We've all seen the rampant speculation about who will replace CFB. One thing that I find interesting is the "Special Advisor to the Athletic Director" role that many have reported him to be in for the next four to eight years. We all know Coach isn't disappearing from Blacksburg, although I have no doubt he'll be respectful of the next head coach's need to establish his own authority and program. Which leads to the idea of Coach Emeritus.
A couple of random questions for everyone...
- Is this just a business decision, a way to reward CFB past his actual coaching span, or does it have program implications?
- What does everyone think Coach's role will be as a special advisor?
- Do you think this will help with continuity, i.e. the recruits and our "this is Home"/family program mentality?
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Comments
1. Yes, I think there are implications for the program. It's a reward for everything Frank has done, an opportunity to give him a real role in the program without the stress and demands of full-time coaching.
2. Fundraising, continue being an ambassador for the program, etc. He gets to be the people person that he is and get paid to do it.
3. Yes. We tangibly demonstrate our appreciation for Frank, keep him in close physical and personal proximity to the program, and continue to associate ourselves with the "BeamerBall" name and family atmosphere, that we're loyal and appreciative, just as we have always said we are.
For VT, it allows the university and the athletic department to continue to use Frank as the face. Fundraising, PR, and generally setting the tone / atmosphere.
Frank gets to continue helping the program and school that have meant so much to him, without spending crazy hours every week planning and executing practices and game plans.
I'm not worried about Frank turning into Barry Alvarez. He's too classy to meddle with the next coach.
Frank can golf, watch NASCAR and enjoy his grandkids all he likes and still help VT on many fronts. like GuitarMan pointed out above. It's a way to make sure we're building on his legacy and continuing the strong family atmosphere that makes VT so special while also allowing a new coach to come in and do his own thing.
If we mean to pay big dolla's for the new coach, Frank will be Key (See what I did there?) in helping to raise funds.
I think Frank has a continuing role with this program. He's synonymous with VT football.
I also think it eased the contract process, and gave Beamer both a continued contract and an official link to the program.
Everybody wins.