The Unforgettable Legend of Frank Beamer

By Gretchen Kernbach on December 2, 2015

Virginia Tech’s football coach since 1987, Frank Beamer, declared his retirement towards the end of the 2015 season.

Beamer experienced his last ever regular season game with the Hokies, on November 28, that ended in a 23-20 win against rival UVA. This marked Beamer’s twelfth straight win against the Cavaliers and through all 29 years of his career, he finished 20-9 against them. This Commonwealth Cup clutch sent the Hokies bowl-bound to salute Beamer with one last game.

Before his journey at VT, Beamer coached from 1981-1986 at Murray State University. The unforgettable legend of Frank Beamer starts all the way back in 1987, when he turned around a 2-9 record into a 6-4 team within just two years of coaching. It wasn’t until 1993 until Beamer made his first bowl appearance, which ended in a 45-20 win against Indiana. From then on, VT never missed a bowl. Beamer finished with a 10-12 record regarding his bowl appearances.

1995 proved to be Beamer’s first big year, thus starting his football phenomenon. The team finished the season with a 10-2 record, earning them a spot in the Sugar Bowl; VT defeated Texas 28-10. The Hokies placed 10th in the final AP poll. An impressive record like so landed Beamer the Big East Coach of the Year award. The following year Beamer earned it again with a 10-2 record and a trip to the Orange Bowl.

The Hokies fell off the map for the next two years. However, when 1999 hit, Beamer was in the limelight. An 11-1 record with star quarterback Michael Vick gave the Hokies the fame they deserved. Yet the perfect record ended in a loss in the National Championship. However, the Hokie’s season did not go unrecognized.

Freshman Vick earned an ESPY as well as a list of other renowned awards and nominations. Beamer took home numerous recognitions as well. A total of six awards were given to the coach. He was bestowed with the AFCA Coach of the Year Award, the AP Coach of the Year Award, the Big East Coach of the Year, the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award, and the Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award.

Beamer and Vick addressing the media at a Hokies’ preseason camp.
Image via thekeyplay.com

The next season, the Hokies came out strong again with a final 11-1 record and a win in the Gator Bowl. Upon the departure of Vick, Beamer proved that his team was still as talented without him. He finished the 2001 season 8-4 and the 2002 season 10-4.

In the 2004 and 2005 seasons, Beamer earned the ACC Coach of the Year award. Both seasons he led the Hokies into a top 10 poll finish. For the majority of his career (since 1992), the Hokies have enjoyed winning overall records each and every season. As of now, our 2015 team holds a 6-6 record.

Beamer’s career wins totaled up to 237, makes him the winningest active coach in the NCAA Division 1 FBS. Overall, Beamer finds himself the 6th winningest coach in history. Upon Beamer’s football exit, he will still remain on staff at Virginia Tech. He will fill the position of special assistant to the University Athletic Director.

With the end of an era, a new one begins. VT welcomes Coach Justin Fuente from the University of Memphis as the new head coach following the retirement of Frank Beamer.

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