A day after Virginia Tech announced that Frank Beamer would retire at the conclusion of this season, the long-time Hokies head coach addressed reporters for the first time.
Beamer is in his 29th season as head coach and has the most wins (234) of any active coaches. The program won at least 10 games in eight straight seasons from 2004-2011, but hasn’t won more than eight games in a season since. The Hokies, now 4-5 after beating Boston College over the weekend, have been inconsistent so far this season. With fans unsure about the future of the program and a losing season looking like a strong possibility (which would snap a streak of 23 straight bowl appearances) this year, Beamer said he knew this was the right time to step aside.
“I’ve always said I think I’ll know when it’s time. And I think it’s time. It’s right,” Beamer said. “There’s been some difference of opinions out there. The last thing I want is for Hokies to be divided. I want everybody to be in the same direction and I think it’s right in that regard. I think it’s the right time.”
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Beamer informed his team and coaching staff of his decision on Sunday morning before the news came out publicly. Beamer said that meeting was tough.
“The tough part about retiring is you’re leaving the people you love the most and mean the most to you,” Beamer said. “That wasn’t an easy time. I appreciate them. Several of the players came down to my office afterwards. Good group of guys.”
Beamer said he originally planned to announce his retirement after the season, but ultimately decided it was “the right thing” to do it before the end of the season.
“I always want to be honest with people. And if I know something, I’m not very good at keeping it a secret and I don’t want to (keep it a secret),” Beamer said. “I feel that my players and coaches deserve to know what’s going on, and to me, it was the right thing to do right now.”
Beamer arrived at Virginia Tech in 1987 and has led the Hokies to three ACC titles and three Big East championships. His best season came in 1999 when the Michael Vick-led Hokies lost to Florida State in the Sugar Bowl, which was the national title game that season.
When asked about his impact on Virginia Tech athletics and the surrounding community, Beamer downplayed it, pointing to the help he received from those around him.
“You don’t do that unless you’ve got people around you. The presidents, the athletic directors and the coaches that have been through here – everybody’s been a part of that,” Beamer said. “I feel fortunate I’ve been allowed to lead this program, but there’s a lot of other people involved. You don’t do it by yourself. I learned that a long time ago. I’m glad to have all of those people with me.”
But for now, Beamer who said he hopes he’s remembered as someone who was “honest, caring and respectful,” wants to focus his attention on the final three games of the year.
“I look forward to getting back out there,” Beamer said. “I love this football team. Best group of players I think we’ve ever had as a group. Great leadership."
For more Virginia Tech news, visit HokieHaven.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!