Justin Fuente

Justin Fuente is an American college football coach known for his offensive expertise and program rebuilds.

As of 2026, Fuente most recently served as the head football coach at Virginia Tech Hokies football from 2016 to 2021. During his tenure, he led the Hokies to an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coastal Division title in 2016 and multiple bowl appearances, earning ACC Coach of the Year honors in his first season. However, performance declined in later years, and he and the program mutually agreed to part ways late in the 2021 season.

Before Virginia Tech, Fuente gained national recognition as the head coach at Memphis Tigers football (2012–2015), where he engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football. He led Memphis from a winless season in 2013 to a conference championship and a top-25 ranking by 2015, developing standout quarterback Paxton Lynch, a first-round NFL Draft pick.

Fuente began his coaching career with various assistant roles, including at TCU Horned Frogs football under head coach Gary Patterson, where he served as co-offensive coordinator and helped build one of the nation’s most efficient offenses.

A former college quarterback at Murray State Racers football, Fuente transitioned into coaching shortly after his playing career ended due to injury.

Since leaving Virginia Tech, Fuente has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, with no major head coaching position reported as of the mid-2020s, though he remains a respected offensive mind and a potential candidate for future coaching opportunities at the collegiate or professional level.