Posted by: Pete Roussel on December 29, 2012

VA Tech avoided their first losing season since 1992 by defeating Rutgers 13-10 in the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando on Friday night.

Frank Beamer will now shift his attention to coaching staff decisions.  Hokie fans are begging for turnover on the offensive side of the ball.

Last night, CoachingSearch.com broke the story that wide receivers coach Kevin Sherman will join Darrell Hazell's staff at Purdue.

Following the game, Beamer described his #1 priority, "I think attacking our running ability is going to be our first priority.  Being able to run the football is always something that's important to us.  When you do that, you're play-action passes are always a lot better, so that's the first thing we've got to attack."

Hokie fans are eager to see if other coaches on the offensive side of the ball including Bryan Stinespring, Mike O'Cain, and Curt Newsome accept other coaching opportunities. While Stinespring serves as the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach Mike O'Cain serves as the play-caller.

Running backs / associate head coach Shane Beamer isn't going anywhere.

Each of these coaches has served an integral part in helping Virginia Tech's vast success, which includes thirteen consecutive seasons of finishing in the Top 20.  That streak, however, will end this season.

During the 11-3 campaign of 2011, the Hokies averages 187 yards per game rushing.  This year, that total dipped to 157 yards per game.

With Beamer's desire to fix the running game, don't be surprised if Stanford offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton emerges as a strong candidate to join the Virginia Tech staff.  Stanford isn't known for the most competitive salaries for coaches.  While Hamilton has great job security at Stanford, a significant pay raise could make it difficult for Hamilton to decline.

Stanford accumulated 534 yards including 247 yards rushing against Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl a couple of years ago.  Stanford averaged 8 yards per rush in the 40-12 win.

Stay tuned to the Coaching Search Ticker for updates on coaching transactions.

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Pete Roussel is a valuable resource for coaches, athletic directors, NFL front-office personnel, and college football enthusiasts. A former college football coach, Roussel shares insight on coaches 365 days a year and is recognized as the most trusted expert on coaching transactions. Follow @CoachingSearch on twitter and send your feedback to pete@coachingsearch.com