Virginia Tech has hired Sam Siefkes as defensive coordinator after he spent the last two seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ linebackers coach.

Virginia Tech on Monday hired Cardinals linebackers coach Sam Siefkes to be the Hokies' defensive coordinator, the school announced, and Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon lauded the move, saying Siefkes "has unbelievable knowledge on how to stop offenses.

As programs aim to finalize coaching staffs heading into spring football, the Virginia Tech Hokies have brought in an NFL assistant to fill their need.