Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer undergoes throat surgery

Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer underwent throat surgery and is expected return for the Hokies' bowl game, the school announced in a press release on Saturday. The news was first reported by SI.com.

"We waited until the end of the regular season to surgically address an issue with Coach Beamer's throat," said Dr. Gunnar Brolinson, Virginia Tech's head team physician, in a statement. "The procedure went as planned, without complications, and he simply needs some rest before he returns to his normal routine. He's been cleared to continue his game planning and film study and will return to the practice field as soon as possible. I fully expect Coach Beamer to coach in his 22nd consecutive bowl game."

Virginia Tech is also expected to announce that Beamer will return next year for his 29th season, per a source. Beamer, 68, is the longest-tenured active coach in the FBS. There have been questions about his future with the Hokies after a disappointing 6-6 campaign, Virginia Tech’s third straight subpar year after it had won 10 or more games in eight consecutive seasons beforehand. Although the Hokies suffered significant injures this fall, they failed to take advantage of a down ACC Coastal Division, raising concerns about Beamer’s continued effectiveness.

The coach is 229-115-2 with the Hokies and has won seven conference titles. Virginia Tech has made a bowl game for 21 consecutive seasons, the second-longest active streak in the nation. Beamer is the winningest active coach in the FBS and won the Joseph V. Paterno Coach of the Year Award in 2010.