Frank Beamer to Retire: Latest Comments and Reaction

Longtime Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer is retiring at the end of the 2015 season.

Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports initially reported the news Sunday. ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach confirmed the report and said the Hokies would publicly announce the news at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET.  

Beamer commented on the decision in a release from HokieSports.com:

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I have always said that "I want what is best for Virginia Tech." Because of 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.

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. It's an emotional day for me and my family. I am so honored and humbled to have served as your head coach.

I will speak about my retirement at my regular press conference tomorrow, and after that, my sole and absolute focus will return to coaching these players as best as I can and encouraging our coaches and staff who I care for so deeply.

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Beamer, 69, has been at the helm of the Virginia Tech program since 1987. He was a three-year starting cornerback for the Hokies and graduated from the university in 1969.

He oversaw the glory days of quarterback Michael Vick and led Virginia Tech to No. 2 in the postseason Associated Press poll in 1999. Beamer has compiled a record of 235-120-2, including 4-5 this season, with 22 straight bowl appearances.

Babcock, the Hokies athletics director, commented on Beamer's decision, per the release:

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Coach Beamer contacted me earlier today with his decision to retire following this season. Coach will always remain one of the most beloved figures in college football history. He's a future Hall of Famer, an educator and a role model. His contributions to Virginia Tech and the game of football—both on and off of the field—are unquestionable and beyond measure.

[...] He coached the game the right way and no one coached it better, no one. You cannot "replace" Coach Beamer. What an amazing run it was over the past 29 years! He will be missed on the sideline, but he and Cheryl will always be part of the Virginia Tech family.

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Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports also weighed in on the situation:

Known for placing a premium on special teams and defense, the "Beamer Ball" approach the Hokies have deployed under their coach has produced game-changing plays in those phases of the game more often than most other marquee programs. It is a primary reason Beamer has remained consistent for so many years.

In 28 seasons at the helm entering this one, he won at least 10 games 13 times. He also hasn't posted a losing record since 1992.

Although the Hokies have hovered close to .500 in recent years, Virginia Tech is still attracting and developing premier talent. Notable former players to recently hit the NFL scene include Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor and 2014 first-round pick Kyle Fuller, a cornerback for the Chicago Bears.

The legacy Beamer has built and the lengthy tenure he's had with the Hokies are a testament to his football acumen and how well his players respond to him. Beamer's blend of football savvy and relentless recruiting has made him one of the biggest success stories in recent college football history.