With Frank Beamer announcing that he will retire at season’s end, there are -- or will be -- seven Power 5 openings.
Coaches and agents almost unanimously agreed last week that Virginia Tech is second behind only USC in that pecking order. Virginia Tech, Miami and South Carolina form the second tier, with VT getting the edge because it combines both Miami’s winnable division (ACC Coastal) and South Carolina’s fan support.
Beamer was reportedly making just shy of $3 million per year. Agents anticipate the school being able to pay between $3-4 million for the coach who will replace the legendary Beamer, who has won 235 games in 29 seasons and taken the program to 22 consecutive bowl games.