CBS Sports names top contenders in Virginia Tech coaching search

The coaching carousel added one more program on Tuesday. Virginia Tech announced the firing of sixth-year head coach Justin Fuente in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The Hokies join USC, TCU, LSU, Washington State, Washington and six other programs looking for new head coaches. Three, however, have already made replacement hires.

As the coaching search gets underway, CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd named six coaches who should be on the top of the list to replace Fuente. USC and LSU remain the top job vacancies on the market, but things are getting interesting with two games left in the regular season.

Top candidates for Virginia Tech head coach

Shane Beamer, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer would be a shoo-in at Virginia Tech if the Hokies had made this move a year ago. Shane Beamer is the son of legendary VT coach Frank Beamer, a former Hokies receiver and former Hokies running backs coach. However, he’s only in Year One with the Gamecocks and he has a good thing going with a 5-5 record so far. Beamer dispelled notions of his interest in the opening on Tuesday.

Gary Patterson, ex-TCU Horned Frogs head coach

Former long-time TCU head coach Gary Patterson hasn’t coached much football on the East Coast but at 61 years old, there’s a good chance Fort Worth, Texas wasn’t his last stop.

Group of Five options

Luke Fickell, Cincinnati Bearcats head coach

Luke Fickell has skipped chances to leave Cincinnati for the past two cycles but he’ll be one of the top candidates out of the Group of Five ranks until he finally does make the jump. Could Virginia Tech really convince Fickell to abandon an undefeated Bearcats squad?

Hugh Freeze, Liberty Flames head coach

Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze has done well for himself since taking over the Flames program. The former Ole Miss coach amassed a 25-9 record, which includes two wins in the Cure Bowl. At 7-3 this season, Liberty will once again reach a bowl game.

Billy Napier, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns head coach

Not unlike Fickell, Billy Napier’s name comes up every year for the less attractive Power Five gigs. Louisiana is 9-1 this season and undefeated in Sun Belt play. Any coach that gets (and keeps) the Ragin’ Cajuns in the AP Top 25 should be considered by the Hokies.

Jamey Chadwell, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers head coach

Chanticleers head coach Jamey Chadwell would be a nice fit for Virginia Tech after earning a 19-3 record at Coastal. Chadwell currently leads the odds in Vegas to replace Fuente.