South Carolina football: Shane Beamer makes strong statement on Virginia Tech job

The Virginia Tech head coaching job is now open. Earlier today, the school agreed to part ways with Justin Fuente, who’s been at the helm since 2016. Following the news of Fuente’s departure, South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer was asked about his possible interest in the opening during his weekly press conference this afternoon.

His response was one that should be reaffirming to the Gamecock fanbase.

The vacancy appears to garner little appeal to the South Carolina head man, who was adamant on his commitment to his current program. Here’s what he had to say when asked about the possibility of leaving Columbia for his alma mater in Blacksburg.

“Obviously, I love Virginia Tech — I moved there when I was 10 years old, went to high school there, went to college there and coached there, my parents still live there… but (South Carolina) is where I want to be. When I said this was my dream job, I wasn’t just saying that to make it sound cool in a press conference.”

Beamer’s father, Frank, is the most accomplished head coach in the history of the Hokie program, leading the team to a national championship appearance back in 1999. In all, he roamed the sidelines for nearly 30 years, leading Virginia Tech to 23 bowl appearances.

Shane Beamer both played for and coached under his father in Blacksburg, but he’s ready to step out and create something special of his own in Columbia.

“This is where my wife and I, my family, want to be. This is home for me. I want to be the head football coach here at South Carolina… There’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm around our program. I want to bring an SEC championship to Columbia, and we are in the beginning stages of doing that.”

Beamer currently has the Gamecocks fighting for a postseason spot with two games remaining on the 2021 schedule. He’s led the team to five wins, including a blowout of Florida just a couple of weeks ago. He’ll hope to land a bowl appearance in his first season as head coach in what he views as just the beginning of a lengthy career with the university.