Collegiate Times

Image: 2013-01-28 22:08:51

Frank Beamer has said in the past he doesn’t handle change well.

However, after a season with as many problems on offense as the Hokies had, some change was definitely called for.

“Change is not easy for me. I don’t like change,” Beamer said. “But at the same time, you’ve got to do what you think is right for your overall organization. and that’s what I’ve done in this case.”

New offensive coaches Scot Loeffler, Jeff Grimes and Aaron Moorehead were introduced to reporters Friday afternoon, a week after the trio was officially announced. Beamer hopes the changes will bring some swift change to an offense that regressed in 2012.

Loeffler, the Hokies new offensive coordinator, values defense and running the football much like Beamer does.

“We’re getting to play to the strengths of our team,” Loeffler said. “We understand that Virginia Tech has always played great defense, they’ve always played great special teams. We need to have an offense that is able to run the football effectively.”

A disciple of the University of Michigan and Lloyd Carr, Loeffler has experience coaching all different kinds of quarterbacks. He’s watched as Chad Henne and John Navarre set records at Michigan, Tim Tebow lead the Florida Gators and his personal friend, and colleague Tom Brady win Super Bowls.

Beamer talked to a plethora of professional and college coaches throughout his search for his new staffers. Jim and John Harbaugh, Nick Saban, Pete Carroll, Urban Meyer and Bobby Bowden are just a few.

All those accolades and years of experience won’t matter if the Hokies can’t get things turned around. Most of that burden falls on Loeffler, a quarterback guru and noted technical expert.

"Scot's going to be in charge," Beamer said.

Sure, the Hokies will try and get back to a mean and nasty style with their running game. Grimes, a native Texan, is physical by nature and should have the offensive line clicking in due time. The real question will be whether Loeffler can return Logan Thomas to his 2011 form.

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A version of this article appeared in the Jan 29 issue of the Collegiate Times.