John Ballein – Associate Athletic Director for

Football Operations and Frank Beamer’s Right-

Hand Man

John Ballein, associate athletic director for football operations and Frank Beamer’s longtime right-hand man, is a big reason why Virginia Tech is one of the top athletic programs in the country.

Ballein started his career as a graduate assistant coach on Beamer’s first Virginia Tech staff and served as departmental recruiting coordinator (1989-1996) and assistant director of athletics for football operations (1996). He is now associate AD for football operations and handles all administrative and operational duties related to Tech’s athletics program.

Early Life and Education

A multifaceted athlete at Bentworth High School in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, Ballein was a standout on the field and off. He played linebacker at Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in health and physical education. After graduating, he went on to coach football and basketball at two Tidewater schools, Woodrow Wilson in Portsmouth, and Western Branch in Chesapeake.

He had also enrolled in the Electrical Trades Program at Virginia Tech, but when Beamer called to see if he was interested in a job, Ballein was more than willing to try his hand at coaching a college team. He is now in his first season as a graduate assistant and has found the most enjoyable part of his job to be watching student-athletes succeed on the field and off it.

Professional Career

Virginia Tech Associate Athletic Director of Football Operations John Ballein is one of the best known members of Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer’s staff at VT. During Beamer’s time at Tech, Ballein served as a graduate assistant coach on Beamer’s first staff, recruiting coordinator and senior associate AD in charge of football.

He has been with Beamer’s program for 30 years and his work ethic, values and dedication have a lasting impression on the students, coaches and families at Tech. For his work in the classroom, on the field and in the office, Beamer says: “John is simply the best in the business.”

Achievements and Honors

A multifaceted athlete at Bentleyville’s Bentworth High School in football, baseball and wrestling, Ballein received many honors as a high school student. His accolades led to his induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Washington-Greene Chapter) in 2013 and the Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in education from Old Dominion University. After serving as a teacher and assistant coach at Portsmouth’s Woodrow Wilson and Chesapeake’s Western Branch high schools, he joined Frank Beamer’s Virginia Tech staff in 1987.

Ballein began his career on Beamer’s first staff as a graduate assistant coach; went on to serve as departmental recruiting coordinator, assistant director of athletics for football operations and associate AD for football operations before being promoted to senior associate athletics director in 2006. He has played a vital role in the success of Beamer’s football program over 29 years, and is widely recognized by players, coaches and fans alike for his hard work and commitment.

Personal Life

Ballein has been a part of Virginia Tech athletics since 1987. During that time, he has served as a graduate assistant coach, recruiting coordinator and senior associate athletic director.

He’s been Beamer’s right-hand man for most of that time and is known as a loyal, hardworking worker who values the players in his program. He’s a major reason why the Hokies are one of the top-rated programs in the country.

He hails from Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in health and physical education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He later went to Old Dominion University and earned a master’s in education and a doctorate in education. He also served as a teacher and football, basketball and track coach at Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth and Western Branch High in Chesapeake.

Net Worth

John Ballein has a net worth of $70 million. He is an actor who has appeared in many popular movies and TV shows. He has a number of awards to his credit including eight Screen Actors Guild awards and three Golden Globes. He has also won three Emmys and has been nominated for four others. He has also written two books. He and his wife have two daughters. They have a home in Amityville, New York.

Originally from Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, Ballein played linebacker for Indiana University of Pennsylvania before earning a degree in health and physical education. He then worked as a teacher and coach at Woodrow Wilson and Western Branch high schools before coming to Virginia Tech in 1987. He married former Virginia Tech basketball player Stephanie Green.