Quote Originally Posted by crooked road View Post
Listen, Frank is not above criticism, despite the protestations of some lemmings on here. I like the guy, even if I choose to criticize him, which is far beyond the understanding of many on here. He has been a tremendous benefit to the sports view of VaTech. However, he has made some disastrous moral/ethical compromises in order to achieve more athletic glory.

The mid-90's was one era, the Marcus era was the second. Neither of those is excusable. Both were horribly wrong. Are they the worst of their time? No. Are they emblematic of Beamer? No. However, they deserve to be in the discussion, and also a reminder of why 'no football god is really a saint'.

I think Frank learned from the Marcus era, and I also think Frank gave up trying to chase the MNC at the same time. I think his mantra now(extremely privately) is - If it happens, great, if not, let's keep saying we're chasing it)

Despite reports to the contrary, Frank doesn't stroll across the Duckpond daily. He's a great guy, but not THAT great, if you know what I mean...

All that being said, I'd take Frank Beamer over any other coach I can think of (in twenty seconds). He's a stand up guy, but like politicians, college coaches are only 'so' clean. None of them are above reproach.
To be human is to err. Show me anyone that has been doing a career for greater than 20 years that has not made mistakes. While Frank may not be a candidate for the priesthood, he does represent as a coach with a long tenure at one institutation, a tenure that has yielded very good but not great(MNC great) teams YET, is the leader for a major university that is now well known across the nation and is perceived as being a guy that follows the rules.

Someone will be "annointed" elder spokesman by the media. If not Frank, who else coaching today has a better track record on the above traits? Saban and Urban have had mucho success but are still perceived as "merchants for hire" with their penchant for hopping around chasing the almighty $$$.

Maybe Saban, Miles, Urban or Stoops get the annointment if they continue their success long term via their current schools. Today, I still Frank as the media selection for this unofficial role.