Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer retiring after season
Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer is retiring at the end of the season.
The longtime coach of the Hokies will leave his post after 29 seasons and he has the most wins of any current coach. Beamer became Virginia Tech's coach in 1987 and has taken the Hokies to a bowl game in every season since 1993.
"I have always said that ‘I want what is best for Virginia Tech,’” Beamer said in a school statement. “Because of my love and passion for this great university, this program and our tremendous fans, I have decided after 29 years that it’s time. Today, I informed [president] Dr. Timothy Sands and [athletic director] Whit Babcock of my decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2015 season.
“I was going to wait until the end of the season to make this announcement, but I’ve always believed in being open and honest with my players and coaches. I know Hokie Nation will continue to give our players and our coaches their full support in these last three games, and hopefully through a bowl game. I will be forever grateful to everyone who made these past three decades the best years of my life. It’s an emotional day for me and my family. I am so honored and humbled to have served as your head coach.
“I will speak about my retirement at my regular press conference tomorrow, and after that, my sole and absolute focus will return to coaching these players as best as I can and encouraging our coaches and staff who I care for so deeply.”
[ThePostGame: The time Frank Beamer almost left Virginia Tech]
Beamer came to Virginia Tech from Murray State and has amassed a 234-120-2 record in his time at VT. He's won three ACC titles and three Big East crowns in his tenure at the school and in 1999 the Hokies (led by Michael Vick) lost to Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. The game served as the national championship that season. His teams' success have helped popularize the term "Beamerball." Under Beamer, Virginia Tech has become famous for its defensive and special teams touchdowns.
After eight-straight double-digit win seasons, Beamer's teams haven't won 10 or more games since 2011. At 3-5, Virginia Tech must win three of its final four games to make a bowl game for a 23rd season in a row.
And if you were wondering what active coach is No. 2 on the list behind Beamer for most victories, it's a tie. Missouri's Gary Pinkel and Kansas State's Bill Snyder have 190 wins. Alabama's Nick Saban has 189.
Beamer's retirement continues the coaching turnover in FBS. It means there will be nine vacancies in college football at the end of the season and he's the third high-profile coach to announce his retirement. South Carolina's Steve Spurrier and UCF's George O'Leary said they were retiring earlier in the year though their retirements were effective immediately. Minnesota's Jerry Kill retired immediately last week because of health reasons.
For more Virginia Tech news, visit HokieHaven.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
