As expected, Virginia Tech hires Justin Fuente to replace Frank Beamer

Fuente signed a contract to coach the Hokies through 2021 and will be paid $3.2 million in year one. That was George Welsh, who was 67 when he retired following the 2000 season.

“For me personally, there’s a draw to live in this town and be a part of this program that’s gone about things the way I’ve always wanted our program to go about things”, he said.

“I think he’s [Niumatalolo] a great fit for Navy but he hasn’t coached anything else for 20 years now”, said Welsh, explaining why he would not recommend another look toward Annapolis. Despite various opportunities throughout the years to seize momentum and make a run at postseason play, the London era will be remembered for quality recruiting results that never materialized on the field.

London was an assistant coach at Virginia for six of the seven years prior to taking the job at UR, including two seasons as the team’s defensive coordinator. The Cyclones finished second to last in the conference standings, and it will likely take time for Campbell to turn this program around, as he will need to bring in his own recruits.

Virginia Tech announced Sunday that Memphis coach Justin Fuente will be the new football coach for the Hokies.

A possible target that many Virginia fans find intriguing, Georgia Mark Richt, was sacked Sunday. They are 9-3 this season, including a 63-0 victory against SMU on Saturday in Fuente’s final game.

Fuente was long considered the Hokies’ top choice to replace Frank Beamer.

Doug Doughty of The Roanoke Times (here) and David Teel of The Daily Press (here) each reported that Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Sanford Jr.is getting serious consideration, though neither cited soures and Doughty called it a “hunch” that he could be the next coach.

Virginia Tech players Isaiah Ford and Chuck Clark have earned Atlantic Coast Conference Players of the Week awards announced by the conference office Monday morning. Coach Fuente has displayed tremendous talent in evaluating players and developing young men as they strive to reach their full potential. He turned 55 in October.

“Mike London has been an outstanding representative of the University of Virginia”, Littlepage said in his statement. “I enjoyed that chapter and the success we’ve had, however, I am equally excited for the next chapter and working for Justin”.