Having just recently watched the mini-documentary on the ACC network about Frank Beamer, I convinced that somewhere
out there there has to be a clone of Frank Beamer. Beamer played 3 years at cornerback for VT, after graduating he had
assistant coaching stints at Maryland and the Citadel under Coach Bobby Ross. He later became the defensive coordinator
at Murray State under Head Coach, Mike Gottfried. In 1986 he was hired as VT's Head Coach, replacing Bill Dooley who
was forced to resign due to numerous NCAA violations The NCAA limited VT's scholarships to 85 total in 1988, 1989 and
17 in 1989. The loss of those scholarships hampered the won-loss for VT in 1987 and 1988, his first 6 seasons, Beamer's
record was; 24-40-2, in 1992 the team's record was; 2-8-1. Current VT AD at that time, Dave Braine saw something good
in Frank Beamer and decided he needed more time, which turned out to be a wise decision on his part, as VT would not
suffer another losing season under Beamer.
I say all this hoping and praying that the next Head Coaching hire is a great hire and one that will have a long term
effect in the longevity of the football program. I have never been a fan of Frank Beamer, but in reality one has to realize
what he has meant to that football program at VT. He had support of not only the VT fans, but he also had the support
of the faculty, the town of Blacksburg and many businesses big and small which was very reminiscent of a former
coach at GT in the 50's and 60's.
Maybe CBK is our guy, maybe not, but let's hope and pray whoever our next AD is that he/she makes the best hire
for our football program!!!
THWG!!!!