In my opinion, Beamer getting a 5th season was in the cards when Tanner was moved to a new position. The new AD will evaluate whether Beamer is capable of raising us above mediocrity. Beamer was not hired to make and keep us mediocre.
This is Beamer's 4th season. Some try to compare Shane to how long it took Frank to make VT a power. That's like comparing apples to oranges. Today, with players not having to sit out a season when transferring, like in the old days, you practically can bring in a new team the following season. So, you can turn around a program faster than in the old days. Not only that, but Frank inherited a program that was put on probation.
A couple of other things: Shane needs to pick up his recruiting. Right now, our recruiting ranks 11th in the 16-team SEC. That's poor. Right now, we are 3-3 with the 3rd most seniors in the nation. We play the same schedule next season. Having to play the same schedule next season after losing so many players is concerning.
By the way, some keep mentioning Chadwell. as someone to go after in case Beamer can't get the job done. Chadwell is not the only good, young football coach among the non P4 FBS schools. One guy to keep an eye on is Jon Sumrall of Tulane.