Home > Furman Bisher > Archives > 2008 > August > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.US‘Johnson football’ ready to take over
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One word describes Paul Johnson: Imperturbable.
Same today. Same tomorrow. Pick your day. Sort of descriptive of impassive mountain folk, of which he is one. Born and raised in Newland, N.C. When he decided his life was in football, he went back to his roots to start, Avery County High School in Newland, assistant to the coach he had played for. Rock bottom. Never played a down in college. At Avery County his education began, and by the time he reached his present state at Georgia Tech, his influence has been felt from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
So it was at Rose Bowl field this weekend, where Bobby Dodd once presided for years. Dodd did much of his coaching from a tower, rarely missing a beat, entertaining press guests there, those who dared attempt the climb. Johnson works at ground level, and in no way distinguishes himself from his staff. No “Coach” across his chest, same garb as all, down there in the mix.
We intruders know all this because, this year, guests are allowed at practice. Even the press. No fear of enemy espionage, epecially considering that few of us would recognize one play from another, a fact that escaped Chan Gailey. It was a pleasant afternoon, following a day in which all were sent scurrying for tented cover when a thunderous storm struck Thursday. It was a symphonic scene, sound and movement seemingly synchronized, blue and white-shirted bodies against a green turf background. Interrupted by an occasional signal from the tower to move on to the next drill. More a beep than a growl, as in Dodd’s day.
Naturally, it is quite essential that concentration for the mission ahead should never be far from mind. On one wall was the printed phrase, “Prepare Like Champions.” On the bar across each tackling sled was the critical admonition ever on the Yellow Jacket mind: “Beat Georgia,” something that hasn’t been done since the year 2000, when George O’Leary coached here. And, one might add, something that has become a mission by this time. Right now, “Beat Jacksonville State” might be appropriate, for the Alabama school becomes a more formidable opponent since the disgraced LSU quarterback, Ryan Perrilloux, has transferred his game there.
The Bulldogs, though, are forever on the mind of Jackets, even more so since the USA Today poll had been published. It was a coaches’ vote, and the Bulldogs were saddled up as the likely national champions. Georgia Tech barely made the top 50, which in itself is rather strong, considering that Johnson is installing his triple-option offense, totally new to this squad, one that has won national championships at Georgia Southern and the Commander-in-Chief’s Cup at Navy — and beaten Notre Dame for the first time since the Studebaker rolled the highways.
It’ll take awhile, as could be seen in the spring game, when fumbles outnumbered pass completions. Not all is happiness among the West Stand patrons, having to do with the team’s garb. Headgear color has been changed to something akin to pastel green, or as some brand it, “swamp water green.” Georgia Tech colors have been, and will always be, Old Gold and White, and the old guard is fiercely defensive of that standard. Jerseys have been redesigned, but given an acceptable grade. It’s the helmets that cause dyspepsia. Fact is, in time “Johnson football” will take over, and all issues will be dissolved.
By the way, did anybody ask Paul how he voted in the coaches’ poll?
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By son_sir
August 2, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Nice article Mr. Bisher. Give CPJ a little time and he will deliver. He is the epitomy of a player’s coach and will demand nothing but the best. I expect effort and attitude to be much improved. It’s going to take time to fine tune this offense, but when it is clicking on all cylinders, there are going to be lots of converts among the non-believers.
By Jim Grogan
August 2, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Dear Furman: Great read as usual. Been enjoying you since reading Jesse Outlar in the “Constitution” over coffe, and looking forward to your by-line in the “Journal” at supper time. It does “feel” like PJ may bring back the enjoyment of the Bobby Dodd years. Too soon to tell, and the football world has changed in more ways than one since that fine era, but wouldn’t it be GRAND to see and enjoy!
By m
August 2, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Furman…isn’t it great that Tech now has a REAL college football coach instead of some NFL retread? As you have to know, Chan Gailey did not have a clue how to coach college football. He totally squandered all that O’leary had built up. He took teams that should have been Top 25 teams and made them totally mediocre. He wasted Calvin Johnson. He started Reggie Ball for 49 games. He was the worst coach in the history of Tech and the NCAA. Thank God and Greyhound that he is gone FOREVER.
By John
August 2, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Furman, your memory is gone, maybe you should be too. Chan had open practices every year he was here. Last year he stopped them beginning one week before the season, so please talk about something you know. m, what an idiot; Chan never had a losing season and went to a bowl every year; in spite of having to put up with flunkgate and probation that put him down several players every year he was here. And, did you forget Bill Lewis; no one and I mean no one can be that bad.
By GetReal
August 2, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
“Beat Georgia”????? Get real.
By Jack
August 2, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, thanks for all your years of coverage for sports in Georgia. I have been reading your articles since the early 50s growing up on a peanut farm in SW Georgia. I hope you and I will be around for a long time to come. Keep up the good work.
By Tron5000
August 2, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
My comments are not important, so they won’t be in bold. What the heck is up with this “swamp water green” “headgear”? Heard and seen nothing about it.
By GTwes
August 2, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Hey John I agree with you that Bill Lewis was the worst ever,but please my head will explode if I have to hear about chans winning seasons and crappy bowls. The probation had nothing to do with his wins and losses his bad coaching did. He had the leading rusher in the acc for three straight years with PJ and Tashard as well as the best receiver in the country to go with them and yet his offensive rankings were always in the 90s out of 119 teams. When you put that with the great defenses we have had we should have been a top 25 team each of those 3 years but we never finished there because of our coaches shortcomings.If you want to get on here and say chan was a great man I will back you 100% but being a great man doesnt win football games and that is what he was PAID to do.Its time for all of us PROUD TECH FANS to stop being happy with mediocrity and realize we can be a STRONG WINNING PROGRAM and not expect excuses from our coaches and AD. Get ready for that because CPJ and D RAD are going to put Tech back on the map!!! GO JACKETS
By jabster
August 2, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Furman has more journalism in his pinkie than the rest of the AJC has in all their ten’s. I enjoy your column each and every day—whether or not you write positively about Tech, I know in my heart that you’re usually right. This goes all the way back to your nicotine-stained byline in my daddy’s paper, back in the 70s.
Keep it up for as long as the good Lord sees fit for you to do so.
By jamada
August 2, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Another upbeat article from you. Allowing open access to the press, many of whom were denied such in the past, is ultimately one of allowing free speech (and criticism.) Paul Johnson is confident of the future success of his offense, and his own abilities as well as those of his assistants to coach and otherwise teach players how to execute the scheme to perfection. Those who have observed his teams play aknowledge that he is one of today’s great “game day” coaches (as was Dodd in his day), that he is singularly focused on winning, tactically outmaneuvering the opposition’s defensive scheme and adjustments. This is one of those rare “feel-good” stories akin to “The Natural” but pertaining instead to a coach rather then a player. The story needs to be told - those who can best tell it are skeptical and critical observers who see all that happens on the practice field. Additionally, with this hire of Paul Johnson, the press are provided “good copy” with which to embellish and make interesting the story lines of “Johnson football” taking over, bringing closure to such issues as helmet color, pant stripes, and jersey design.
By Russ
August 2, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher:
Great column…been reading you since Sherman took his crew through here to Savannah.
It does not matter who the coach is, or where he’s coached, or what his record has been…he is doomed to 8-4 at best and his record against the Georgia university of record will be: futile.
Can’t wait for your Masters submissions…what was it like back in 1939?
Woof.
By FOJ
August 2, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
There is no doubt Furman is the Dean of Atlanta sports Journalism.
By Ramblin' Rack
August 3, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
the comments “beat Georgia” and the fact that Johnson has instilled a mission to make this happen willpay dividends. Moreno will graduate at some point. Your QB will probably go pro after this year and THEN you’ll be back to above average at best but certainly not great. And that’s when Tech will catch up and possibly beat you. For those of you ww/ egos the size of Georgia, keep resting on your laurals b/c Tech will and is getting better and it all started w/ the hiring of a two time national chamption coach, PJ.
Also, ain’t it funny how we continue to recruit some of the best defensive players in the country WITH OUT Tenuta?? Shows you the great staff and ole’ Giff’s skills aren’t going anywhere.
WOOF WOOF and those little Jacket Piggys were just fine in their brick built house. Your woof comments only verify that you are worried about how Tech is improving and our future is bright. i hope I don’t eat my words come 2009 but it sure is sweet to think of the possibilities.
By surfrider
August 3, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this
Good article Furman. This offense appears to be more like a form of the wishbone coupled with some run and gun that Johnson did in Hawaii. To me the hardest offense to stop would be the Wishbone with a passing attack, as the Fridge had some of that at Tech. The old Wishbone could’nt throw and one of the reasons it faded, particularly at Nebraska, Bama, and Oklahoma. This Johnson offense can come from behind and can throw from what I’ve seen of it. It also opens up the recruiting opportunities and puts more people in position to touch the ball on a given play. The Defense is still a mystery but seems a little like O’leary’s early style of defenses or some of Curry’s or Pepper’s.
By gtfan
August 3, 2008 3:39 AM | Link to this
hey john get a clue will ya.
chan was a cargingen to gt football.
he allowed the coaches to fight amongst themselves setting a poor example.
he allowed the team to splinter into groups who were out for ME.
he allowed his good ol boy coaches such as buddy geiss to ruin what talent we did have.
he kept dave wilson around long enough that he killed some of our recruiting classes and he refused to get rid of him until drad interceded.
matter of fact the reason chan courted the nfl the year before he got canned was because drad gave him ultimatums.
… and if you dont think that chan had anything to do with gradegate youve lost your marbles.
chan treated our kids like they were 30 year old pro players. that is the reason why we had flunk gate.
chan had absolutely NO discipline on the team. one need only listen to what the players say NOW to get a feel for what chan was really like.
chan took teams that should have won 9-10 games an coached them down to 7 win seasons.
that is why the dumb A$$ is history.
By CarolinaJacket
August 3, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
Thanks Furman. Good article. And I agree with an earlier post, those were great days when Tech was on the top and the Atlanta sports writers, you, Jesse, Ed, and Harry were always great fun to read. Keep up the great work.
By Sam
August 3, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Furman, GT needed that. With all the fuzz flying around about coach pj and his new( although it’s been around with some smaller schools) triple offense and all the hype and stuff and now the vote running 66 percent of polled readers that don’t like the swamp green like helmets and some don’t like the plain pants with no strip like Penn State like I guess. Not to mention the three deep with freshman redshirts and soph that haven’t played any or much, oh lordy the AJC for now anyway has a new baby. And UGA might as well fold up and go home. Think about it.
By Gary Indiana Jones
August 3, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Ga Tech wins in streaks in mid season and then gets clobbered by beefier linemen. Their problem for the last thirty seven years? No offensive line. Also no ability to adapt to game conditions. Their coaches do an amazing job on the practice field with the training, but at game time, they simply dont understand how to deduce the game plan of the opposing coaches. That’s the real key to winning a football game. You cant teach that. You are born with the ability to know what your opponent will do on second and long in the first quarter vs the forth quarter. There are so many variables determining the correct play as the game progresses that we see real football coaching talent once in a generation.
The blitz is the key to all of football. Knowing when to use it, and knowing the secret of the technique of blitzing can take a mediocre team a long long way.
You just dont blitz everybody pell mell on every play, of course. You also dont just blitz when you think a pass is obvious. Something in between. Something so diabolical and fiendish that no offense can stand up to it.
Hint: Always blitz on the first play of the game. Always.
By Sam
August 3, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Gary, why aren’t you a coach? Seems you have all the basic ways to beat any team. However, remember this…..A big fast man always wins over a small fast man. That is exactly what teams are learning about SEC football. As I remember Tech did alot of blitzing against the Dawgs the last 7 years. Come on Gary, keep your day jof>
By Frank
August 3, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
We’ll see how confident Johnson is when his team goes 4-8 this year. Sounds like he’ll be full of excuses though. If the football were as big as this guy’s head maybe his players could hold on to it.
By Mike
August 3, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Sam,
You’re right, that spread option Urban Meyers brought with him to Florida will never work in the SEC, will it? Oh, wait, um, it is working, isn’t it? Oh, gee…..
By Sam
August 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
WELL MIKE, URBAN DID BRING A SPREAD THING TO FLA, AND LATER MODIFIED IT SOMEWHAT. BUT YOU MAY BE MISSING ONE LITTSY BITTSY THING. AND THAT IS THE DIFFERENT QUALITY OF PLAYERS THAT FLA HAS VS GA. TECH. TECH WILL NEVER HAVE THE SAME TALENT AS FLA OR UGA OR LSU OR AUB OR TENN HAS. GET USED TO IT. DOWNTOWN ATLANTA ON A SAT. NIGHT. GET THE PICTURE?
By UGA'91
August 3, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
For all of you who enjoy this stilted, anachronistic drivel, soak it up for the old coots column is going the way of the old wing T, the four horsemen, and Tech’s days of being an elite college football power. And whatever happened to Jesse Outler?! Selah, (lol).
By JW
August 3, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Look forward to big things from coach PJ, he will do a great job at Tech, however I hope cpj is NOT responsible for the awful uniforms. I have been a Tech Fan since the fifties, but will be embarassed by the way our team will look. We’re right up there with Oregon for the ugliest uniforms in college football. **Maybe this is “change” we can believe in, but not all change is good. Hope the Fans and Alumni will force a change back to our old white and gold uniforms soon. GREEN helmet will look great with this uniform, HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
By Gene
August 3, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
I attended pee wee day at Rose Bowl Field in the mid 1950’s as a YMCA player. Time has dimmed most of the memory, but I recall a giant tackle in gold pants and a white jersey demonstrating pass blocking. I have never been a Tech fan, but I hope that Coach Johnson builds a successful program based on his high ethical standards.
By Sam
August 3, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Oh well, you can always give the GREEN helments to Tulane, and just go ahead and get new uniforms like you want. But fire the guy that got the new ones everybody hates now. You know GT has loads of money and just get new ones….30 or 40 Grand should do it. Did I see an ad on Yahoo for tickets specials to GT games …Two for one sale or something….Money is no object under new PJ.
By Bob from Acworth
August 3, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
uga91. F.Y.I. Jesse Outlar retired several years ago. About the time you were crapping yout diapers learning to use the toilet “like a big boy!” Why don’t you do us all a favor and keep your condescending attitude to yourself? Or better yet,since you feel the need to let everyone see how smart you REALY are,(LOL!)I’m sure the Athens Banner Herald and the “Red and Black” would LOVE to hear from you. Mr. Bisher and Mr. Outlar have FORGOTTEN more about sports than you can EVER hope to learn in YOUR lifetime,PAL!
By GT76
August 3, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Coach will most certainly be successful. Tech will beat Georgia soon. It is incredible to read the comments of more than a few Dawg fans that think they will never lose again. Hell, Tech has a better record the last 20 years vs. UGA than UGA has vs. Florida! And Tech is getting better the next few years! There are way too many UGA people who are condescending self centered idiots. I don’t really want to hate UGA as much as I do but they give others (not just GT people) no real options.
By Gary Indian Jones
August 3, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
You have an awful big mouth, Sam, (and it’s perty), but stfu. I’ll tell you why I dont coach, because coaching is not about football. It’s about politics. That’s why there’s never been a Michael Jordan/Tiger Woods football coach.
They will never let football savants like me coach anything, because I am apolitical. Your football comments BTW prove you’re have a very political mind.
I am Crazy legs. Night Train Lane. Wrongway Harrigan. Gentleman Jim. The Gipper. I am the gridiron. I am the kickoff, the out of bounds, and that imaginary line that extends from the pylons to infinity.
I am football.
You, on the other hand, are a fan. Have a beer, turn on the preseason, and stfu.
By CarolinaJacket
August 3, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Who in the hell was Wrongway Harrigan?
By Mr Yellow Jacket
August 3, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Mr Bisher, I think you are the best public relations writer on the Tech staff.
I like the new Tech uniforms. They will look great in the Emerald Nut Nowl this year.
When did we change our school colors to White and Spicy Mustard?
By blackprix
August 3, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Chan Gailey is gone .. 5 years later than he should have been, but now we got ourselves a damn good coach.
One that meets all the criteria for taking GT back where it belongs - Top 25 and beating the damn dawgs!
A man who has ‘passion’ and can actually coach - it was always pretty simple, except that Dave Braine never got it!
By fyi
August 3, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
I realize the old timers want Old Gold and white, but the reality is GT’s offical colors are Old Gold, white, and navy blue. Book it.
http://gtalumni.org/buzzwords/nov02/article6.html
By GT
August 3, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Chan Gailey didn’t like people.
By The Lauren
August 3, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
this text will be bolded AMEN, SIR! I’ve been a Tech fan all my life and I was one of many who called for Chan’s head last year. It’s time for Tech fans to stand together and behind our team! GT Football 2008: A New Hope! Viva Paul Johnson! Go Jackets!
By Haywood Jablowme
August 4, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Bisher…………You’re fired.
By DamGoodDawg
August 4, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Since Dooley took the reigns at UGA, Tech is 12-31-1 against the Dawgs. Hell, Tech only managed to go 2-5 against Ray Goff. It would be reasonable for Tech to win three out of every ten games under what would be considered normal circumstances in the modern eras of Georgia and Georgia Tech football. However, Richt has won at a higher clip to date than any coach in the history of the school, so that makes Tech’s chore that much harder. Two out of every ten would be a reasonable expectation. I expect Johnson to have pretty good success in the ACC, but if you expect him to beat Georgia on a regular basis you’re going to be awfully frustrated.
By Old Fart
August 4, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Since Dooley took the reigns at UGA, Tech is 12-31-1 against the Dawgs. Hell, Tech only managed to go 2-5 against Ray Goff. It would be reasonable for Tech to win three out of every ten games under what would be considered normal circumstances in the modern eras of Georgia and Georgia Tech football. However, Richt has won at a higher clip to date than any coach in the history of the school, so that makes Tech’s chore that much harder. Two out of every ten would be a reasonable expectation. I expect Johnson to have pretty good success in the ACC, but if you expect him to beat Georgia on a regular basis you’re going to be awfully frustrated.
By Old Fart
August 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Since Dooley took the reigns at UGA, Tech is 12-31-1 against the Dawgs. Hell, Tech only managed to go 2-5 against Ray Goff. It would be reasonable for Tech to win three out of every ten games under what would be considered normal circumstances in the modern eras of Georgia and Georgia Tech football. However, Richt has won at a higher clip to date than any coach in the history of the school, so that makes Tech’s chore that much harder. Two out of every ten would be a reasonable expectation. I expect Johnson to have pretty good success in the ACC, but if you expect him to beat Georgia on a regular basis you’re going to be awfully frustrated.
By NW Lady Jacket
August 4, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, Thanks for the nice article on Ga. Tech and Coach Johnson. Your write ups are always enjoyable.
The Tech fans that are unhappy with the uniforms are making too much of an issue and blowing things way out of proportion. What does it matter as long as our guys learn the new system and we win games. They may look better with the white jersey and blue pants, but, hey, all long as we win!!
And all the UGA fans that come on here with their #1 ranking…I would be a little embarrassed. Everytime we check the AJC there has been another Dawg thrown in the “pokey” or suspended from the team. Are yall going to be able to even field a team by the time you play GA. Southern. The rate your guys are going, they will all be suspended or in jail.
By jtg2626
August 4, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
TO HELL WITH UGA!!!!! It’s time for Tech to be in the spot light, watch out DAWGS. p.s. #1 ranking ….. HA HA HA
Great article Fisher!!
By thuga VI (also dead)
August 4, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
Nice thugs UGAY nice thugs UGAY nice thugs UGAY Now you have the excuse of off field distractions for when you CHOKE this year!!!!!! You all know its coming! Start lining up those excuses you white trash morons! You bring up 3 players (2 in football, 1 in baseball) over 2 YEARS. UGAY had 8 players in the SUMMER! WHITE TRASH MORONS. CHOKE CHOKE CHOKE. And get ready for the excuses!!! 2009 will be your year right! Delusional loser f@ggots!
By Paddy
August 6, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
I thought it was wrongway Carrigan??
By inveniojacket
August 6, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
thuga VI(also dead) - True Tech fans want nothing to do with the type of offensive comments you are making. Even if they are directed towards our hated bretheren in Athens. Get a life man.
By old gold
August 12, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Mr Bisher: Sir, it is an honor to read your work. This began for me in the 50’s growing up in Atlanta. I’ll never forget your article many years ago on how Billy Teas and several other former players greeted Coach Dodd. Early 90’s perhaps. Teas was always in Dodd’s doghouse but that day he was the one that Coach hugged and Teas cried. I can see it now due to your article. Now thats great stuff. Just a single moment. Why can’t they all write like you, sir ?
By old gold
August 12, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Your reference to PJ’s mountain roots in North Carolina reminds me also that Coach Dodd was from Galax VA which is not too far from Newland NC. Now that dosen’t mean anything other than what I’ve stated. This is a new day, a new game, a new era and PJ’s teams will have to prove themselves.