With Philip Montgomery on board as the new Virginia Tech offensive coordinator, there is a lot of talk about tempo.
Philip Montgomery is a well-respected name in college football, known for his offensive creativity and fast-paced, high-scoring schemes. His coaching philosophy revolves around tempo—playing at an accelerated pace to keep defenses off balance and create mismatches. From his early days as an assistant to his time as a head coach and offensive coordinator, Montgomery has consistently implemented high-tempo offenses with impressive results.
Early Coaching Career and Influence
Montgomery began his coaching career in Texas high school football before making a name for himself in the college ranks. He gained prominence as an assistant under Art Briles, first at Houston (2003-2007) and later at Baylor (2008-2014). During this period, he helped develop some of the most explosive offenses in college football. Baylor’s system was built on no-huddle, spread principles, with a strong emphasis on tempo. Quarterbacks such as Robert Griffin III, Bryce Petty, and Nick Florence thrived under Montgomery’s guidance, setting school and national records.
At Baylor, Montgomery’s offense averaged over 550 yards per game during multiple seasons, ranking among the top in the country. The Bears’ fast-paced attack relied on deep shots, quick passing, and an aggressive run game, all executed at a breakneck speed to wear down defenses.
Tulsa: Bringing Tempo to the Golden Hurricane
In 2015, Montgomery took over as the head coach of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. He immediately installed his signature up-tempo offense, and the results were evident. In his second season (2016), Tulsa became one of the most prolific offenses in college football, finishing with a 10-3 record while averaging 42.5 points and 527 yards per game.
Tulsa’s tempo-driven attack revolved around dual-threat quarterback Dane Evans and a dominant running game featuring two 1,000-yard rushers in James Flanders and D’Angelo Brewer. The offense struck quickly, often snapping the ball within seconds of the previous play, preventing defenses from making substitutions or adjustments.
Despite challenges in the later years of his tenure at Tulsa, Montgomery remained committed to his high-speed offensive identity. Even as injuries and roster changes affected the program, his teams consistently ranked near the top in offensive production and plays per game.
Tempo as a Philosophy
Montgomery’s emphasis on tempo is not just about playing fast—it’s about dictating the game. His offense is designed to:
1. Tire out Defenses – By limiting substitutions and forcing defenders to chase receivers across the field, Montgomery’s teams wear opponents down over the course of a game.
2. Simplify Defensive Reads – Defenses forced to react quickly often make mistakes, leading to breakdowns in coverage and easy scoring opportunities.
3. Maximize Play Volume – More plays per game increase the chance of scoring and put pressure on opponents to keep up.
4. Create Explosive Plays – Montgomery’s offenses stress stretching the field vertically, using tempo to generate big passing plays and quick-strike touchdowns.
Recent Coaching Roles and Future
After leaving Tulsa in 2022, Montgomery took on the role of offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2023. However, his tenure was short-lived, and he moved on to new opportunities. Regardless of where he coaches next, his commitment to an aggressive, up-tempo approach will likely remain unchanged.
Montgomery’s influence on modern offensive football is significant, as many programs continue to adopt elements of his high-speed system. Whether as a play-caller or a head coach, his dedication to tempo will always define his coaching style, making him one of the most respected offensive minds in the game.
