Tech notebook

BLACKSBURG — Critics might think otherwise, but Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said that he sees no reason to make any coaching changes this offseason.

“I think our staff has done a heck of a job,” Beamer said Monday. “Where this team has been and where we got to … I thought it was a good coaching effort, and I think keeping this staff together is one of the reasons why — if we can win (the Orange Bowl over Cincinnati) — we’d be one of three (Division I-A) teams in the country to win 10 games (every season) over the last five years (along with Texas and Southern Cal).”

Message board pundits and radio show callers have complained of the Hokies’ offensive struggles this year under coordinator Bryan Stinespring. Tech ranks 107th out of 119 Division I-A teams in total offense.

But Beamer, who sounded off on a caller to his radio show earlier this year who criticized Stinespring, is standing by his offensive coordinator and the rest of his assistants.

He said he doesn’t plan to make any coaching changes unless another program comes calling with a job offer. He said he hasn’t received any calls recently from other schools requesting to talk to one of his assistants.

“Anytime a guy from my staff can go and advance himself, I’ll help him,” Beamer said. “I’m all for him. Always have and always will.”

Christmas decorations

Hokies senior cornerback Macho Harris was the recipient of two major awards in the last week.

The Sporting News named Harris its ACC defensive player of the year, and Rivals.com included him on its All-America second team.

Harris leads the Hokies with six interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 13 passes defended.

He was a first-team All-ACC selection and was also a finalist for the Dudley Award.

Bills sign Hall

Former Virginia Tech linebacker Vince Hall signed last week to join the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad.

Hall, who was not picked in April’s NFL draft, signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Rams, but he was waived in the summer.

The spot on the Bills’ practice squad came open because of an injury to another former Hokies standout: defensive end Chris Ellis.

Ellis suffered an ankle injury and was placed on season-ending injury reserve last week, and defensive end Corey Mace was called up from the practice squad.

Extra points

Tech director of athletics Jim Weaver said last night on the “Hokie Hotline” radio program that the school has sold only 4,300 of its 17,500-ticket allotment for the Orange Bowl. That isn’t necessarily an indication of the expected turnout for the game. He said a lot of tickets are being sold at marked down prices from secondary sources. … Harris, defensive end Orion Martin, center Ryan Shuman and linebacker Brett Warren were voted permanent captains for the 2008 season.