Babcock released a statement that said in part: "We sincerely appreciate the contributions that Coach Fuente made to our football program and the positive impact he made on our student-athletes during his time at Virginia Tech. While it's never easy to make a change, I believe in order for our football program to attain the type of success that is expected at Virginia Tech, the time was right for new leadership of our football program."

Fuente joined the Hokies prior to the 2016 season and compiled a record of 43 wins and 31 losses during that span. His best season was his first season, when the Hokies went 9-3 and finished first in the ACC's Coastal Division. He was named the conference's Coach of the Year following the season.

Virginia Tech's decision to end their partnership with Fuente immediately means the school owes the now-former coach $10 million as part of a buyout. That number would've dropped to $7.5 million on December 15th. In the absence of Fuente, defensive line coach J.C. Price will serve as interim coach for the Hokies' remaining two games and any potential bowl game.

Upon his exit, Fuente thanked the team, coaches and university among others in a statement released by the school: "We leave Blacksburg with many great memories, but above all else, our family cherishes the many relationships that have been established and that will always endure. To all of those players, coaches and staff who are still fighting on, know that the Fuente family is always cheering for you."

The Hokies' first game post-Fuente is Saturday at Miami.

Justin Fuente

Justin Fuente Out As Coach At Virginia Tech

Justin Fuente Thinks Best Is Yet To Come For Virginia Tech