Who should succeed Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech?

Frank Beamer addresses the media during the postgame press conference after the loss to Miami.

Trevor White / Collegiate Times

Frank Beamer opened up about his future Tuesday.

The legendary coach visited ESPN Studios in Bristol, Connecticut and did a platform of interviews, speaking on an issue many fans and analysts alike had always wondered about.

Who should succeed Frank Beamer after he retires?

The man who has led Virginia Tech to 22 straight bowl games is in no hurry to retire, saying he would like to be around for a few more years. After signing a contract extension through the 2018 season, Beamer’s status seems safe for now.

However, Beamer did go on to name two favorite candidates: Shane Beamer and Bud Foster.

Foster, who has been a coach at Virginia Tech since 1987 starting the inside linebackers, officially took over the top defensive role in 1995. Since then, his defenses have been some of the best in the nation, including the best in total defense in 2006.

Under Foster, Virginia Tech's defense has had great success and earned the defensive coordinator many looks from others teams. Clemson offered Foster their head-coaching job in 2008, but Foster declined, electing to stay in Blacksburg. This prior off-season, there were rumors that Texas A&M was looking to bring Foster on as their defensive coordinator, but it never came to fruition.

Now, Foster has, like Beamer, also signed a contract extension in 2014 (a five-year deal), as he continues to embody the hard nosed, “Lunch pail” defense that Virginia Tech is known for.

The second name mentioned by the elder Beamer was his son Shane, who is also a current member of the Hokies coaching staff.

Shane, a Hokie alum, played both long snapper and wide receiver from 1995-1999. After graduating, he started his coaching career at Georgia Tech in 2000.

After ten years of working away from the Hokies, the younger Beamer returned to Blacksburg in 2011. Now, Beamer is the associate head coach, along with his role as running backs coach.

Which one of these two would be best to succeed Frank Beamer?

Shane Beamer has to be the better choice.

Under Shane, Virginia Tech could ease the transition of the Frank Beamer era, ushering in a new Beamer era. Hiring Beamer could help the Hokies retain committed recruits. The move would show them that the foundation Frank Beamer laid is still there.

Bud Foster, who has shown he values Blacksburg over a head coaching job, would not have to take on new responsibilities. Instead, he would remain focused on his defensive schemes that has produced so many good players.

All the while, the younger Beamer could strive to revitalize both the “Beamerball” mindset that made his father and Blacksburg so famous while also continuing to build and progress the offense.

While Beamer lists these two individuals as who he would like to succeed him, Beamer also has faith in Virginia Tech, who will ultimately make the final decision.

“According to ESPN's Joe Schad, Beamer was quick to note that it will ultimately be a decision for Virginia Tech's administration” as CBS Sports’ Chip Patterson noted.

Therefore, there could be potential for a dark horse candidate, but it is very likely the next head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies is already on the staff.

Though, at first, the pressure would definitely be present, another Beamer head coach might just be best for Blacksburg.