When Having a "Good Season" Is No Longer Good Enough

One of the reasons that millions of people worldwide choose to follow sports passionately instead of politics is because they can relate to the individuals within.  The bond between the fan and the player develops and lasts for the duration of his or her career; sometimes even after. 

There is a reason grown men had tears in their eyes when the likes of Michael Jordan, Joe Montana, and Wayne Gretzky retired.  Through these players, fans live vicariously.  Certain individuals and their personalities become like your own family. 

Growing up in Washington DC, I know for a fact that millions of people viewed Joe Gibbs with a perspective that was more than just an NFL Coach.  He was a part of our community. We enjoy the successes of those we follow as if they were our own. 

However, it hurts to see a player or a coach hang on too long.  It hurts to watch them go from being invincible back down to mortal status.  It hurts to see them joked about on sports radio networks all across the nation.  Their passion and their fire is still there but they have failed to come to grips with the fact that their prime has long passed them by.

Two college coaches come to mind.  Most would say Joe Paterno right off the bat, especially given some of the off the field events that have transpired over the past two years.  But this isn’t about JoePa. 

It’s about the face of a University who began as a defensive back and went on to be the coach who put the school on the National Map forever; Frank Beamer. 

Anyone who’s been on the campus of Virginia Tech knows the legend that is Frank Beamer.  Over the past 21 years, he has transformed Virginia Tech football into a perennial Top 10 team who is always in the discussion for the National Title. 

He’s won three Big East Championships (1995, 1996, and 1999) and two ACC Championships (2004 and 2007) while boasting a 164-85 record.  No one can take away from all that Beamer has given to Virginia Tech.

But there comes a time where you have to put emotions aside and look at things in black and white. 

The fact of the matter is, all indications point to the direction that Beamer has taken the Hokies as far as he can.  The evidence is in the past five seasons. 

Virginia Tech has lost four of its past five bowl games despite winning the ACC twice and being a runner up once.  They have blown chances at making a legitimate National Title run by late season collapses, as recent as last year’s last minute collapse to Boston College in Blacksburg. 

While making it to bowl games had become the norm, the recent trend has been blowing leads in the fourth quarter, losing composure, lack of discipline, and overall underachieving.    

The football program is at a critical juncture.  It has gotten to the point where winning a conference title is no longer enough; where making it to a bowl game is not enough. 

With the talented recruits and the increased scrutiny that comes with a nationwide fan base, Virginia Tech needs to take the next step and give the USC’s, the Ohio State’s and the Florida’s a run for their money.  The Hokies cannot afford to go through another three or four seasons with performances the national contenders would consider sub-par. 

There is a fact of life that applies to all industries, including the sports world:  With the comfort of job security often comes complacency. 

Think about where you work.  If you knew that what you were doing was enough to get by, you would have no incentive to push yourself to new limits.  Self motivation is often spurred by exterior means, whether that be your boss or thousands of Hokie fans demanding more than just a winning season.

Now don’t get me wrong.  I’m not saying expel Frank Beamer from the Hokie community or anything brash like that.  We owe him a lot and are thankful for everything he has done. 

However, there is a perfect scenario that could play out that would keep everyone happy.  Move Frank Beamer to Athletic Director, a job that would allow him to manage the program.  Promote defensive coordinator Bud Foster, a highly sought after assistant, to head coach. 

Foster brings the fire and intensity that this program desperately needs.  Foster is the kind of guy who will grab you by the face-mask and put you in place whether you’re a five star recruit or a walk on.  His no nonsense approach will bring back the discipline that the Hokies of recent years have lacked. 

There is no candidate that would be better suited or better equipped to step in and fill Beamer’s shoes.  After all, who better to succeed the legend than the guy who’s worked alongside him for years?

Any time there is a coaching change, a huge risk factor is involved.  But after watching the Hokies underachieve the past five years, it is a risk that is warranted. 

Virginia Tech can either wade in the waters of “Pretty good program,” or they can roll the dice to try to become a real contender instantly.  The decision ultimately is Frank Beamer’s.  He’s made superb choices his entire tenure with Virginia Tech that have always benefited the program and those who care deeply about it. 

I can say with certainty, his next big decision will be no different.