Brian Kelly congratulates Frank Beamer on his final home game

After 29 great years as Virginia Tech’s head football coach, Frank Beamer is retiring after this season.

It’s very rare that a single person can transform an entire program and elevate the school’s profile, but that’s exactly what Frank Beamer accomplished in his 29 years as head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Beamer did something not many head men get to do, coach his alma mater, and compiled a 236-120-2 lifetime record in Blacksburg. His effect on the game extended to the ACC, and college football as a whole.

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly saw Beamer as a friend and took to twitter to congratulate Beamer as he prepares for retirement:

Beamer’s style of coaching is some of the most unique the game has ever seen. “Beamerball,” which became a popular buzzword among college football enthusiasts for almost four decades encompasses Beamer’s impact on the game. What is Beamerball?

"A brand of football played by the Virginia Tech Hokies, and named after long-time (1987 – present) head coach and Tech alumnus Frank Beamer. Primarily known for profilic kick- and punt-blocking, Beamerball encompasses the idea that the team can produce points (and prevent opponents’ points) at any time, from any point on the football field. Virginia Tech is not only adept at scoring via the blocked kick, but also through defensive interceptions. This philosophy has bolstered the program’s status from a mediocre independent (i.e., not affiliated with any conference) at the beginning of Beamer’s tenure to one of college football’s most respected and consistently excellent programs."

Virginia Tech entered Saturday 5-5, hosting the 9-1 North Carolina Tar Heels in Beamer’s final home game of his career.

Beamer’s program has a 21-year bowl streak along the line in the season’s final two games. With a win, Virginia Tech becomes bowl eligible. Beamer’s final regular season game takes place next week against Virginia.