Memphis coach Justin Fuente is set to replace Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech, according to multiple reports Saturday.
Fuente and Virginia Tech athletic director White Babcock refused to confirm the rumors after Memphis' 63-0 victory over SMU on Saturday.
"Those are premature," Fuente said. "There is a time for that and it's not right now."
Babcock said the hiring is "not official at this time."
Beamer announced earlier this month that he will retire at the end of his 29th season at Virginia Tech. He is the longest tentured coach at one school in the nation.
ESPN reported that longtime Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster and associate head coach Shane Beamer will stay at Virginia Tech to serve on Fuente's staff.
An official announcement on Fuente's hiring is expected within the next few days.
Virginia Tech (6-6) closed out the regular season with a 23-20 victory over rival Virginia on Saturday and is eligible to play in its 23rd consecutive bowl game.
The 39-year-old Fuente has revived Memphis' program. The Tigers are 9-3 this year after finishing 10-3 a year ago and playing in a bowl for the first time in six years. He has a 26-23 record in four seasons at Memphis.
