Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 19, 1994 TAG: 9401190041
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Tranquill, quarterbacks coach of the NFL's Cleveland Browns, interviewed with Tech coach Frank Beamer last week.
"I'm right in the middle," Tranquill said by phone from his office. "Who knows in the next couple, three days?"
Because of state hiring regulations, Tech had to advertise the position. That means the Hokies cannot officially hire anyone until, at the earliest, Jan. 21 - the cutoff date for applications.
Tranquill, a former University of Virginia quarterbacks coach, maintained he would not have interviewed if he wasn't seriously considering the job. He would not comment in detail, however, when asked the pros and cons of returning to college coaching.
And he would not comment on reports that his unhappiness with Browns coach Bill Belichick's treatment of former Cleveland quarterback Bernie Kosar last season was one reason - or the reason - he is considering leaving Cleveland.
Tranquill would make about $68,000 in salary at Tech. He indirectly acknowledged he'd have to take a pay cut to join the Hokies' staff.
\ BEAMER STATUS: Talks are ongoing concerning a new or extended contract for Beamer, who just finished his seventh season as Tech's head coach.
Beamer confirmed the negotiations but wouldn't go into specifics, and Tech athletic director Dave Braine on Tuesday would not acknowledge that discussions had been held.
Beamer signed a new five-year contract after the 1990 season, in which Tech was 6-5. The Hokies were 9-3 in 1993 with an Independence Bowl victory.
\ BIG EAST UPDATE: Braine returned from last week's NCAA convention still encouraged about the possibility that the Big East Conference will, in one form or another, take in Tech, West Virginia, Rutgers and Temple for all sports.
Braine said the four schools that play football and basketball in the Big East (Boston College, Miami, Pittsburgh and Syracuse) have met with the six basketball-only schools (Connecticut, Georgetown, Providence, St. John's, Seton Hall and Villanova) to discuss the issue.
by CNB