Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer isn't ready to retire anytime soon, but he has a pretty good idea of whom he wants to replace him when he does.

Beamer said during a Tuesday appearance at ESPN that he would prefer that someone on his current coaching staff -- either longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster or associate head coach/running backs coach Shane Beamer, his son -- replace him when he retires as the Hokies' coach.

Frank Beamer hopes that when he eventually retires, Virginia Tech will look to succeed him with a member of his staff. Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Beamer, 68, is about to begin his 29th season as his alma mater's coach. He has a 231-115-2 record at Virginia Tech, guiding the Hokies to 22 consecutive winning seasons and postseason appearances. His 273 career victories (he went 42-23-2 in six seasons at FCS program Murray State) are most among active FBS coaches.

"Absolutely," Beamer said. "It's up for the people of Virginia Tech to decide who [my successor] should be exactly, but I've got a great staff of very competent people. Hopefully, someone from the staff will be chosen to be the next coach at Virginia Tech."

Shortly before the 2014 season, Virginia Tech extended Beamer's contract by two years, through the 2018 season. The Hokies are coming off a 7-6 season in which they upset Ohio State 35-21 in their second game and then lost four of their last seven games.

In early December, Beamer underwent throat surgery. He watched from the press box as the Hokies defeated Cincinnati 33-17 in the Military Bowl. Beamer said he lost about 40 pounds after the surgery and called the recovery more difficult than he anticipated.

Beamer said he's in good health now and doesn't plan to retire anytime soon.

"It's going to be up to the athletics director and president," Beamer said. "They're going to have to want to keep me. My job has never been better. My health is good, I feel good and I'm looking forward to getting it going again. Right now, my job is the best it's ever been at Virginia Tech. Hopefully, we can have some great wins and great years."

Foster, 56, has been a member of Virginia Tech's staff since Beamer was hired in 1987. Foster, who was named the Hokies' defensive coordinator in 1995, is widely regarded as one of college football's best defensive minds. He won the Frank Broyles Award as the country's top assistant in 2006.

Beamer, 38, joined his father's staff in 2011 after previously working at South Carolina and Mississippi State. Beamer has coached the Hokies' running backs during the past four seasons and is regarded as a top recruiter.

"I can a make case for both of them," Beamer said. "Certainly, they're both viable. I think Bud is the best in the country at what he does, and he certainly deserves an opportunity. I think Shane is very good at what he does. He understands the details of being a coach. I think he understands the details of what it takes to be a good head coach."