"This is a very difficult decision for me, personally, as I have the highest regard for Ricky as a person," said Director of Athletics Jim Weaver. "We appreciate all the hard work Ricky has put into his position and wish him the best in the future."
Stokes recently completed his fourth season as head coach of the Hokies. He finishes with a 45-70 overall record, including an 11-18 overall record and 4-12 mark in the BIG EAST Conference this past season. The Hokies failed to qualify for the BIG EAST Conference Tournament in each of the three seasons they have been in the league.
The Richmond, Va., native came to Virginia Tech after serving as associate head coach at Texas during the 1998-99 season. He also was an assistant coach at Virginia, Wake Forest and Bowling Green. Tech was his first head coaching position.
A search for Stokes' replacement will begin immediately.