Frank Beamer: It's Time But Thank You From Hokie Nation

The Virginia Tech Hokies suffered a disappointing loss to Miami to fall to 3-4 in what has become another disappointing season for the Hokies with many believing that Virginia Tech could win the ACC Coastal and possibly the whole ACC this year. With the disappointing talk, there has been a lot of talk about the future of Frank Beamer with most believing that this should be the end for the Beamer era. Frank Beamer, you've probably heard this a lot from many people, but it's time for you to retire. You're going to go down as a legend and should go into the College Football Hall of Fame as soon as you are eligible, but all coaches reach a point where they no longer that edge and sadly, it seems like that you've reached that point. However, for all of Hokie Nation, thank you for what you've done for Virginia Tech. As someone that is only a 19-year old sophomore at Virginia Tech that grew up rooting for Virginia Tech despite not having any family that went to VT and not going to a game at Lane Stadium till my freshman year, I don't have the depth of knowledge about Virginia Tech history that most reading this do so I apologize for some of the mistakes I make in advance. Coach, you helped Virginia Tech become national brand that everyone across the country knows plenty about. You led Virginia Tech football on an impressive 22-straight bowls during a time when even programs like Michigan and Texas have missed bowl games only because they just weren't good enough. You were the one that led the Hokies to the closest its ever been to winning a national championship in the 1999 Sugar Bowl. You were the one that led the Hokies to 3 Big East Championships in five seasons and made the Hokies a formidable rival for Miami nationally. You were the one that led the Hokies to eight-straight 10+ win seasons in the program's first eight years in the ACC that included four ACC Championship Game victories, and six ACC Coastal titles. You led the Hokies to 16 appearances in the final top 25s of both the AP and USA Today Coaches polls. The tremendous success you have had has raised all our expectations, and your success is the reason why we've been so frustrated. You're the one that gave us the success that makes us frustrated when we only win 7 or 8 games, which is a statement about how well your program has done. You were the one that helped put so many players in the NFL including some future stars, especially on the defensive side of the ball. You set the standard for special teams that many other coaches have followed including Urban Meyer. Even when you could have left the university, you stayed loyal to Virginia Tech, and have been here for an impressive 29 seasons. When tragedy came, you stepped up and became a leader for the university and not just the head coach of the football team. You have run your program with dignity and integrity focusing on helping your players become great men in society. You have done things the right way and have left a legacy at Virginia Tech that head coaches hope to leave at the programs they are at. You helped raise the profile of Virginia Tech from a college in Southwest Virginia to a university that people have heard of across the country. I personally chose to go to Virginia Tech for many reasons, but might not have if it wasn't for you turning Virginia Tech into a powerhouse that I rooted for growing up even though none of my family went to VT. Coach, thank you for what you've done for Virginia Tech. Your legacy will last, not the memories of a few disappointing seasons. Sincerely, Hokie Nation To Hokie fans, I know you're frustrated with the last four seasons, but I hope this added some perspective.