Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer announced on Sunday his intentions to retire at the conclusion of the 2015 season.
"I have always said that 'I want what is best for Virginia Tech,'" the 69-year-old Beamer said in a statement released by the school. "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."
A total of 93 players coached by Beamer were selected in the NFL draft, including seven who were first-round draft picks. The most recent first-round pick was Kyle Fuller in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Beamer -- who is a Virginia Tech alum -- became head coach at the school in 1987 and built the program into a national power. In 29 seasons at Virginia Tech, Beamer has compiled a 235-120-2 record (.661 winning percentage). Those 235 career wins at the FBS/Division 1A level rank Beamer No. 100 all time; he passed Bo Schembechler with Virginia Tech's win over Boston College on Saturday and is three wins behind Mack Brown for ninth place.
Beamer's Hokies teams have reached bowl games in the previous 22 seasons, which is the longest active streak as recognized by the NCAA. Beamer led the Hokies to seven conference titles, four in the Atlantic Coast Conference and three in the Big East. The Hokies played for the national championship in the 1999 season, but were defeated by Florida State, 46-29, in the Sugar Bowl.
Before coaching at Virginia Tech, Beamer was head coach at Murray State, where he had a 32-23-2 record. Beamer is the winningest active major college football coach with 277 victories.
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