Virginia Tech will name Memphis coach Justin Fuente as the successor to the legendary Frank Beamer, according to multiple published reports on Saturday.
Virginia Tech athletics director Whit Babcock spoke with reporters after the Hokies’ 23-20 win at Virginia to address the reports, and all but confirmed the news.
“I’m aware of the rumors that broke. They are not official at this time. Even on principle, I wouldn’t do that. I wouldn’t do that before Coach Beamer’s last game,:” Babcock said in a statement before Beamer took to the podium to address the media postgame.
Babcock also addressed reports that Fuente will retain Bud Foster and Shane Beamer on his staff.
“Since we haven’t named our next coach officially, it is not necessarily accurate or fair to speculate on assistants that may stay or may not. They have families and uncertainty to deal with. I know that you all have a job to do, I respect that and you’ll certainly have a chance with me when and if things become official,” Babcock said.
Fuente, 39, is 26-23 in four seasons at Memphis, which concluded its 2015 regular season with a 63-0 win over SMU.
The Tigers are 9-3 this season, and finished 10-3 in 2014, ending a six-year bowl drought.
Babcock also confirmed that Frank Beamer and his current staff will stay on through whatever bowl game the Hokies play in next month.
“This staff will certainly coach the bowl game, and I can’t wait. It’s been a great ride, and I’m honored to work with Coach Beamer,” Babcock said.
– Story by Chris Graham
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