It seems like the notion that other schools are using Frank's age & potentially forthcoming retirement as a negative on the recruiting trail is starting to pick up some steam. Granted, this may all just be message board chatter, but it may have some legs given the obvious fact that Frank is starting to get older. The many high-profile recruiting misses we've had over the last few years may support this, although no recruit has ever stated this to be the reason for selecting another school that I am aware of.
With that said, is it time for VT to start considering, and ultimately publiczing, a transition plan for Frank? And if so, what would that plan look like?
In my opinion, laying out a plan with a clear path forward, that would ensure some staff continuity, would help ease a recruits mind about coming to play in Blacksburg. In fact, if done correctly, it could be used as a selling point: come help Frank Beamer win the Battle at Bristol and reach 300 wins before playing for someone like starting in 2017.
Again, I'm not sure what this would look like...but I'm sure Whit could come up with something exciting.
Option 1: Head Coach in Waiting. Bud? Scot? Torrian? Yes, I threw Torrian out there because right now he's a NFL factory, a solid recruiter, and a pretty charismatic interview.
Option 2: A TBD new head coach, but with guaranteed extended contracts for certain members of the staff.
Option 3: Create room on the staff and hire a outside head coach in waiting? Perhaps a high profile outside name could be hired to an "associate head coach position", or even an off-field administrative position, with a guaranteed major salary bump in 2017 when he takes over. Could retain or hire new coordinators in 2017. I personally could see this option turn what is now a recruiting negative into a very positive thing.
What do you all think?
