksburg - and one that could have a real impact on the Hokies’ ground game moving forward.
McKenzie brings 14 seasons of Division I coaching experience to the table, and his track record speaks for itself. A former Vanderbilt running back and Atlanta-area native, he’s spent the last three seasons at Georgia Tech helping mold one of the ACC’s most productive backfields. His fingerprints are all over the Yellow Jackets’ recent success on the ground.
One of McKenzie’s standout achievements in Atlanta? The emergence of Jamal Haynes.
Originally a wide receiver, Haynes was converted to running back under McKenzie’s guidance - and the results were immediate. Haynes posted back-to-back seasons with at least 900 rushing yards, becoming the first Georgia Tech back to do that since 2008-09.
In 2023, he broke the 1,000-yard barrier and earned all-ACC honors not just as a running back, but as an all-purpose weapon. That kind of player development is hard to miss.
This past season, Georgia Tech rushed for 2,436 yards and punched in 30 touchdowns on the ground - a testament to both scheme and execution, and McKenzie had a hand in both. His ability to maximize talent and build cohesive run-game units has been a constant throughout his coaching stops.
Before his time at Georgia Tech, McKenzie held the same title at his alma mater, Vanderbilt. In 2022, he helped guide Ray Davis to a 1,042-yard season - one of only 10 such campaigns in Commodores history - and Davis would go on to be selected in the NFL Draft. That’s another example of McKenzie’s knack for developing backs who can thrive at the next level.
His coaching journey also includes stops at Louisville, Arkansas State, and Furman. At each of those programs, McKenzie helped produce all-conference performers, contributed to conference titles, and was part of teams that made bowl appearances. He got his coaching start back in 2008 as a graduate assistant at Vanderbilt, and since then, he’s steadily climbed the ranks.
Recruiting-wise, McKenzie has been active and effective. He’s landed multiple four-star commitments and is currently rated as the No. 23 recruiter in the ACC for the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. That kind of recruiting presence will be a welcome addition for Virginia Tech, especially as the program looks to continue building depth and talent in the backfield.
For the Hokies, this is more than just a staff addition - it’s an investment in the identity of their offense. McKenzie’s track record suggests he’ll bring a physical, productive, and well-schemed rushing attack with him. And if his past work is any indication, Virginia Tech’s running backs are in good hands.