Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer will announce on Sunday he will retire at the end of the 2015 football season ending his 29 year career at Tech, and abdicating his spot as the winningest active coach in college football. That is according to multiple reports.
#Hokies will announce Frank Beamer is retiring at end of this season around 2:15 p.m. ET. Beamer met with coaches this a.m.— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) November 1, 2015
Source: #VirginiaTech Frank Beamer has told his staff that he's retiring after the season, scheduled to meet with the team this afternoon.— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) November 1, 2015
The Key Play has reached out to the Virginia Tech athletic department for a comment and will pass along new any information.
The 69-year-old Beamer's record at Tech is 235-120-2 at Tech, and he has 277 career wins overall. He led the Hokies to 7 conference championships (3 BIG EAST, 4 ACC), and an appearance in 1999 national championship game against Florida State (29-46 loss). Tech secured 22 consecutive bowl berths on Beamer's watch (and counting).
Beamer guided the Hokies to seasons of 10-or-more wins from 2004 through 2011. However, from 2012-14 Tech notched records of: 7-6, 8-5 and 7-6, respectively. Beamer turned over his offensive staff after the 2012 season, and received an increase in football support staff (with a focus towards recruiting) under then new athletic director Whit Babcock. Beamer and Babcock released a joint statement at the end of the 2014 season and stated they had higher expectations for the football program.
"Again, we both have higher expectations," Babcock said as part of a released statement on January, 3 2015. "Coach Beamer, his staff, and our players are committed and focused on the success of this football program, as we all are. Coach Beamer told me 'we have competed for championships before and we have what it takes to get back to that level.' I appreciate his drive and determination to get us there. We share the same goal. We both understand the significance and importance of a successful, national brand for Virginia Tech Football."
After Tech's 6-30 Thursday night home loss against Miami in 2014, Beamer stated, "I think we're really going to be a good football team next year, and that's kind of where we are."
The Hokies are 4-5 in 2015. Again this season Tech is inconsistent on offense, among the most penalized teams in the nation, and unable to overcome personnel losses (which is as much a reflection of talent development and recruiting, or lack thereof, as bad luck). To boot, the Hokies' defense dropped from its normally elite level of play and statistical rankings to an average unit.
Beamer wrote in his 2013 biography Let Me Be Frank, "What I think is important is that it's not awkward at the end of my career here, whenever the end is. I think I'll know exactly the right time for me to finish up at Virginia Tech. I think so much of this place, this university, and this community that has been so good to me. I will know when he time is right. I am well aware that it is possible to stay around too long."
Beamer echoed that sentiment at ACC Kickoff in July.
"I'm very aware of the situation with me, Virginia Tech, how long I've been there, how long I will be there," Beamer said. "I'm very aware of it, and I'm not going to be there longer than I feel like I'm a real plus for Virginia Tech. When I stop being a plus for Virginia Tech, you guys are going to have to come to Blacksburg to find me. At my house in Blacksburg, not the football office."
True to his word, Beamer announced his retirement when it became apparent Virginia Tech was no longer on track to compete for conference and national championships. He couldn't reach the bar he set for a one-time lifeless Hokies program that he elevated to among the nation's best over the course of his career.
Comments
Well, here we go.
I was going to say this exact thing.
Sad day. I hope it is not a complete overhaul. I love the philosophy and character of the current staff.
The majority of coaches on this staff I think are excellent and I'd love to see them stay. However, this is probably the most exciting time in the history of VT athletics. It's the perfect combination of a fan base eager to get back to the good stuff, a job that is likely viewed as one of the top in the nation, and arguably one of the best ADs in the entire country. Hold on tight, folks.
Sad day.
I don't really agree. Yes, its somewhat sad whenever a icon retires. But I am celebrating the success that Beamer brought to the program. I am also proud of him for being enough of a class act to know when it was time to hang it up.
Thank you, Frank Beamer, for some great memories. I hope our next HC can show half the great character and love of the game you have all these years.
All this time we've speculated this, its here now and I kind of don't know what to say.
I love Frank, but obviously it was his time. Lots of uncertainty ahead, that's for sure.
I know we've expected this for quite some time, but......damn these allergies.
Head Coach Foster - whatever it takes
Frank Beamer. What else can be said that already hasn't been? Great man. Great coach. Great Hokie. Last of a dying breed in his profession. Thank you, Frank.
I've wanted to see this happen, but damn... I'm teary eyed.
I don't care that we haven't won a National Championship, I want a bronze statue of Coach Beamer outside of Lane.
YASSS
Yes Wessss, Make Blacksburg Great Again
Haha, oh what a Halloween
I'll sell my car and donate the profits right now
If we ever do win one, it'll be because of the foundation Beamer laid at Tech.
wonder how much those things run...furthermore i wonder how much each alumni would have to chip in to get that thing?
This. By opening day 2016.
Outside of Beamer Stadium, preferably
If we rename it Beamer Stadium, we gotta bring back the 'Home of the Fighting Gobblers' placard.
Outside of Lane. Outside of Burruss. On the Drillfield. On Main Street.
Beamer is leaving his program the same way he ran it - with class.
Is there a way to watch the press conference online or on tv?
Thank you Frank. Great coach, even better person.
Well damn even though we all saw this coming I am still kind of shocked. Thanks for everything you have done for the program Coach Beamer you will missed on the sideline and I'm glad to have attended Frank's final home night game at Lane Stadium this season against NC State.
ts a sad day if Frank Beamer officially announces that he is retiring at the end of the season. Great man, great coach, great legacy. He built our program, he established our culture. Legendary man, legendary Hokie.
Thank you, Frank, for epitomizing "Ut Prosim" and for being a true leader. YOU are Virginia Tech and I am proud to call myself a Hokie.
You're a legend, did everything the right way, and have built a program from the ground up. Although some of the HokieNation's faithful have been extremely rude and disrespectful of over the past few weeks/years, many of us are appreciative to what you've meant to our program....beyond words.
Thank you
Wow I feel like an Uncle just told me he is moving away and leaving the family.
He has been a coach at Tech longer than I have been alive. Thanks for everything Frank.
I know that we all agree this needs to happen, but it's a very very sad day.
Grown man gonna tear up over another grown man here..
Thanks for all you've done Frank! You built the program and set the standard we all crave to see.
So sorry to hear this. Frank Beamer did something most of us thought would never happen. Who could have ever thought that Virginia Tech football would reach the heights that it has. It's all due to Coach Beamer!
Thanks for all of the great memories, Coach!
#ThankYouFrank
Alright team, get your shit together...let's win out for Frank. Let's get to, and win, one last bowl game for Frank. And most importantly, LET'S BEAT THOSE SNOB ASS BOO-HOOS ONE LAST TIME FOR FRANK.
Being on campus you gained an appreciation of what kind of guy Frank is. He would look every passer-by in the eye on his lunchtime walks with John Beliein (sp? sorry) and say "hi how you doing", and it was truly genuine. Went to his office one day to ask that he sign a card for a friend and there was no hesitation at all. Always had time for anyone no matter what was going on. Just a great guy.
He's set a high bar for his replacement in terms of character. I hope we come close.
This is really sad, but its time.
I have only respect for Frank with the way he is leaving his program. That's just the thing: this is 100% his program until the day he leaves. He built it, and now he is handing it off before tearing it down. I sincerely hope that we pack every stadium for the rest of the season, including away games. Lane better be packed and rocking for his last home game and Lane North better be all maroon. Thank you Frank!
Frank, it has been the utmost pleasure to grow up watching you lead this football program. I was reflecting the other day on how I looked at every other program in the country, and only found yours as the ones to have class and truly do things the right way. You built many a athlete into great young men and turned lightly recruited high school players into All-Americans. The program will never be the same in the possible way because of you.
Wow. How many head coaches have gone out with class like this? Beamer once again displays why he is hall of fame calibre.
You're a legend, Frank.
Not much more to say than thank you to Frank for being an outstanding man, coach, and ambassador for the program.
Thank you so much, Frank. I have no words other than that right now...
Turn to ESPN at 2:15
Are we sure it's being broadcast? I'm on ESPN now and no mention of a presser.
actually seems to be no mention of it on the channels
I'm going to have to cancel some plans to make it to UNC and UVA games
My wife had told me the Duke game was the last we could make work, but last night she told me " listen this might be Frank's last home game, we WILL be there" God I love her, I love Hokie Nation and I'm not afraid to say I love Coach Frank Beamer, for having never met the man he has effected my life in so many ways.
Now, the players know what is what. Frank has been the greatest coach for Tech and I hope he can advise Whit on helping select the successor.
Now let's go out with a bang and not a whimper. All aboard the 8-5 hype train.
Leaving the team in much better shape than it was when he took over. And there is plenty of talent coming back next year, his replacement has a very ideal situation. I feel horrible he only got to enjoy his indoor facility for one season though! I know he loves that thing he talked about it so much over the summer.
Love you Frank.
I'm glad to have been at Tech while Frank was still the coach. The man ran a very disciplined program with a family atmosphere, something you won't find a lot anymore. Although I think it's the right choice, it is sad to see this legend of a man leave. Virginia Tech will always be your home Frank!
Sam Denmark has said that Frank's decision to retire will have no impact on him signing with the Hokies.
As for his retirement, time to give him the proper send off. I'm really speechless right now, even though we all saw it coming.
For everything you did, Frank... Thanks
A lot of people will immediately consider this the top opening in college football. This would not have happened without what you did. You may be retiring but Beamer Ball week live on.
Please not RichRod...
I'm going to be interested to see how the national sports media, like ESPN, will cover this and how much they'll talk about it.
Because when Spurrier retired, they couldnt get enough of talking about it.
How credible is the 215 time given? It's 2:15 now, any way we can tune in for the announcement?
Bad its a 215 team meeting
from the release
I will speak about my retirement at my regular press conference tomorrow
if you grew up in SWVA, you'll know the impact this man had. In middle school I had a printed out photo of Beamer in my locker. I fucking love this dude and I hope he enjoys the hell out of his free time. I just wish we could've been better this year but it's just been a bad combo of shitty luck/injuries/inexperience on the O-line. Frank was the best coach possible for our team, of all time, and I will always remember those teams we had when we first got into the ACC. Frank and the boys had something to prove and we fucking did. 7 Straight 10+ win seasons and 4 ACC championships.
But none of that will matter in the long run. What truly matters, and I'm not exaggerating, was the impact Frank had on the area as a whole, and on the school. His teams are part of the reason I think you can say Virginia Tech is THE state school, in terms of recognition and the amount of folks that they've helped better their lives through a good education. Frank you da real MVP and I hope we can get you another UVA win and another bowl game for your going-away party
Hokie Sports made it official:
http://www.hokiesports.com/football/recaps/20151101aaa.html
Definitely teared up when I read this to my wife.
It's official: http://www.hokiesports.com/football/recaps/20151101aaa.html
EDIT: HokieFireman beat me to it.
We've been sheltered from the uncertainties of the college football coaching carousel for a long time. Let's hope we do as well with our next coaching hire as we did with the last one.
Impossible
Well, damn. I'm crying. I hope his replacement will be a true to values kind of man, inspire greatness in the young men and coaching staff. To Coach, thank you for everything you did for VT football, the University and our little part of the world. You sir are a class act.
via GIPHY
Thank you Coach Beamer. Sad day but also an exciting one. So who's next? Bud, Rich Rod, Fuente, Rhule, Herman.
Let's not talk about his replacement on this thread. Let's talk about Frank. A great coach. An even greater man. We will be fortunate if his influence at Tech extends far beyond the search for a new coach.
COOL
EDITED
Seriously, pull your lower lip over your face and swallow.
EDIT: Nevermind, I'm drinking again.
My brain knows this is the best move for the program but my heart isn't ready. Hokie Nation loves you and wishes you the best, Frank.
Whew, well somebody just set out a huge bowl of onions. Bittersweet day. Many, many thanks to Frank for everything he has done over the years. I hope the team and fans can rally and we can finish out this year on a winning note for Frank.
The feelings around Coach Beamer's retirement would be different if he was going out on a high note. I don't want to say I am sad, he has been doing this for a long time and his retirement has been on the horizon for the last 5 years. I think the questions of whether this is truly Beamer feeling like he has reached his ending point or if he is being shown the door with a guise of retirement that is casting a shadow over this. I have always said he deserves to stay as long as he would like and I hope that is truly the case. I also have faith in Whit Babcock and I think he has to be pushing Frank or he wouldn't be doing his job. The way this season has played out has to be th nightmare scenario for Whit as I think he respects Beamer immensely, but his head has to overtake his heart or he wouldn't be effective at his job. I bought tickets at UVA two weeks ago because I saw this coming and wanted to be there in person to cheer Frank off the field in thanks for all he has done no matter how this season ends.
Beamer Way and Beamer Barn... Yea he's graciously been shown the door
I really really want to do the same, but the last time I attended a game at Lane Stadium East was the last time we lost to LOLUVA (I know, its hard to remember back that far)......I have since vowed never to return, so unfortunately I cannot go......but this should at least assure us of another victory against the boo hoos
Man...thats awesome. Im glad he didn't ride the program into the ground first. I agree frank is the man and now we get the privelege of saying goodbye and show our appreciation.
Thank you Frank for what you have done, but thank god it's finally official!
Thanks for everything Frank. Now let's #rallyforBeamer the rest of the season.
As my love of all that is Hokies bloomed at an early age, so did my understanding of what the definition of a coach. I grew up with Beamer as my coach and always on the side. His respect, his leadership, and his family atmosphere was what made me proud to be a Hokie. Frustrations grew in the past few years but my respect for this man never faltered. Thank you Coach for making college football so damn entertaining to me. May you not fade away but continue to shine in where ever your journey leads you know
Objectively, we knew this was going to happen but that doesn't mean it isnt any less surreal. This man created the Virginia Tech brand and his legacy will be felt and remembered long after this season is in the books. We'll have plenty of time to talk about the future, but I agree with everyone who thinks we should remember and be thankful for everything Frank has done. There are 3 games and hopefully a bowl game left, I'm sure we will see an inspired group of young men playing to end a College Football legend's career on a high note!
More than anything I hate that his last regular season game will be played in Hooville. No one should be subjected to such a fate
Really? Who wouldn't want to go out on a guaranteed win?
I'm hoping we go 39-0, and Beams buys up all the donuts in the area after the game so London can't even bury his sorrows in fried dough.
The player and staff are going to work hard so his last game is at a bowl.
I have a pretty good feeling that Scott Stadium will be painted Maroon and Orange for that game.
I am 29 years young he has been there since I was born. Thank you for everything Frank, my life would not be what it is today if it weren't for you.
I already had tickets to the UNC game, but now I'm thinking about getting tickets for the UVA game, too. Frank deserves to hear the support from Hokie Nation in the rest of his games. I have a feeling there's going to be a lot of tears shed at his last game in Lane. Not many people can say that their favorite team has had the same coach for 29 years. And, especially, not many people can say that their favorite team has been in a bowl game every year of their 22-year old life.
Yeah I am going....done
I'm going to be the 6'4 280 pound man in section U at the UNC game sobbing. Frank you are the man, you are Virginia Tech.
As a current Junior who is an out of state student this is surreal to me. I grew up with a different perspective of Frank than most (Dad is a mountaineer, but that is a story for another time), but I watched many Tech games before enrolling here a few years ago and fell in love with the school. I have grown to not just appreciate Beamer as a coach but what he means to the community. It'll be weird next year to not see him roaming the sideline, but that is for a later thread of speculation about who may be there next year. I have tickets to both the UNC and UVA games (first time visiting Hooville) and will most likely shed a tear when the final whistle blows for each game. I think it can not be said enough that what this man has done not just for putting Tech on the map, but for the community and the way kids who are apart of this fine institution carry themselves will always be remembered. Thanks coach for everything.
Here's to winning out, getting a decent bowl and seeing this one more time!
Been a Hokie since the Bill Dooley days. I could see that it was time for the change, but now that it's been officially announced I am definitely saddened, mostly because the great Coach himself has finally admitted it must come to a close. I also suspect that health issues are driving this more than any other single reason but a I hope I am wrong. I am ready to be super-excited about the future of the team, but that's for another day. I like that he announced this today because this gives us all a chance to just focus on Frank Beamer for now until season's end and show him the appreciation that he truly deserves.