Yea, VT was great before Beamer.

(05-10-2014 02:50 PM)Marge Schott Wrote:  Not great? They had 93 wins from 1993-2002, played in 3 "BCS" bowls - including a national championship game against FSU - and played in 4 other New Year's Day bowls while finishing top 25 in 9 of 10 seasons.

That's pretty great to me. Not "elite", but better than "good". Including Beamer's first several seasons while he had to build that program is incredibly misleading and biased.

I'm not interested in getting into a pissing contest over the definitions of "good" and "great". But I don't consider 12 years to be just his "first several seasons". And during that period, VT won 57% of its games. That's not intended to denigrate what he's accomplished. And as for bias, I don't have a dog in that fight, or any other.

But the point isn't what happened 25 years ago. It's what's happening now. And for the next few years, IMO VT is more likely to be a 7-8 win team than a 10 -11 win team. And, frankly, I'm not sure a new coach would make much of a difference.

Hard to have a discussion with someone who mentions records from over 25 years ago and then when I respond to that comment I'm told games from 25 years ago don't matter.

(05-10-2014 04:12 PM)Kaplony Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 02:50 PM)Marge Schott Wrote:  Not great? They had 93 wins from 1993-2002, played in 3 "BCS" bowls - including a national championship game against FSU - and played in 4 other New Year's Day bowls while finishing top 25 in 9 of 10 seasons.

That's pretty great to me. Not "elite", but better than "good". Including Beamer's first several seasons while he had to build that program is incredibly misleading and biased.

You are aware Beamer took over a program that won 9 games the year before and won the Peach Bowl right? A program that hadn't had a losing season in the 7 years prior to Beamer being hired?

Bill Dooley won a lot of games at Va Tech but let's not confuse that with greatness.

First of all, the schedule was MUCH easier back in those days. VT played Richmond (FCS), VMI (FCS), William and Mary (FCS) as well as Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Wake Forest and Duke - and in those days, those teams were REALLY bad.

Dooley's final season at VT was by far his best - the Hokies beat Clemson on the road that year. However, that team lost to Cincinnati in the opener at home and came away with a tie vs. S Carolina in the Hokies' homecoming game (I was there to see Sterling Sharpe return the KO for the TD that tied the game). They also lost to Temple.

Here are those 9 wins in 1986 - the year before Frank Beamer took over:

1986 9-2-1
Date Team, Score
9/06/1986 Cincinnati, L 20-24
9/13/1986 @ Clemson, W 20-14
9/20/1986 @ Syracuse, W 26-17
9/27/1986 E Tennessee St, W 37-10
10/04/1986 West Virginia, W 13-7
10/11/1986 South Carolina, T 27-27
10/18/1986 Temple, L 13-29 @ Norfolk, VA
10/25/1986 Virginia, W 42-10
11/01/1986 Kentucky, W 17-15
11/08/1986 @ Richmond, W 17-10
11/15/1986 Vanderbilt, W 29-21
12/31/1986 N C State, W 25-24 (Peach Bowl)

(05-10-2014 04:23 PM)Marge Schott Wrote:  Yea, VT was great before Beamer.

Never said that was the case. But they won a lot more in the years prior to than they lost the first few years under Beamer with essentially the same schedule, up until the point they joined the Big East.

(05-10-2014 12:15 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 07:11 AM)ACCslater Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 09:06 PM)PhiladelphiaVT Wrote:  Beamer's contract extension ends after the 2016 season at which time he will be 70-years-old. His contract extension has a stipulation that he (Beamer) will be a special assistant to the Athletic Director for eight years after he retires as head coach.

I don't see Beamer retiring before the end of his contract as I'm sure he wants to coach VT vs Tennessee at Bristol in 2015 before 150,000 fans as well as coach VT against Notre Dame (in 2016 I believe). To my knowledge, Beamer has not indicated any desire to stop coaching after 2016.

Personally I hope he retires at the end of his contract in 2016. I have the highest respect for the man as I'm sure most Hokies do, but I want to see him exit while he's still on top with all the gratitude and honor due him.

Names mentioned as possible replacements include Bud Foster, Shane Beamer, and Torrian Gray. Foster seems to be the favorite of Tech fans but I'm not sure he wants to be a head coach. I suspect our new AD (Whit Babcock) will go nationwide in search of a new football coach just as he did when he hired Buzz Williams from Marquette as our new head BB coach.

Bud Foster with the addition of a new dynamic OC seems like a good idea.

I'd want a run-oriented guy. I've heard the Chad Morris rumors, but he's too pass-happy for my taste. Maybe a Gus Malzahn disciple, or even a Barry Alvarez disciple would be ok w/ me. No triple-option, please!

In two years Rhett Lashlee may be ready to make the jump up. He's been Malzahn's right hand man and offensive play caller since High School. He's low key, but with a warm personality, and doesn't say much, which is nice, but he knows the Malzahn system backwards and forwards. I've met the guy and think he's going to be a first class face of a program in the future.

(05-10-2014 04:12 PM)Kaplony Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 02:50 PM)Marge Schott Wrote:  Not great? They had 93 wins from 1993-2002, played in 3 "BCS" bowls - including a national championship game against FSU - and played in 4 other New Year's Day bowls while finishing top 25 in 9 of 10 seasons.

That's pretty great to me. Not "elite", but better than "good". Including Beamer's first several seasons while he had to build that program is incredibly misleading and biased.

You are aware Beamer took over a program that won 9 games the year before and won the Peach Bowl right? A program that hadn't had a losing season in the 7 years prior to Beamer being hired?

He also took over a program that was put on probation after he got the job.

(05-10-2014 10:54 PM)4x4hokies Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 04:12 PM)Kaplony Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 02:50 PM)Marge Schott Wrote:  Not great? They had 93 wins from 1993-2002, played in 3 "BCS" bowls - including a national championship game against FSU - and played in 4 other New Year's Day bowls while finishing top 25 in 9 of 10 seasons.

That's pretty great to me. Not "elite", but better than "good". Including Beamer's first several seasons while he had to build that program is incredibly misleading and biased.

You are aware Beamer took over a program that won 9 games the year before and won the Peach Bowl right? A program that hadn't had a losing season in the 7 years prior to Beamer being hired?

He also took over a program that was put on probation after he got the job.

So that explains going 2-9 coming off a 9-2-1 season with essentially the same schedule?

(05-10-2014 11:05 PM)Kaplony Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 10:54 PM)4x4hokies Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 04:12 PM)Kaplony Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 02:50 PM)Marge Schott Wrote:  Not great? They had 93 wins from 1993-2002, played in 3 "BCS" bowls - including a national championship game against FSU - and played in 4 other New Year's Day bowls while finishing top 25 in 9 of 10 seasons.

That's pretty great to me. Not "elite", but better than "good". Including Beamer's first several seasons while he had to build that program is incredibly misleading and biased.

You are aware Beamer took over a program that won 9 games the year before and won the Peach Bowl right? A program that hadn't had a losing season in the 7 years prior to Beamer being hired?

He also took over a program that was put on probation after he got the job.

So that explains going 2-9 coming off a 9-2-1 season with essentially the same schedule?

Well, when you go from 125 scholarship players to 80. Yes, that does explain it.

(05-10-2014 10:49 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 12:15 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 07:11 AM)ACCslater Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 09:06 PM)PhiladelphiaVT Wrote:  Beamer's contract extension ends after the 2016 season at which time he will be 70-years-old. His contract extension has a stipulation that he (Beamer) will be a special assistant to the Athletic Director for eight years after he retires as head coach.

I don't see Beamer retiring before the end of his contract as I'm sure he wants to coach VT vs Tennessee at Bristol in 2015 before 150,000 fans as well as coach VT against Notre Dame (in 2016 I believe). To my knowledge, Beamer has not indicated any desire to stop coaching after 2016.

Personally I hope he retires at the end of his contract in 2016. I have the highest respect for the man as I'm sure most Hokies do, but I want to see him exit while he's still on top with all the gratitude and honor due him.

Names mentioned as possible replacements include Bud Foster, Shane Beamer, and Torrian Gray. Foster seems to be the favorite of Tech fans but I'm not sure he wants to be a head coach. I suspect our new AD (Whit Babcock) will go nationwide in search of a new football coach just as he did when he hired Buzz Williams from Marquette as our new head BB coach.

Bud Foster with the addition of a new dynamic OC seems like a good idea.

I'd want a run-oriented guy. I've heard the Chad Morris rumors, but he's too pass-happy for my taste. Maybe a Gus Malzahn disciple, or even a Barry Alvarez disciple would be ok w/ me. No triple-option, please!

In two years Rhett Lashlee may be ready to make the jump up. He's been Malzahn's right hand man and offensive play caller since High School. He's low key, but with a warm personality, and doesn't say much, which is nice, but he knows the Malzahn system backwards and forwards. I've met the guy and think he's going to be a first class face of a program in the future.

Besides, who doesn't want a coach whose offense can name its score?

Beamer's football mind is still good, however, at 70 years old the body is unable to handle all the long hours required of a head college football coach. Beamer needs to realize it is time to retire and enjoy life and to smell the roses.

I doubt very much that Beamer's "mind" is as sharp as it once was, even if he knows things now that he didn't before. There comes a point where it's increasingly harder to understand, adapt to and implement new strategies, techniques and systems when you've been doing something for so long like Beamer. And to do that requires more hours, like you mention.

(05-11-2014 10:51 AM)Marge Schott Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 10:49 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 12:15 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 07:11 AM)ACCslater Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 09:06 PM)PhiladelphiaVT Wrote:  Beamer's contract extension ends after the 2016 season at which time he will be 70-years-old. His contract extension has a stipulation that he (Beamer) will be a special assistant to the Athletic Director for eight years after he retires as head coach.

I don't see Beamer retiring before the end of his contract as I'm sure he wants to coach VT vs Tennessee at Bristol in 2015 before 150,000 fans as well as coach VT against Notre Dame (in 2016 I believe). To my knowledge, Beamer has not indicated any desire to stop coaching after 2016.

Personally I hope he retires at the end of his contract in 2016. I have the highest respect for the man as I'm sure most Hokies do, but I want to see him exit while he's still on top with all the gratitude and honor due him.

Names mentioned as possible replacements include Bud Foster, Shane Beamer, and Torrian Gray. Foster seems to be the favorite of Tech fans but I'm not sure he wants to be a head coach. I suspect our new AD (Whit Babcock) will go nationwide in search of a new football coach just as he did when he hired Buzz Williams from Marquette as our new head BB coach.

Bud Foster with the addition of a new dynamic OC seems like a good idea.

I'd want a run-oriented guy. I've heard the Chad Morris rumors, but he's too pass-happy for my taste. Maybe a Gus Malzahn disciple, or even a Barry Alvarez disciple would be ok w/ me. No triple-option, please!

In two years Rhett Lashlee may be ready to make the jump up. He's been Malzahn's right hand man and offensive play caller since High School. He's low key, but with a warm personality, and doesn't say much, which is nice, but he knows the Malzahn system backwards and forwards. I've met the guy and think he's going to be a first class face of a program in the future.

Besides, who doesn't want a coach whose offense can name its score?

+1. Except that apparently it can't.

(05-11-2014 03:06 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 10:51 AM)Marge Schott Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 10:49 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 12:15 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 07:11 AM)ACCslater Wrote:  Bud Foster with the addition of a new dynamic OC seems like a good idea.

I'd want a run-oriented guy. I've heard the Chad Morris rumors, but he's too pass-happy for my taste. Maybe a Gus Malzahn disciple, or even a Barry Alvarez disciple would be ok w/ me. No triple-option, please!

In two years Rhett Lashlee may be ready to make the jump up. He's been Malzahn's right hand man and offensive play caller since High School. He's low key, but with a warm personality, and doesn't say much, which is nice, but he knows the Malzahn system backwards and forwards. I've met the guy and think he's going to be a first class face of a program in the future.

Besides, who doesn't want a coach whose offense can name its score?

+1. Except that apparently it can't.

I think we did alright for a rebuilding year, no apparent defense, and a first year coach. With those deficits we were still 14 seconds away from another crystal football while playing a much more talented team.

(05-11-2014 03:34 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 03:06 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 10:51 AM)Marge Schott Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 10:49 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 12:15 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  I'd want a run-oriented guy. I've heard the Chad Morris rumors, but he's too pass-happy for my taste. Maybe a Gus Malzahn disciple, or even a Barry Alvarez disciple would be ok w/ me. No triple-option, please!

In two years Rhett Lashlee may be ready to make the jump up. He's been Malzahn's right hand man and offensive play caller since High School. He's low key, but with a warm personality, and doesn't say much, which is nice, but he knows the Malzahn system backwards and forwards. I've met the guy and think he's going to be a first class face of a program in the future.

Besides, who doesn't want a coach whose offense can name its score?

+1. Except that apparently it can't.

I think we did alright for a rebuilding year, no apparent defense, and a first year coach. With those deficits we were still 14 seconds away from another crystal football while playing a much more talented team.

VT does not listen to experts from other schools, its always been us against the world, and VT does have some promising athletics coming in play. VT has a nice schedule; to make the last run for Frank.

the mystery about Frank and Va Tech, to outsiders, reflect how much you all really don't understand the culture of VT. The alumni base since 1869 has been extremely loyal to the place we graduated with. They still are. They are very loyal to their own, especially one that comes back 'home' to coach a successful program. VT president is a VT alumni -architect as well as Frank. Both graduated in 1969l Frank will do whats good for VT; I really expect his last season will be 2016 which will be an exciting season VT will be playing in the largest venue ever for a college football game in Bristol. (he's been there so many times with NASCAR events and truly loves the venue). his last away game will be to visit Notre Dame at their last home game,- which I heard from ND alum is very special.

I don't know if you all know VT has a new Athletic Director, 41 years old, well respected from cincinattil He got a great hire in Buzz Williams and Im sure he will do the same. Right now is go is to raise VT athletic budget from 69 million dollar program to 80 million. he's revitalized football excitement and their is report VT will sell out all their games within a couple of weeks- thats the earliest ever.

I guarantee you one thing, VT will treat Frank with the utmost respect and class, and even if the seasons may not be too successful, VT WILL allow Frank leave on his terms. He's one of the family;… and if anyone outside don't appreciate that, you don't understand why VT is so special for so many.

(05-11-2014 05:06 PM)Fburghokie Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 03:34 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 03:06 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 10:51 AM)Marge Schott Wrote:  

(05-10-2014 10:49 PM)JRsec Wrote:  In two years Rhett Lashlee may be ready to make the jump up. He's been Malzahn's right hand man and offensive play caller since High School. He's low key, but with a warm personality, and doesn't say much, which is nice, but he knows the Malzahn system backwards and forwards. I've met the guy and think he's going to be a first class face of a program in the future.

Besides, who doesn't want a coach whose offense can name its score?

+1. Except that apparently it can't.

I think we did alright for a rebuilding year, no apparent defense, and a first year coach. With those deficits we were still 14 seconds away from another crystal football while playing a much more talented team.

VT does not listen to experts from other schools, its always been us against the world, and VT does have some promising athletics coming in play. VT has a nice schedule; to make the last run for Frank.

the mystery about Frank and Va Tech, to outsiders, reflect how much you all really don't understand the culture of VT. The alumni base since 1869 has been extremely loyal to the place we graduated with. They still are. They are very loyal to their own, especially one that comes back 'home' to coach a successful program. VT president is a VT alumni -architect as well as Frank. Both graduated in 1969l Frank will do whats good for VT; I really expect his last season will be 2016 which will be an exciting season VT will be playing in the largest venue ever for a college football game in Bristol. (he's been there so many times with NASCAR events and truly loves the venue). his last away game will be to visit Notre Dame at their last home game,- which I heard from ND alum is very special.

I don't know if you all know VT has a new Athletic Director, 41 years old, well respected from cincinattil He got a great hire in Buzz Williams and Im sure he will do the same. Right now is go is to raise VT athletic budget from 69 million dollar program to 80 million. he's revitalized football excitement and their is report VT will sell out all their games within a couple of weeks- thats the earliest ever.

I guarantee you one thing, VT will treat Frank with the utmost respect and class, and even if the seasons may not be too successful, VT WILL allow Frank leave on his terms. He's one of the family;… and if anyone outside don't appreciate that, you don't understand why VT is so special for so many.

That's true and a half.

(05-11-2014 05:29 PM)nzmorange Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 05:06 PM)Fburghokie Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 03:34 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 03:06 PM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(05-11-2014 10:51 AM)Marge Schott Wrote:  Besides, who doesn't want a coach whose offense can name its score?

+1. Except that apparently it can't.

I think we did alright for a rebuilding year, no apparent defense, and a first year coach. With those deficits we were still 14 seconds away from another crystal football while playing a much more talented team.

VT does not listen to experts from other schools, its always been us against the world, and VT does have some promising athletics coming in play. VT has a nice schedule; to make the last run for Frank.

the mystery about Frank and Va Tech, to outsiders, reflect how much you all really don't understand the culture of VT. The alumni base since 1869 has been extremely loyal to the place we graduated with. They still are. They are very loyal to their own, especially one that comes back 'home' to coach a successful program. VT president is a VT alumni -architect as well as Frank. Both graduated in 1969l Frank will do whats good for VT; I really expect his last season will be 2016 which will be an exciting season VT will be playing in the largest venue ever for a college football game in Bristol. (he's been there so many times with NASCAR events and truly loves the venue). his last away game will be to visit Notre Dame at their last home game,- which I heard from ND alum is very special.

I don't know if you all know VT has a new Athletic Director, 41 years old, well respected from cincinattil He got a great hire in Buzz Williams and Im sure he will do the same. Right now is go is to raise VT athletic budget from 69 million dollar program to 80 million. he's revitalized football excitement and their is report VT will sell out all their games within a couple of weeks- thats the earliest ever.

I guarantee you one thing, VT will treat Frank with the utmost respect and class, and even if the seasons may not be too successful, VT WILL allow Frank leave on his terms. He's one of the family;… and if anyone outside don't appreciate that, you don't understand why VT is so special for so many.

That's true and a half.

I have little doubt that VT will allow Beamer to step down when he wants to. That is the very reason why I think he should consider stepping down sooner than that, for the good of VT. Many good programs have been hurt by coaches hanging on just a little too long.

Let me tell you, letting a past-his-prime legend stay waaaaaay past a point in which he is effective is just the worst.

FSU calls 2001-09 the lost decade for a reason.

It's been six months since this was posted. Has the passage of time changed anybody's mind about what Beamer should do?

(11-22-2014 05:21 PM)ken d Wrote:  It's been six months since this was posted. Has the passage of time changed anybody's mind about what Beamer should do?

Sadly a loss to Virginia next week might make the situation even more difficult. If the Hokies were bowl eligible then a bowl effort and victory would be a kind of high note upon which he could retire with dignity. If they lose to Virginia and fail to make a bowl then the only hope he has to retire with the kind of finish he might like would be to return and redeem himself next season. At this point I would have little confidence that next season would be any different than this one. In fact with Pitt and Boston College showing improvement and Cutcliffe doing a fine job at Duke, and with an improving Miami, the prospects for a break even year would be bleak. And while they may not play all of those schools the point is when the bottom is strengthening and the other programs are either good are static, then the likelihood of success against conference opponents diminishes. They play Ohio State, Purdue, Furman and East Carolina out of conference. I don't think the beat the Buckeyes again next year. If they split the Purdue & East Carolina games and beat Furman then they need to win 4 conference games to go 6 -6. It won't be easy with a coach that recruits no longer believe will be there for their entire 4 years.