Virginia Tech announced on Sunday that it has fired head coach Brent Pry following a blowout loss to Old Dominion in Week 3.
It was a heartbreaking defeat, as the squad has struggled each week since a tough Week 1 setback to the South Carolina Gamecocks. Pry finished with a 16-24 record in Blacksburg, and names are already being tossed around as the next guy to take over the program.
ESPN released a list of prospective contenders for the position, including South Carolina coach Shane Beamer.
Here is ESPN’s analysis of Shane Beamer’s probable fit in Blacksburg:
The hunt is likely to begin with Beamer, Frank’s son and a former Virginia Tech player who grew up around the program and seen the Hokies achieve unprecedented heights. He has proven himself at South Carolina, defeating rival Clemson twice in the last three years, among other important SEC triumphs. Beamer, 48, adores South Carolina and views it as a more desirable location than most coaches do. However, maintaining success there is difficult, and the opportunity to revive Virginia Tech — in a league with an easier CFP road — may entice him. Virginia Tech needs to make him say no.
The Gamecocks had their own troubles in Week 3, losing 31-7 at home against Vanderbilt after LaNorris Sellers exited with a concussion.
Beamer will undoubtedly be focused on putting South Carolina back on track, but his name will remain associated with this position until an announcement is made.