ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, December 15, 1995 TAG: 9512150080
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
If Frank Beamer is holding cards dealt by the University of Georgia, the Virginia Tech football coach may have to start tipping his hand today.
After four days of intense speculation that had him No.1 on Georgia's list of prospective head coaching candidates, Beamer likely will have to discard his poker face upon his return today to Blacksburg.
Beamer, in Houston the past two days to attend Thursday night's Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year ceremonies, will return home today in time to address his team. The Hokies open practice drills at 12:30 p.m. in preparation for their Dec.31 meeting with Texas in the Sugar Bowl.
``I think everybody would just like to know what the heck is going on,'' said one Tech player, speaking under the cloak of anonymity Thursday night.
``Is he going? Is he staying? We just want to know something on the level.''
Beamer, when contacted at his Houston hotel Thursday morning, refused comment on any possible discussions with Georgia officials. Beamer, according to reports by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, became Georgia athletic director Vince Dooley's No.1 target to replace the fired Ray Goff after Northwestern's Gary Barnett withdrew his name from consideration for the post Monday.
Tech athletic director Dave Braine said Thursday that Georgia officials have not asked for permission to discuss the opening with Beamer. Dooley continued to refuse to comment Thursday concerning the Southeastern Conference school's search.
More than one source has maintained that Beamer is using the Georgia situation as a bluff, in hopes of gaining leverage that might force Tech to sweeten his current contract, which runs through 1999.
The Georgia post reportedly carries an annual package worth close to $700,000. Beamer's Tech deal is worth approximately $250,000.
``Frank Beamer is not going anywhere,'' a Big East Conference source said Thursday night. ``The whole deal is about leverage. He simply wants to try and squeeze [Tech] for another $100,000 or so.''
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