Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer announced Sunday that he will retire at the end of the 2015 season, according to Robby Kalland of CBS Sports.
Beamer has been with the Hokies for 29 years and has a record of 235-120-2 since 1987. Beamer's 277 career wins is the most of any active head coach, and he is currently sixth all-time in wins in the FBS. The Hokies head coach has led Virginia Tech to seven conference championships, including three in the Big East and four in the ACC. Beamer led the Hokies to Sugar Bowl victory in 1995, and an Orange Bowl victory in 2008, posting 10 wins in both seasons.
"I have always said that 'I want what is best for Virginia Tech.' Because 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 Dr. Timothy Sands and Whit Babcock of my decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2015 season," said Beamer in a statement Sunday, via CBS Sports. "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."
Beamer was national coach of the year in 1999, and was coach of the year twice in the ACC and three times in the Big East. The Hokies had a big win on Saturday against Boston College 26-10, and the players will likely be motivated to get to a bowl game for Beamer's last season.
The Hokies have had a tough season, losing their starting quarterback Michael Brewer week one against Ohio State with a broken collarbone. Brewer has since returned, and the Hokies will look to finish the season strong for Beamer.
Virginia Tech has Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Virginia left on their schedule, and Beamer will look to have his team prepared in the last three regular season games. If the Hokies can win all three games finishing the season 7-5, the team will surely be in a bowl game, and it would only be fitting for Beamer to go out that way.
Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has already been mentioned as a replacement for Beamer, but the university will probably take its time before it announces who will coach the 2016 Hokies.
