Hokie ClubJoined VT Athletics Staff: 2026
Prior to Virginia Tech: Darien arrived in Blacksburg following three seasons on the staff at VMI (2023-25). During the 2025 season he coached linebackers following a year working with the secondary. He mentored First Team All-SoCon linebacker, Stephen Dean and freshman All-Conference linebacker, Derek Hite in 2025. In 2024, Darien helped coach Second Team All-SoCon safety Shamus Jones, who set career highs in tackles (98.0, 5th SoCon), interceptions (2), forced fumbles (2), passes defended (5) and blocked a field goal.
Darien served as a volunteer defensive assistant with the Keydets in 2023.
Education: Delaware, 2021 (B.S. in Africana studies)
Personal: A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Darien started his career as a linebacker at Penn State before playing three seasons at Delaware (2019-21). He was a member of Penn State’s 2016 Big Ten Championship team.