Writing about Frank Beamer's eventual retirement is a touchy issue. It always is with these things; a lot of fans don't want us scribes to even mention it, as if somehow writing about it makes it more real, makes it happen sooner, or -- worst of all -- makes it something "other schools can use against the Hokies in recruiting." (We assure you, other coaches don't get recruiting ideas or ammo from us.)
These things almost never happen gracefully. Way back in September of 2000, Virginia athletic director Terry Holland wrote a letter that was posted on TheSabre.com and caused a stir. The letter promised that by the end of the 2000 season, a "transition timetable" would be in place for George Welsh's retirement. It was the first time that retirement for Welsh had been mentioned publicly by anyone, so the resulting ruckus was understandable, and Welsh's impending retirement, as identified by Holland, dogged Welsh throughout the 2000 season, his final one on the Virginia sideline.