Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer (throat surgery) cleared to coach bowl game
Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer was cleared by doctors to coach in the team’s Military Bowl matchup against Cincinnati on Saturday, but he will do so from the press box.
The 68-year-old Beamer, who is the longest-tenured active coach in the FBS, underwent throat surgery on Dec. 6. Beamer has a 230-115-2 record in 28 seasons at the school.
"The doctors stress that they really don’t want me exposed to a lot of people right now because of the risks of viruses and infection," Beamer said, according to the team’s website. "I’m anxious for them to clear me for full activities, but, at the same time, I respect their orders. They allowed me to work with the staff, and perform office duties, then, I was cleared to return to the field for practices in Blacksburg."
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The Hokies (6-6) are making their 22nd straight appearance in a bowl game and take on a Cincinnati team that has won seven games in a row.
Virginia Tech’s head team physician Dr. Gunnar Brolinson said that Beamer has been "chomping at the bit" to get back to coaching but said he wanted to make sure that he doesn’t have a setback.
"I’m encouraged with Coach Beamer’s progress to this point," Brolinson said. "His surgery will require follow-up treatments moving forward. Our goal right now is to get him back to full strength and back to his full routine."
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