THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 14, 1995 TAG: 9512140520
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Long : 138 lines
Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer is the leading candidate for the head football coaching job at Georgia, according to a published report.
A source close to the Tech coach said Beamer likely would jump at the opportunity if it were offered.
``If it comes, he's probably going to take it,'' the source said. ``This is a step up in his career. It would be hard to turn it down.''
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Wednesday that Beamer became the frontrunner after Northwestern's Gary Barnett removed his name from consideration Tuesday. Beamer and Georgia athletic director Vince Dooley were in New York Monday and Tuesday for the College Football Hall of Fame induction dinner.
Other candidates reportedly include Minnesota Vikings assistant coach Ray Sherman, a former Georgia assistant; and Kansas coach Glen Mason.
Beamer, 50, was unavailable for comment Wednesday, but said in a statement released through Tech's sports information department:
``As I have said many times before, changing the status of Virginia Tech football is a great challenge to me. We are right in the middle of doing that. Our goals are in sight. All my effort and attention is being directed toward recruiting for Virginia Tech and preparing our football team for its greatest bowl game ever against the University of Texas in the Sugar Bowl.''
The Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 is the third-consecutive bowl game for Tech, which is 9-2 and ranked No. 13. The Hokies are 50-49-2 in nine seasons under Beamer, a Virginia Tech alumnus, including 26-9 the past three seasons.
Craig Kelly, Beamer's attorney, said he met with Beamer Friday in Blacksburg. Kelly said Beamer told him to be ready to negotiate with Georgia at a moment's notice if Beamer is contacted and decides to pursue the job.
``I'm packed and ready to go if it gets to the negotiating phase,'' Kelly said. ``We're flattered to be considered for a job like Georgia.''
Tech athletic director Dave Braine said Wednesday that Dooley had not requested permission to discuss the Bulldogs' job with Beamer.
Braine said he has not talked to Beamer about it, but doesn't discount the possibility Beamer could be a candidate to replace the fired Ray Goff, who will coach Georgia in the Dec. 30 Peach Bowl against Virginia.
``I think always where there's smoke there's fire,'' Braine said. ``That's all I'll comment on right now. I think Frank and I have a good enough relationship that if something gets real serious he'll let me know.''
Dooley did not return phone messages.
In April, Beamer signed a contract extension with the Hokies through 1999. His base salary last season was $141,445 and he also receives a minimum of $108,000 annually for his radio and TV programs.
His total package, with other perks, is believed to be about $350,000.
Beamer received a $100,000 annuity in July, and $25,000 is placed in another annuity every year - $50,000 when he takes Tech to a bowl that pays $1 million or more. Beamer will receive that annuity if he fulfills the contract.
However, Beamer's contract does not contain a buyout clause. According to the Atlanta paper, the next Georgia coach will receive about $500,000 annually.
Kelly said based on the prestige, reputation, facilities and pay, the Georgia job is probably among the top 30 in the nation.
``We would listen; we'd be crazy not to listen,'' Kelly said. ``Clearly it would be a very good job for anyone.''
Virginia Tech assistant head coach Billy Hite said Beamer had not been contacted by Georgia when he left the office Wednesday afternoon.
Beamer flew to Houston for tonight's national Coach of the Year dinner given by the Football Writers Association of America. He is one of six finalists along with Barnett, Kansas' Mason, Ohio State's John Cooper, Florida's Steve Spurrier and Kansas State's Bill Snyder.
Hite, a Tech assistant since 1978, said Beamer was intrigued by the Georgia job years ago. But Hite said he can't see Beamer bolting the Blue Ridge now for a job between the hedges in Athens.
Beamer is a native of Hillsville, Va., located about 60 miles from Blacksburg, and played for the Hokies in the late 1960s.
His wife is from Richmond, and their son is a freshman at Virginia Tech.
``When you think about where his roots are and what kind of program he's built here, I don't see him going,'' Hite said. ``I really don't.
``The other thing is, 8-3 here isn't like 8-3 down there. The pressures there are a lot greater than they are here.''
Hite said the talk of Beamer's name being linked to the Georgia job has hindered Tech's recruiting efforts.
Hite said the word in coaching circles is that Beamer is gone, and that's hurting the Hokies with recruits. Tech has 20 prospective recruits scheduled to visit this weekend.
``Obviously every coach in America has it as a done deal,'' Hite said. ``We're fighting a hell of a battle right now.''
Carl Rhodes, who has been Churchland High School's baseball coach since 1973, has resigned.
Rhodes, who is the school's science department chairman, will continue his teaching position in biology.
Rhodes, 51, who was an All-Tidewater football player at Wilson and a graduate of VMI, produced three Southeastern District championship baseball teams at Churchland. He had two teams reach the Eastern Region finals and several advance to postseason play.
``I feel it's just time to step down,'' said Rhodes, who has coached longer than any current Southeastern baseball coach except Great Bridge's Martin Oliver.
``I may still keep my hand in the sport as a Little League baseball umpire,'' he said.
Rhodes began his coaching career at Wilson in 1967 as a junior varsity coach. After a stint in the Army, he joined the Churchland football staff in 1969 and was the top assistant to Bill Strickland for 16 years, during which time the Truckers won two Southeastern titles.
He succeeded Strickland as head coach, resigning after three years.
He coached junior varsity baseball for one year and replaced Dick Esleeck as head coach the following season.
Since then, his teams have won more than 200 games.
PORTSMOUTH - Carl Rhodes, who has been Churchland High School's baseball coach since 1973, has resigned.
Rhodes, who is the school's science department chairman, will continue his teaching position in biology.
Rhodes, 51, who was an All-Tidewater football player at Wilson and a graduate of VMI, produced three Southeastern District championship baseball teams at Churchland. He had two teams reach the Eastern Region finals and several advance to postseason play.
``I feel it's just time to step down,'' said Rhodes, who has coached longer than any current Southeastern baseball coach except Great Bridge's Martin Oliver.
``I may still keep my hand in the sport as a Little League baseball umpire,'' he said.
Rhodes began his coaching career at Wilson in 1967 as a junior varsity coach. After a stint in the Army, he joined the Churchland football staff in 1969 and was the top assistant to Bill Strickland for 16 years, during which time the Truckers won two Southeastern titles.
He succeeded Strickland as head coach, resigning after three years.
He coached junior varsity baseball for one year and replaced Dick Esleeck as head coach the following season.
Since then, his teams have won more than 200 games. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
FILE PHOTO
Tech coach Frank Beamer has put his attorney on standby to negotiate
Georgia deal if and when offer is made.
by CNB