If you’ve spent any time in Blacksburg, Virginia, you know that the name Frank Beamer isn’t just a name. It’s a legacy. People still wear the number 25 jerseys like they’re holy relics. But with all the changes in college football lately—the transfer portal, NIL, and the revolving door of coaches—fans often find themselves looking back at the "Beamerball" era with a bit of nostalgia. Naturally, that leads to a very simple question: how old is Frank Beamer now, and what is the legendary coach up to these days?
Honestly, it feels like just yesterday he was sprinting onto the field at Lane Stadium. But time moves fast.
The Numbers: Breaking Down the Legend's Age
Frank Beamer is 79 years old. Born on October 18, 1946, in the small town of Mount Airy, North Carolina, Beamer has lived through the most transformative eras of American football. To put that in perspective, when Frank was born, the "T-formation" was still the cutting edge of offensive strategy. He grew up in Hillsville, Virginia, a place that shaped the grit he’d eventually bring to the Hokies.
79 years. It’s a significant milestone.
Most people his age are deep into a quiet retirement, but Beamer has never been one to just sit on a porch. Even though he officially retired from coaching in 2015, he remains a fixture in the sports world. He's still that same guy who worked his way up from a defensive cornerback at Virginia Tech (1966–1968) to become the winningest coach in the school's history.
How Old Is Frank Beamer Compared to Other Coaching Icons?
When we talk about the titans of the game, age is often just a marker of how much wisdom they’ve accumulated. Beamer sits in a very elite circle. Think about the guys he used to roam the sidelines with. Nick Saban is 74. Bobby Bowden coached into his 80s. Joe Paterno was on the sidelines at 84.
Beamer, at 79, chose a different path. He stepped away at 69, famously saying, "I think it’s time."
He didn't want to wait until the wheels fell off. He wanted to leave while the program was still "Beamerball" central. Since then, we’ve seen him transition into a statesman role. He served on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, which is basically the Supreme Court of college sports. He’s also a special assistant to the athletic director at Virginia Tech, focusing on development. Basically, he’s the guy you call when you need to remind people what Hokie pride actually looks like.
Life at 79: Family and the South Carolina Connection
You can't talk about Frank’s age without mentioning his son, Shane Beamer. These days, if you want to see Frank Beamer on a Saturday, you’re just as likely to find him in Columbia, South Carolina, as you are in Blacksburg.
Shane is the head coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks. It’s a fascinating dynamic. Frank has become the ultimate "Coach Dad." He’s been spotted wearing South Carolina gear—which, let’s be real, must have felt weird for a guy who has "maroon and orange" practically tattooed on his soul.
But that’s Frank. Family first.
He’s been through some health scares, sure. Back in 2014, he had throat surgery that kept him out of some bowl game festivities, but he bounced back. At 79, he looks remarkably healthy. He still has that sharp, observant look in his eyes—the look of a man who knows exactly which player is out of position on a kickoff return.
The Beamerball Legacy: Why the Age Doesn't Matter
The reason people keep asking "how old is Frank Beamer" isn't just about a number on a birth certificate. It’s about a fear of losing a connection to a specific type of football.
Beamerball was about the "hidden yards." It was about the idea that a blocked punt or a lateral on a return was just as valuable as a 50-yard touchdown pass. In an era of high-flying offenses, Beamer’s philosophy was about the grind.
Here is what Beamer achieved over those nearly eight decades:
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- 280 career wins. That's not a typo.
- 23 consecutive bowl appearances. A streak that defined a generation.
- A National Championship appearance in 1999. The Michael Vick era that put VT on the map.
- Induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018. He’s lived a lot of life in those 79 years. From the tobacco fields of North Carolina to the bright lights of the Sugar Bowl.
Staying Involved in 2026
As of early 2026, Frank is still very much a part of the conversation. When Virginia Tech made the splash hire of James Franklin recently, the new coach made it a point to say he sought Beamer’s blessing. That tells you everything you need to know. You don't take the job at Tech without checking in with the man who built the house.
He’s active with his charity, Beamer’s Ball, which focuses on children’s literacy. He’s also a constant presence at "Beamer Way"—the actual street named after him that leads to Lane Stadium.
Is he slowing down? Kinda. But only in the sense that he isn't sleeping in his office anymore. He’s still golfing, still attending games, and still arguably the most beloved figure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
What’s Next for the Legend?
When a coach hits their late 70s, the conversation usually turns to "what is their legacy?" For Frank, the legacy is already set in bronze outside the stadium.
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If you're a fan trying to keep up with him, the best thing you can do is look at how he handled his career. He stayed at one school for 29 years. In today's landscape, that's impossible. It's unheard of. He showed that loyalty isn't just a buzzword; it’s a strategy.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to honor the Beamer legacy or stay connected with what he’s doing now, here are a few things you can actually do:
- Support the Drive for 25: This initiative was launched to increase the number of scholarships available to Virginia Tech student-athletes. Beamer is a huge proponent of this.
- Visit the Statue: If you’re ever in Blacksburg, go to Moody Plaza. The bronze statue of Frank isn't just for photos; it's a reminder of the "I’ve got your back" culture he created after the 2007 tragedy on campus.
- Watch the Special Teams: Next time you watch a game, look for the "hidden yards." That’s the best way to keep the spirit of Beamerball alive, regardless of who is coaching.
At 79 years old, Frank Beamer has earned the right to wear whatever color he wants on Saturdays—even if it's Gamecock black. He’s the elder statesman of the ACC and a reminder that while the game changes, the impact of a good man stays exactly the same.