Virginia Tech will indeed have its sideline boss for its postseason game, although his bossing will be done from up above this time around.
Tech announced Tuesday that Frank Beamer will coach the Hokies in their Military Bowl matchup with Cincinnati. The long-time coach, though, will direct his squad from the press box at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.
Earlier this month, Beamer underwent what was described as a minor surgical procedure on his throat.
“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 in a statement. “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. It felt great to be back with our players. So it’s a bit of a process, and so far the process is going well. I appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers and look forward to being with Hokie Nation in Annapolis.”
Thanks to its regular-season ending win over Virginia, the Hokies extended its consecutive streak of bowl appearances to 22 straight. That’s the second-longest such streak in the country.