Virginia Tech announces offensive staff overhaul; Loeffler, Grimes, Moorehead join Hokies
The biggest Virginia Tech football staff upheaval since 2006 is complete.
The Hokies announced Friday the additions of offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler, offensive line coach Jeff Grimes and wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead. All three officially begin Jan. 25, when they’ll be formally introduced at a press conference.
Bryan Stinespring, Virginia Tech’s offensive coordinator since 2002, will no longer have that role. He’ll coach tight ends in the new setup and takes on the title of recruiting coordinator.
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The new hires replace three coaches who were brought on during Frank Beamer’s last staff major overhaul seven years ago — quarterbacks coach/play-caller Mike O’Cain, offensive line coach Curt Newsome and wide receivers coach Kevin Sherman.
The moves come 21 days after Virginia Tech’s 13-10 Russell Athletic Bowl win against Rutgers, an offensively inept showing that crystallized a need for changes after the Hokies’ worst season in 20 years.
Virginia Tech’s offense, which set records in 2011, producing the school’s single-season leader in rushing (David Wilson) and total offense (Logan Thomas), took enormous steps back in 2012. The Hokies finished 81st nationally in both total offense (376.7 ypg) and scoring (25.08 ppg), barely qualifying for a bowl game after finishing the regular season with a 6-6 record.
Beamer, who initially targeted Stanford’s Pep Hamilton, a hot commodity who reportedly accepted the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive coordinator job Friday, hopes the new hires can set a different course.
Loeffler, 38, is a former Auburn and Temple offensive coordinator who previously worked as a quarterbacks coach at Michigan, Florida and with the Detroit Lions. He’s tutored future NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady, Chad Henne and Tim Tebow in his career and should employ a pro-style scheme.
He interviewed in Blacksburg for a second time Monday, one day before Thomas announced that he would return for his senior season at Virginia Tech.
Grimes, who worked with Loeffler at Auburn last year, interviewed Monday as well. The 44-year-old UTEP grad spent the previous four years with Auburn, including the national championship season in 2010. He previously worked at Colorado, BYU, Arizona State and Boise State.
Moorehead is the final piece of the puzzle. The 32-year-old, who has been an offensive assistant at Stanford the last three years, becomes the youngest member of the coaching staff.
The Colorado native played collegiately at Illinois and professionally for the Indianapolis Colts from 2003-07, winning a Super Bowl in 2006. He spent 2009 as a graduate assistant at New Mexico before joining Jim Harbaugh’s staff at Stanford.
The staff shakeup is the first since February of 2011, when Beamer brought his son, Shane, on as a running backs coach and former Hokies’ star defensive end Cornell Brown as a whip linebackers coach.
The change included moving long-time Beamer assistants Billy Hite and Jim Cavanaugh into administrative roles. O’Cain also took over play-calling duties, although Stinespring retained his offensive coordinator role.
Before that, the biggest shakeup was in 2006, when quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers (Minnesota Vikings), receivers coach Tony Ball (Georgia), defensive backs coach Lorenzo Ward (Oakland Raiders) and offensive line coach Danny Pearman (North Carolina) left for different jobs.
Virginia Tech replaced them with O’Cain (from broadcasting), Sherman (Wake Forest), Newsome (JMU) and Torrian Gray (Chicago Bears).
Three of those coaches were part of Friday’s changes. Sherman was officially announced as a member of Purdue’s coaching staff earlier in the day.
Newsome, according to multiple reports, is in line for a job at James Madison. O’Cain, meanwhile, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch late Thursday night that he was fired on Tuesday.
Virginia Tech didn’t specify in its release whether the coaches were fired, although the events of the last month suggest they were forced out.
Sherman, Newsome, O’Cain were working under letters of appointment at Virginia Tech through June 20, 2013. They would simply be paid through the end of the appointment if terminated without cause.
If a fired coach accepts a position at another school, Virginia Tech’s payments would be offset by those earned at the other university.
Loeffler, Grimes and Moorehead’s salaries at Virginia Tech were not finalized as of Friday.
Quick bios:
Scot Loeffler
– Age: 38
– Hometown: Barberton, Ohio
– Alma mater: Michigan
– Experience: Auburn OC (2012), Temple OC (2011), Florida QB (2009-10), Detroit Lions QB (2008), Michigan QB (2002-07), Central Michigan QB (2000-01), Michigan GA (1998-99), Michigan SA (1996-97)
– The skinny: The former Michigan quarterback has helped tutor six eventual NFL quarterbacks, including Tom Brady, Chad Henne and Tim Tebow. He ran a run-oriented offense successfully at Temple but struggled to transition Auburn from a spread to a pro-style last season.
– Fun fact: Remains close friends with Brady, who is only three years his junior.
Jeff Grimes
– Age: 44
– Hometown: Garland, Texas
– Alma mater: UTEP
– Experience: Auburn OL (2009-12), Colorado OL/Asst HC (2007-08), BYU OL (2004-06), Arizona State OL (2001-03), Boise State OL (2000), Hardin-Simmons OL (1998-99), Texas A&M GA (1996-97), Rice GA (1995)
– The skinny: His veteran group was an integral part of Auburn’s national championship season in 2010, although his lines the last two years were hamstrung by youth and injuries. He was a running game coordinator at both Colorado and Arizona State.
– Fun fact: He was replaced at Auburn by J.B. Grimes, a former coach for Beamer at Virginia Tech from 1993-97. The two are not related.
Aaron Moorehead
– Age: 32
– Hometown: Deerfield, Ill.
– Alma mater: Illinois
– Experience: Stanford Off. assistant (2010-12), New Mexico GA (2009)
– The skinny: After his college career with the Illini, Moorehead spent five years (2003-07) with the Indianapolis Colts, winning a Super Bowl in the 2006-07 season. He spent the last three years working with wide receivers on Jim Harbaugh’s staff at Stanford.
– Fun fact: His father, Emery, played in the NFL for 12 seasons, winning a Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears in the 1985 season. The Mooreheads are the only father-son combination to play in and win a Super Bowl.
January 18, 2013 - 4:10 PM
It was so obvious serious change was needed in Blacksburg, and hopefully the new coaching staff will bring some much needed insight and energy to the team.
We can only hope the coaches get started today and get the Hokies ready for our first game with ‘Bama! Go Hokies!!!!!!!
Thank you Frank for getting this done, even though it was a difficult task for you.
Great news.
Glad it’s finally official. I believe this group will get the offense going in the right direction.
Andy, Any progress to report relative to Drew Harris enrolling next week. If we lose him some heads should roll!!!!!
Love the coaching hires.
Bud Foster and Jeff Grimes have one thing in commong. They both sports goatee. I just hope that Grimes is as intense as Foster because the players need some butt-kicking coach to get them to be nasty!
I am truly excited about the possibilities and will be monitoring the reports everyday until the Spring Game!
Without marquee players such as David Wilson, Jarod Boykin, Danny Coale and Jaron Hosely, it won’t matter who they bring on staff, as we saw evidenced this season. They need better players, not just marginal players; you won’t win a National Championship or one day beat a top five team without high caliber players. Stop looking for these players in Tidewater and all of the other in-state locales and begin to broaden the recruiting scope. But don’t come to Georgia and try to get our players, they don’t want to play for Fancy Gap.
FINALLY!!! I know this was very hard for CFB, but was overdue. We know he cares for VT, but is very loyal to his staff. Now let’s see what we can do with great talent and good coaching.
GO HOKIES!!!!
Spring game should really be interesting this April……..GO HOKIIES!
Wannabe little bitty berry from NeverNeverLand consistently adds her inane commentary to this board…
It was past time for changes in the coaching staff, and hopefully it is not too late.
Good luck to these coaches.
Let’s go Hokies !!!
I can’t wait until ya’ll bring those new coaches down to Atlanta this season, the Jackets will give you a baptism by fire.
Trevor, could not agree more about Grimes. He has that Foster look. I just hope he has his intensity on the sideline-nobody else seems to. Also, Loffler`s offense seems fit for Harris. Maybe the paperwork will get unscrewed up by Monday.
BofI – don’t you worry. VT will have plenty of talent to handle GT.
Beamer is still the problem. He cannot let go of Bryan Stinespring? There must be shower pictures. The players will measure up to the skills that development and innovative coaching demands. Beamer has not got a clue as to how to staff, execute and control a Division 1 football program.
These changes treat the symptoms; not the disease. Beamer and Weaver are a disgrace to recruiting and the program. The have long outlived their abilities in Blacksburg.
Beamer’s ability to fill coaching positions mirrors that of recruiting. The best are not coming here until the top changes are made.
Barry is like a dumb duck dog, got one tennis ball, gonna chew it, day in day out, same ball, chew, chew, chew…
Welcome to the new coaches. Looking forward to them revamping the offense and bringing excitement back to that part of the game.
Barry needs to go to back to Storage Wars and crawl through garbage and used clothes
Ralph, I’m not sure what Loeffler’s offense make up is going to be. It seem like he’s a pro-style and then the next a spread guy. That’s one area of curiosity I have right now. Hopefully he will be able to answer some question about what his system will be. If it’s a spread offense, then it will signal big time change from Frank Beamer himself, but if it’s a pro-style offense, that would be par for the course.
A pro-style offense would suit the current squad far more because of the depth in running back, tight ends, and if Grimes can work his magic with the offensive line, I think this offense can go a long way in ripping other teams new butt-holes.
I can only hope.
Hey, Barry from Ivy, those coaches you are welcoming to Atlanta this season have achieved one thing that escapes GA Tech. A win over Georgia in recent memory! Ha, ha!
Barry VT is already getting players from GA. I’m sure you’ve heard of Facyson in the 2013 class since he had a GT offer. Ouch! He’ll be picking off some lame duck passes from whatever QB wannabe RB GT puts on the field
1oneshot – Beamer has no clue how to run a D1 program? I think you have no clue what you’re talking about. Perhaps he doesn’t have what it takes to win that national championship but you’re saying the man with 20 straight bowls, several conference championships, many 10 win seasons, the most wins of active D1 coaches, 23 current players in the NFL has NO CLUE how to run a D1 program? Yes, some of those are cupcake wins but your statement has less intelligence than a cupcake. That had to be one of the dumbest statements ever posted on this blog.
Don’t y’all fret about Barry from Ivy, he has apparently come out of hibernation way to soon. Barry grab a big bottle of your Koolade and get back in your hole! We Hokies will call you when we are ready to slap your little bees silly.
I think these changes are too late coming. Irreparable harm has been done to the program.
Where did 1oneshot come from? Beamer built the house and he is still a winner. I’m looking forward to the season. BFI what is Ga Techs record against the Hokies?
I agree Brad. I’m not sure we will ever fully recover. Next year should be ok but we’re not trending in the right direction once Logan leaves.
With Stinespring still on VT’s sinking ship, this means he will still be calling plays, Beamer is not going to let this go. So Hokie Nation, I hate to tell you but you are going to be riding the same old pony to nowhere as 2012. All of these staff changes (smoke and mirrors) will not amount to anything but for you people to talk and write about the Hokies winning another phantom national championship. But it is always good to dream.
OK, finally a change that could improve the offense. I’ll be happy to support the new coaches as they work to put VT back on the right path. The only downside is that Stinespring wasn’t given his walking papers after showing his inability to be an effective coordinator. Now the new coaches will have to deal with having the failed coordinator hanging around in a position to criticize their actions. Now the question — what happened to Shane Beamer as recruiting coordinator? I thought one of the reasons he was hired was because of his experience and prowess in recuiting. Or did he lose out in the move to make sure Stinespring got a soft landing?
Jerome Wright
He is listed as a in coming running back he has nice size 6’2″ and 220.We have Trey Edmond also about the same size ,sounds good!
#25-explain how we’re not trending in the right direction? Maybe if we lose some commits on signing day that would be a concern but as it stands now VT is looking to have one of its best incoming classes.
#21 and #24. Your rebuttal is based on the past, my thoughts are future looking. Beamer lost his edge about 4 years ago and has been in continual decline. If cupcake wins make you happy, then you will flourish with the future of VT football. I have given Beamer a lot of credit for his putting VT football on the map. (past tense) But something happened in B’burg, and I am not sure what is is; but I have seen nothing to change my opinion. This degradation did not start this past year.
In case you have not noticed the playing field around the country has become more competitive over the past few years and Beamer has not kept up in D1 strategy, recruiting, personnel, etc. It is painful to hear the TV commentators have started to make embarrassing excuses for my team. Only one person to blame, Beamer. He is lost and his expressions so often is displayed on national TV. He is often lost playing those cupcake teams.
If his coaching is so performance solid, why has the coaching vacancies around the nation not been knocking down his door. As good as Foster is he cannot land a job outside Blacksburg.
Save my post and read it from time-to-time over the next five years and prove me wrong again but do it from future performance? Stinespring will still be too involved and to be head of recruiting???? What is he going to sell? This all smells!
Good hires with some new swagger. Keeping Stiny was the right thing to do.Best recruiter on the staff to date but mainly because the the bar in that department was already low. These three are notably recruiting road warriors which was needed for VT. All coaches need to be able to recruit and coach. Perhaps this trio can do both.If so, the football recruiting area may become more than just regional.
Anything new offensively they bring was better than what was happening the past 2-3 years.Should of happened sooner.
Read Doughty’s Notebook column on Loeffler.
#27 JH, Shane was not given the Recruiting Coordinator title when he arrived two years ago. That was assigned to Jim Cavanaugh, who had been pushed aside to bring in Cornell Brown as a fresh young minority face to the staff (not a negative about CB, that was just the reason). I’ll agree with you in your assessment about Stinespring.
This seems to be the final shoe dropping in the (bordering on) bizarre method that Frank Beamer handled this staff change. Only in Blacksburg, only with Frank Beamer, is something this mundane made so needlessly complex and extended. The hires and fires made on Tuesday have finally been announced – at the ‘news dead time’ of late Friday afternoon. As though Frank fears stonewalling another question about his program, ha ha…
At least the change is ‘officially’ announced (Stinespring will NEVER be gone, until Frank isn’t around to protect him), and we can finally look to an optimistic change of new blood. If Frank actually allows the new hires to perform in their manner, without throwing his wet blanket over them, it will be interesting to see the changes.
I remain cautiously optimistic. I’m especially big on Jeff Grimes as proving the biggest improvement over his predecessor. Loeffler? My concern is how much Frank handcuffs him. I really, really, hope we just get to see what Loeffler wants. It might still be the Jerry Claiborne style, which history shows will be the case. But if so, at least my hope is that Loeffler doesn’t make the offense a buffet sampler with zero focus like the incompetent Stinespring. If he can just focuse on one primary ‘style of play’, instead of the dozen that Stinespring sampled foolishly, it will be fine.
Summation? This was a good start. It’s also probably the last staff changes Frank Beamer will ever make in his career, so thankfully that is over.
#30 oneshot, this will be funny. I haven’t seen you on here before, but be prepared to be labeled a heretic. Heck, you might be, I don’t know. Anyway, it seems you looked behind the curtain and discovered there was no Wizard in Oz. I might disagree with you and even argue with you in the future, but on Stinespring, we tend to agree. I suspect nothing nefarious, just that Stinespring somehow ingratiated himself (besides the obvious familial method) with Frank a long time ago, and remains the second son Frank always desired.
I found it very interesting that, in the midst of all the coaching interviews and shuffling, when Logan Thomas informed his coaches he was staying at VT, the three he found together were – Frank Shane, & Stinespring. How telling…
The question that will REALLY be stonewalled is Stinespring’s new salary going forward. That will be one Frank never manages to release info on, it will have to be obtained via freedom acts. Stinespring was set to receive approximately $375K in 2013 as Offensive Coordinator, which is not an outrageous sum for the title.
However, if he takes no pay cut because of his extremely diminished capacity as TE coach/recruiting coordinator, it will continue to prove the axiom about his relationship with Beamer. The other position coaches make more in the range of $200-250K annually. We’ll see how far above that Stinespring remains, and the non-answers as to why. That will take months to discover, or so Frank hopes, at least.
1Shot is right on the money, finally another intelligent post on this blog besides mine. Yes, Beamer looks lost out there because he is lost. He has done a lot for the program but sailed into the sunset about 8 years ago. The Hokie Nation continues to live in the past.
I’m curious of Stiney’s salary too. I have a request in. Should know something by next Tuesday (after the holiday) when the new contracts are finalized.
Honestly, I doubt Stiney’s salary changes. His new “recruiting coordinator” title will be enough to justify keeping it the same. Just a hunch.
If VT operates like most large businesses then Shane Beamer should be axed if Stinespring is going to be the recruiting guru. Do you think that will happen? What exactly does Shane Beamer do anyway? (besides peddle hot dogs and sodas) Could someone put that into an intelligent answer?
Stiney might be the recruiting coordinator, but Shane has brought in some pretty big recruits the last two years. You can’t deny that.
http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewcoach.asp?Coach=350&Team=92&Sport=1&Year=2013
Why was Shane-boy not fired with the rest of the offensive save Stiny “Shower Photos” Springs, Beamer’s adopted son? These new guys have been in the big leagues and won’t be bothered by the Coach’s boy. They will kick him around like a farting dawg in the living room.
As to Beamer’s wet blanket, these guys did not come here without a big understanding of what they would be allowed. The one change Andy did not report is that Beamer has been ‘promoted’ to Glorified Towel Boy. He will still look like a befuddled drunk on the sidelines but someone else will be calling the shots.
As to eternal hope only time will tell, but I still don’t see a ‘Bama game in my crystal ball.
Please, someone tell Barney Fife from Poison Ivy that the worst Hokie team in 20 years beat Garage Tech this season.
Only a lucky pass in the last 46 seconds by VT beat those Yellow Jackets and they still ended up as the Coastal Division Champs and showed well with a thumping of USC in the Sun Bowl. We will be so ready for those Hokies this next time around, bet on it.
Based on the VT running game last year and the fact that the two freshman RB recruits brought in by Shane Beamer last year are terrible busts (that VT will have to suffer with for three more years), Shane Beamer should have been #2 on the firing list (behind Stinespring)
Shane wasn’t released because of the same reason he was hired – his last name. Toss aside the canards about his resume, there were a hundred other resumes as impressive that weren’t considered. We all know that, it’s just some want to reference the lack of clothing on the Emporer, and others keep their eyes closed. It is what it is, and nothing’s changing that until Frank retires, at which time Shane will most probably succeed him. That Thermopylae will not be won on a message board.
The issue I have with Stinespring is retaining his current salary. It would be interesting to list the salaries of the ‘Recruiting Coordinators’ of the SEC – by far the best compensated assistant coaches in the nation – and their alternate position titles. Then compare that to the $375K that Stinespring will rake in, courtesy of Daddy Frank. It will also be interesting to see if Scot Loeffler is paid more than Stinespring when the dust settles. THAT, Andy, is something I’ll directly ask you to chase. Does Stinespring’s replacement come in and make more than him? Remember, Bud Foster’s only in line for about $480K, and Stinespring – as a TE coach & ‘Recruiting Coordinator’ will make $375K. Stinespring’s replacing Cavanaugh, who never got mentioned in all this – gee, thanks, Frank! – late Friday afternoon kick under the rug announcement. Cavanaugh was paid $250K. Stinespring’s getting a 50% raise above Cavanaugh? Seriously?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vimZj8HW0Kg
I hate to change the topic but do u guys think that this whole DW drama could be attributed to that maybe the hokies are persuing Derrick Green still?!!!! Cause he seems as if he does’nt know what he wants!!!!! plus hes from VA and with hes coaches he may have changed his mind bout his top five which da Hokies were’nt in according to his army all american game comments!!!!!!!!!!
Yea, Beamer has been shady as hell in all this. I like Stiney as a recruiter, but having him on the staff would be very conflicting if I’m OC…..How much does Stiney actually want the new guy to succeed, further cementing his legacy of incompetence? smh
Crooked Road, you started the second paragraph of your 12:38 AM rant by saying you have issues. Yes! You most certainly do.
Foster is more overpaid than Stinespring.
#41 and Barry, who threw that “lucky pass”?
Finally the chokies fired somebody! But sadly the chokies and their sorry followers will reap the same results like last year which are beatdowns and sorry excuses from an head coach that fails to keep up with the times! The loyal chokie nation will see against BAMA how the precious chokies fair against a real team and not a cupcake team that these sorry chokies can’t even beat like last year ex: Pitt, Cinci, Chokie nation deal with it!!!
Shane was released because he is a very good up and coming young coach who is hands down the best recruiter on the staff. Steve Spurrier and many others would love to have him back.
Should have been “not” released
sorry i meant Drew Harris drama
Turned the computer of yesterday afternoon to spend quality time with the grandkids and I get to wake up to this good news. Finally! I haven’t read all the posts so maybe this is not new but I think it is great to hire coaches that have spent the last couple of years coaching against Alabama, who VT opens with. They will have insight that the video doesn’t give.
Barry – I’m glad you are proud of the division title you didn’t win.
This is the “WoW” factor that we have needed. This team should be considered back into the national title picture again. We start off by taking out last year chumps. Then walk all over the weak ACC then we turn this season into the finest ever. Get this thing started.
AB, so just who has Shane Beamer recruited at or above the “3 star” gauge? I can’t find a a one. Please do not include any verbal commits, only the players who have come to VT in his short time there. To me, that’s not much success in his recruiting abilities.
Sorry AB, I meant above the 3 star level.
Well, he’s only been here to recruit for one signing class (this February will be his second).
In his first year, though, he got WR Joel Caleb and LB Deon Clarke. Both are four stars. RB Drew Harris, another four-star, is his too. He signed, just didn’t qualify right away.
So that’s three of the seven four-stars the Hokies had in 2012. He also had eight total signees of VT’s 28-member class.
I am somewhat excited about the change, but we all know that the proof is in the pudding. I look forward to Tech changing to a pro style offense 100% of the time. We all know that these changes will make spring practice a very interesting venue. Be positive,but be a bit skeptical.
Well then, my follow-up question: why have none of these guys been playing? I’ve never heard any of those names, much less mentioned during games. And what do you mean by not qualifying? If you say redshirting, what reasons? Especially with last year’s terrible fiasco seems these guys would have starters. Simply curious is all.
For all you english gurus, I meant started…..
Three four star recruits in one year. I’d say that’s not too shabby.
They didn’t play because VT doesn’t play true freshmen a whole lot. J.C. Coleman and A.J. Hughes were the only ones who got significant action this year. And that was out of necessity more than anything.
Caleb redshirted because hew as transitioning from QB to WR. They’re trying to get a medical redshirt for Clarke, who wasn’t going to compete for playing time with Tyler/Taylor ahead of him.
Harris didn’t have good enough grades/test scores last year. Went to Fork Union. Apparently has the test scores now but a paperwork error will likely keep him from enrolling until June at the earliest at VT.
As a student when V.P.I. as then known on the path to the longest losing streak to the path to the longest bowl streak as Virginia Tech, many of us have been through the highs and lows. Many of us experienced the nasty wars and lost fellow classmates. The old saying is always with us,”the only thing permanent is change” and to make up another saying after reading so many of the blogs, it seems “everybody can do a better job in whatever the field than the guy in the trenches actually doing it”. Let’s let the staff coach and we not be “know it all’s”.
tokie
I’ve heard of them both. Caleb was pretty much the star of the ’12 class. Espn had him the #1 recruit in the state. He’s a Flanker and redshirted this year, I think. Should he have played this year? I’m going to say it would have been a waste of his year though we’ll never know. With Marcus Davis and D. Knowles, in front of him it would have been hard to get much playing time.
Caleb is a true freshman LB and had limited playing time. Highly regarded and should see more time next year. VT’s LB corps was pretty solid this year.
Thanks Andy you beat me to it and had the right info.
Fair enough Andy, but still confused about one thing; why bother even looking at some of these young men who apparently couldn’t qualify due to grades? I know VT isn’t the only college that does this but don’t you think it belittles the integrity of the academic standards at Tech? Just how many of these 3 “4-star” players came from some military prep school? A very good friend has a grandson that will have to make a decision on his future college next year is asking this. I appreciate your responses.
I don’t think it’s any secret that some of the best football players don’t have the greatest grades/test scores in high school. But they’re talented, so that’s why these prep schools exist — to get them qualified.
Is it fair to the average student? Probably not. But the average student doesn’t have an above average athletic skill like these guys. Not saying it should be that way. Just that it is.
And Harris is the only one of the three who went to prep school.
Thanks AB, I’ll relay your answer. Sure he’ll be pleased (not) that above average athletic skill more important than above average academic skill is. Yes, you are right, it is NOT fair to the non-athlete population, not probably.
Tom T., While agree with your statement, I will say you must not have been reading this blog very long. You are obviously unaware that many of these posters, had they not followed their current career path, could easily be caoching top 10 college teams somewhere in this great land of ours.
540 I agree with you. And FB has just been lucky to win 7 conference championships, go to 20 bowls in a row, have the best conf. record since they’ve been in the ACC. More wins in D1 than any active coach. Blind luck.
Scott: Not lucky. Cupcake schedules year after year and winninest coach by default doesn’t hurt, does it? Does make the resume look good though. The ACC? Ha!
1oneshot & Barry- I agree with you that Beamer is lost out there and why is Steiny still on the staff? Some of Hokie Nation along with Weaver and Beamer are living in the past. It’s a new day in college football and we have to go with the up tempo aggressive style of play. Example: Tech can have a 10 point lead going into half time and we are at the 20 or 30 yard line with 1:20 left and Beamer will kill the clock or go for a field goal. Questions: Is tech stock piling players? Playing only select few? I have seen kids with just as much talent, if not better watching from the sidelines or transferring.We are not using players correctly, according to their ability and we are not treating the players fairly. Have you ever wandered and said ” where did this guy come from or how is that guy ahead of xyz player?
All things will be revealed over the next couple seasons. We have our staff. I hope for success beyond our wildest dreams. As for those hurling personal jibes at Beamer over his facial expressions, maybe you lot can be severely burned and maintain a normal range of expression. Barry from Ivy simply has no life. I barely have time to keep up with the Hokies, much less waste time on GT. Barry, do you post on blogs for all the ACC teams? Just Curious. As for Stiney, I just don’t know.
#73
Your observation is on point and one that has bothered me most. VT has the players not the coaches. No one comes to college football from HS nor goes to the Pros from College without the need to have their skills package developed, the honing of your athleticism and the understanding of the program at-hand. VTs ability to attract is growing less and less because of coaching. There has been much talent passed by because of inadequate or favoritism coaching. And I personally believe there has been dictated favoritism with prior players.
One thing that I proudly recall from maybe 10-12 years ago, was a press conference in which Beamer stated that we may not get the top rated recruits, but we are able to develop a winning program with our program and coaching…sic….. What happened??????
These kids (for the most part) only get one chance at college football. Mess up on signing day and that may end your career if you ever had one? Get into the wrong program or coaching staff and you are toast.
And as for Stiney as head of recruiting? Do you think Stiney can promote cupcake wins; Bowl wins; SEC wins; his skill at offensive play-making; Beamers recent past; and a program that has kept up? Ray Charles could see through that.
And before all you pundits remind me of the cost, I’ll offer that most top ten teams do not run a financially losing program. In fact it makes up one of the largest components of the Operating Budget. I do not care what you pay our coaches! Build a new stadium, whatever the price to bring home the bacon. But I will say this. These coaches (maybe Foster excluded?) make more than they have delivered.
Some of my fondest memories was the days of Beamerball, e.g., run backs, blocked punts, the anticipation of our opponent to wait and see, etc. Those days are long gone. Hard to watch a struggling attempt at first downs with the bewildered look of Beamer on the sidelines of “what just happened”? Does it make you think you would want to risk your future playing for him?
And by-the-way, Logan is not the problem. It is his coaching. And to all you pundits who think these kids are interested in a BS/BA in underwater aquatic leaf gathering, you are wrong. These kids want 4-5 years at this level in football to launch their attempt at the next level. After all, that is what they were promised.
Question for Andy- do we know what Stinespring will actually do in his new position as “Recruiting Coordinator”? Will he actually visit the high school prospects?
After Being relieved of his OC duties, it could be very difficult for him to be an effective recruiter. Parents and HS coaches may feel he has little credibility and may not want to trust him with their kids. I can see him sitting in some young mans living room and hearing the kid say “didn’t you just get fired or something”?
There should have been a clean break with Stinespring.
People let me ask you a question, if we can see through Beamer and the coaching staff on how Beamer, continues to protect Steiny and favoritism of players, than why can’t the higher ups see this? Something is not right, players are recruited to play and in hopes of going to the next level. As you stated these kids are being misled by bad coaching. I have seen kids push back on the depth chart for the past 3 years, due to favoritism for another kid because of who the the kid knows or who a relative knows. My belief is , if you know your not going to play a kid, give him the opportunity to transfer early not wait until the kid is in his 3rd year and you tell him that there is no spot for him.They are killing the kids dream and confidence and they don’t even care. These coaches have to much power and someone needs to get this under control. If a coach does not like you , he will not play you. As someone stated earlier the coaches at tech are over paid.