AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJohnson will get it done at Georgia Tech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Paul Johnson is a low-key country boy from Western North Carolina who tells you exactly what he thinks—even if it stings a little bit. As a result, people have underestimated Johnson for most of his adult life.
If you play Georgia Tech in football, to underestimate Johnson would be a mistake. A big mistake.
Johnson took over as Georgia Tech’s head football coach at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and this much I can promise you. There will be no doubt about who is in charge on The Flats. Johnson is a very good football coach who has simply won everywhere he has ever been and has been waiting a long time for this opportunity. And he is going to make the most of it.
Johnson will be well paid at Georgia Tech but it’s not about the money. If it was about the money, he could have gone to SMU and made more. The big money boys in Dallas made it clear they would give him basically whatever he wanted to come to Big D and take the SMU program back to prominence.
But Johnson took the Georgia Tech job because he knew this. If he goes 13-0 at SMU he MIGHT get into a BCS bowl. If he goes 13-0 at Georgia Tech there is a pretty good chance he’ll play for the national championship.
Johnson knows there are some issues to deal with at Georgia Tech. The academic folks on The Hill can be hard to deal with from time to time. The athletic association isn’t exactly swimming in money. There is always freshman calculus, which every player must take, and a limited curriculum.
And there is the big state university in Athens whose football program is clicking on all cylinders right now. Recruiting against them is never easy but here’s a hint: Move Heaven and Earth to keep Giff Smith on the staff. Smith has helped to build a recruiting apparatus that should be maintained.
But Paul Johnson, you should know, is a man who does not lack for confidence. We’re talking about a guy who has won 43 games in the last five years at NAVY! We’re talking about a guy who broke a 43-game losing streak to Notre Dame. He’s a good coach and he knows he’s a good coach.
He’ll assemble a strong staff. Will defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta stay? It’s hard to say. But if he does, the combination of Johnson’s offense and Tenuta’s defense will be very hard to beat.
Johnson will also start the process of installing an offense that will look more like West Virginia and Oregon that what you saw at Navy. He ran the triple option at Navy because, with the athletes he could get, it gave Johnson the best opportunity to win. With ACC-caliber athletes he can do more. Josh Nesbitt, start watching film of Pat White (West Virginia) and Dennis Dixon (Oregon). That is your future.
Is Georgia Tech going to beat Georgia right out of the gate under Johnson? Probably not. But this guy knows how to coach and he knows how to win. Paul Johnson will get it done at Georgia Tech. The only variable, as Howard Schnellenberger once said, is time.
Comments
By SonuvaDawg
December 7, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Great get for Tech. They still won’t be able to beat the Dawgs though!!
By FLA DAWG
December 7, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
GEEZ TONY - Ok, I believe you!
By Go GT
December 7, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
Great hire Tech. And let’s don’t turn this into a GT/uga bashfest. Let’s just focus on PJ and get excited about our new coach.
By Randy McMichael
December 7, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
I’m so mad GT got this guy, I’m going to go beat my pregant wife again.
By Mike
December 7, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
Finally a positive article from the AJC. Thank you, we appreciate it… We could not be any more excited about our new coach…
By CL
December 7, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
Only if he changes his offensive play-calling. Option offense doesn’t work on SEC defenses nor is a great recruiting tool.
By ODELL THURMAN
December 7, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
I’m not as think as you stone I am. Did somebody say GT got a new coach?
By Plagiarizing Roswell Ed
December 7, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Here’s one of Roswell Ed’s oldies but goodies.
Top 10 Marketing ideas to get people to the Tech game:
Retro dial-up modem nite
Pocket protector nite
Dim Sum nite
Dragon Con nite
MAC accessory nite giveaway bananza!
Come dressed as your favorite nerd nite- Jon Heder, Flounder, George McFly etc
Memory Stick nite- 4 gig!!!
Take your physics professor to the game nite
Clip on tie nite
Broadcast the game in Klingon
By JB
December 7, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this
8 is all that matters.
There also a reason that no one else runs Navy’s O.
By TONY COLE
December 7, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Plagiarizing Roswell Ed YO DAWG, GEE MAN FUNY, U MAKE ME GLEAD IM A DAWG!!!
By flackjacket
December 7, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Jeff Shultz feels like the biggest dumb @ss in Atlanta about now?
-fJ
By Odell Thurman
December 7, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
I’ll repeat myself for the dumb nerds…we beat yoe a** every year. Regards.
By Felix Pulitizer
December 7, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
I went back and read the columns and vents from 6 years ago when Tech hired Chan Gailey. I’m embarrassed, as a professional journalist, that all that has changed is substituting Johnson for Gailey. Deja vu all over again.
By Editor
December 7, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this
This just in to the news desk: Navy expresses appreciation for Johnson helping them shut down the Academy’s football program and extends its regards to him as he does the same at Tech. Film at 11:01, following commercials.
By Mr. Blackwell
December 7, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this
I hope Johnson likes BLUE (Hint: It’s in Idaho). Of course, coming from Navy he probably does.
By TONY COLE
December 7, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
YO ODELL, PASS ME DAT BLUNT…
By John
December 7, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
Don’t be too surprised Barnhart. I think he will beat Georgia next year. This year’s game was a few silly plays away from a GT win and that was with lowly Gailey. Finally, the streak will be back at GT where it belongs!!
By ODELL THURMAN
December 7, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
flackjacket as long as I be here, geeman ain’t the bigest dumba$$. Buttt he sho be close.
GO DAWGS!!!!
TONY COLE WHA’T UP DAWG? I always’s got some for my bro…WOORD UP
By annapolis_dave
December 7, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
I live in Annapolis (Navy Country) and this guy is for real. Georgia Tech is luck to get him and yes, he will win! Some people have “it” and Paul Johnson is one of those guys.
By Mr. Demolition
December 7, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
i am available for the next phase of Grant Field renovation..you know, like we talked about last time…removing more seats so the stadium looks full. And, yes, I can actually adjust the capacity week to week as sales go. The only thing I can’t do is bring in enough seats for Georgia fans every other year. Not enough room without spilling into the Varsity. Call me…555-DEMO
By robert murner
December 7, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
A GOOD coach is a GOOD coach no matter where he goes. Johnson will be a winner at Tech and sooner than people may think. His record speaks for itself.
By Class of 2007
December 7, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Has anyone heard from Reggie Ball? I didn’t see him at graduation…and I really miss him. Have him call me at 000-1234…oops I forgot, he can’t count to four !!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Odell Thurman
December 7, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
Nerds: Immitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Have a great day. One more thing, how many days in a week? As far as you’re concerned, it’s EIGHT.
By Alabama Jack
December 7, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
FEAR THE BEE
By Go Tech
December 7, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
Still wish EDsall would have taken the job, or an offer to Muschamp—hope PJ dosent become another Lewis or Gailey
By John
December 7, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
Considering all the UGA fans in here - I’d guess I’d have to say they must be worried. Because if they weren’t, why would they be making such a big point to be on here!? Your time has come - and it is over. Didn’t win the SEC Championship again - oh yeah, you weren’t even invited because you lost to Tennessee by 21 points!!! And, you will lose to Hawaii to signal even more defeats next year. Be scared bulldogs - but, by all your blogging in here, I see you already are!
By The Forecaster
December 7, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
From the vent archives: 2001: Don’t worry, I think O’Liar will beat Georgia. 2002: Don’t worry, I think Gailey will beat Georgia. 2003: Ditto. 2004: Ditto. 2005: Ditto. 2006: Ditto. 2007: Ditto. 2008: Don’t worry, I think Johnson will beat Georgia…………
By The Lab
December 7, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Fear the Pee.
By 1Gtfan
December 7, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Now wait a minute Tony, A great article until,you said will he geat Georgia right out of the gate, probably not you said. Well ole Chan up until just this year, had VERY close games with your dogs each year, just quite couldn’t beat them, So don’t you think a better coach Like PJ, won’t get over the hump?
Sure he will, and all these doggies around here that keep barking are going to be whelping!
By b_custer
December 7, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Ok - I am now officially a Georgia Tech fan. And, this is for one reason and one reason only - Paul Johnson. For those old Tech fans, if you don’t know Coach Johnson, I am telling you right now that GT will be a big-time program in the VERY NEAR future. I have lived in Annapolis for seven years now, and have literally seen Coach Johnson build this program into a fun, exciting & successful program. Coach Johnson is a no-nonsense coach that runs a first-rate program. BELIEVE ME - Georgia Tech football will win the ACC within his first three years there - no doubt! I am headed out to the mall this weekend to buy my new GT cap!
By Scared S*******
December 7, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Oh, yeah. We’re scared. LMAO at you nerds!
By Color Me Blue
December 7, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Coach, we have a guy who says he’s from Colorfast and his tanker truck is parked outside Grant Field. Should we let him start dying the field blue?
By The Vendor
December 7, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Will we still give away hotdogs and cokes with tickets?
By Mr. Fiscal
December 7, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Exactly who is going to pay for this new rich contract, the $4 million payoff to Gailey and getting rid of the old staff and hiring the new staff. I’m tapped out. Also, I think Chris Hatcher would have generated the buzz Rad said he wanted to infuse. Johnson makes Gailey look personable.
By Maryland Dawg
December 7, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
John,
You Tech guys sure are resillient, good luck in the ….., I’m sorry, what bowl are you playing in? Clown!!!
By Tokyo Jacket
December 7, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
Flack Jacket, so right about Shultz. So right.
But onto other things. How can anyone not be excited about this? You’ve got a guy who lead the nation in rushing last year. Before that, he used to lead the nation in passing. If we can keep Tenuta and Giff Smith, I’ll be so excited I want have to use the internet for that “other activity” any more! I’m thinking O’Leary but maybe with a little more of a talented team and a DEFENSE. Tenuta needs a raise, gotta keep him.
I know we’re bleeding money, but it takes money to make money. And, unfortunately, the AD position is much more about money than it is about sports. Look at FSU in the 90s, their AD position was all about a good marketing campaign. UF now is the same way.
Go jackets, bust their a$$!
By TennesseeDon
December 7, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
Yawn. As long as GT measures success by whether or not they get to play a bowl game with blue turf or green, it won’t matter who the coach is. And it will be at least 3 years before he beats UGA.
If he does do well, though, maybe we’ll hire him away from you.
By John
December 7, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
Like I said, the amount of UGA bloggers on here can be equated to how scared you all are. No UGA on here, no fear. Tons of UGA on here, tons of fear. Wrap it up however you like, you know it’s over. It will be over even before next year when you lose in a few weeks to Hawaii. And, the big difference is we don’t really care about our bowl game. But…you guys do - and that is why your losing will be so much more enjoyable to all of us!
By hewett
December 7, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
Georgia Tech could have shown a little more class than announcing they had taken the Navy coach on Pearl Harbor day.
By gt lover
December 7, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
top 10 reasons to go to uga 1. rednecks 2. the girls can gumb you to death because they have no teath 3. the girls all work at waffel house the dawg will drewell on his cousin 4. everyone in athens knows each other 5. we have 1 national championship and hershall will be back hahahahaha 6. easy gpa 7it’s redneck’s all over 7. we all wear slacks and sebagos hahahaha 8. our family all has sex with each other 9. i graduiated in 20 years at uga 10.the guys all like guys hahahaha
By gt lover
December 7, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
top 10 reasons to go to uga 1. rednecks 2. the girls can gumb you to death because they have no teath 3. the girls all work at waffel house the dawg will drewell on his cousin 4. everyone in athens knows each other 5. we have 1 national championship and hershall will be back hahahahaha 6. easy gpa it’s redneck’s all over 7. we all wear slacks and sebagos hahahaha 8. our family all has sex with each other 9. i graduiated in 20 years at uga 10.the guys all like guys hahahaha
By gt lover
December 7, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
UGA REDNECKS WHY ARE YOU NOT AT WAFFEL HOUSE EATING WITH YOUR REDNECK GIRLS WHO ONLY HAVE 4 TEETH AND MAKE 2.25 AN HOUR? REDNECKS,REDNECKS,REDNECKS
By gt lover
December 7, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
FEAR THE PUPPIE HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA NOT!
By Dr Morpheus
December 7, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
I’m a UGA visitor and I’d like to congratulate the Jackets on a great hire. Additionally, this series of posts is hilarious- especially the exchanges between old Dawgs Odell and Tony “What else can you do for me before I rat you out?” Cole. However, I think John who thinks Tech was a few plays away from beating UGA this year smoked some of that stuff when T and O were passing it back and forth.
Dr. M
PS I would have translated this post into Klingon but Babelfish is down right now.
By Mr. Neurologist
December 7, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
gt lover, did we hit a nerve? Suggest you get a second opinion or have it excised (that means removed). Have a nice day.
By Mr. Odell
December 7, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
eyes glad somebody preciates my discourse. member when we gots in Reggie’s head all dem times…better n crack!
By UGA doc
December 7, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
You know, gt lover, I would’ve have thought that number 7 on your list would have been college football from the years 2001-2007.
By no problem
December 7, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
We care about our bowl game because its the Sugar Bowl, thats a BCS bowl for your nerds who have never - and will never be to one.
By Reginald Ball
December 7, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
whose lookin fo me? eye turns oer a nu leef and gettin mysef educated here at de yad. eyes want one mo chance at dem dogs…no quatterbak evr loss to dem 5 times, so eyes sho we’d win. call me 000-1233.
By Rueben Houston
December 7, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
Yo Tony, give me shout man, I gots a new load of Ganja….I don’t plan to sell all of it, come over we can celebrate the new coach and get crunk…peace……cough…cough
By A Patriot
December 7, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
On this 66th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Thank you to all the brave men and women who served this great country in WW II.
A Georgia Dawg.
By Gailey Can't Coach
December 7, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Thanks Mr College Football for something positive about Tech’s efforts to get back to national prominence…The only thing I would’ve done differently is make Jeff Shultz write it!
And hewett: It was Johnson who “torpedoed” Navy on Dec 7th, not Tech. He could’ve accepted yesterday. The thing they’re really psssed about up in MD is how he pretty much said, “I’ve got a new job to go to now…I’m not coaching the Bowl Game…Goodbye!” Then he jumped in his car and left.
They really expected him to coach the Bowl Game. But what are you gonna do? You can’t really fault a guy who makes a decision and then immediately cuts the ties and moves forward. He clearly struggled with the decision to leave Annapolis.
I’ve worked where the policy was: When anyone submitted a 2-week notice, they were escorted to immediately clean out their desk and leave the premises (for good). I’ve also worked where they were allowed to work the full notice. Invariably, there were problems with the working of a notice…Mostly some kind of conflict of interest or just the plain apathy of a short-timer.
So I understand the clean cut from the Naval Academy. I also understand and respect the kind of personality who operates like that. It shows that he’s very serious about immediately grabbing the reins at GT. Besides, he is so adored up there that if he stuck around, he would probably be besieged with pleas from hundreds of people every day TO STAY THERE.
He’s a smart guy. Since he’s strategic in using his available talent to formulate winning offensive schemes, I pretty much figured out he would see the opportunity he was looking for was right here at GT. And it IS!
I agree that he will be underestimated, as many dawggies here are already doing. Guys like this are, for lack of a better term, cold and calculating and they don’t let emotions interfere with achieving their objectives. That’s WHY he’s dangerous. I’m so glad we won’t be facing him at DUKEE.
Compare that with Chandler Gailey, who was simply cold. Not right at all here. I’d like to see him go to SMU…And no, that’s not a cruel joke. He has a history in TX and he’s probably feeling pretty unwanted right now, just like SMU. They’re a good fit, just like PJ and GT.
This will be remembered as a GREAT DAY in the Proud Tradition of GT Football! Congrats DRad for a helluva, helluva job!
By Seats Xpress
December 7, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
We have a sh**load of tickets to Boise. We’re giving free hot dogs and hot chocolate, plus airfare with each ticket purchased. Great seats available on the 50, 40, 30 ,20 ,10 and endzone. Also, name the time you’d like the game to start!! Limited time offer.
By GT5900
December 7, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
I like this hire very much. He plays an exciting brand of football and he will get the fans excited with his style of play. It is kind of funny looking at the Dawg fans on here blogging. They seem a little bit concerned because they know they will not face an offense like Johnsons. We saw what WVU did to them 2 years ago and i bet his offense will be similar. This Nesbitt kid we got sure does look like he would be be the perfect fit for his style of offense and i am very excited. To the Georgia fans out there: GO HAWAII WARRIORS! Or are they the Rainbows?
By Dave
December 7, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Johnson is the perfect guy for Tech. They aren’t able to recruit the athletes to compete with the big boys, so they need a system offense. Run the option to perfection, keep a stout D, and GT will be a power once again.
By The Historian
December 7, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Let’s talk about this “proud tradition”. This must have been before thousands of seats were removed, multiple GT coaches rented houses in Atlanta, free hot dogs and cokes were used to entice fans, Georgia put more fans in Grant Field than GT, before Dooley was 19-6 v. Tech, Mark Richt was 7-0, and even Ray Goof had a great record against Tech…so ‘splain that great tradition to me. Thank you in advance.
By Bulldog Nation
December 7, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Hey, I’ve been venting on here as long as the AJC has offered it, and COINCIDENTALLY, the DAWGS have won every year…don’t see that changin. So Johnson beat ND. Who didn’t…even Tech beat ‘em, so don’t see anything special going on here. Look at the series record for the last 35 years, or even the entire history of the series. It’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog.
By Greg
December 7, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
OK — how many out there see Taylor Bennett as the QB in Johnson’s offense? Not me.
By Schedule Maker
December 7, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Took a quick look at the “tremendous” season Navy had…beat Duke by 3, lost to Ball State and DELAWARE, beat North Texas and Northern Illinois and 2-9 NOTRE DAME. Played two legitimate teams…THE University of New Jersey (Rutgers) and Wake Forest (remember them?). So Tech beat out Duke and SMU for Johnson…feeling good???
By SugarHillDawg
December 7, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
johnson wili only beat georgia if he can talk top notch players into playing his offense. You can forget about getting blue chip recievers to come to Tech and all you have to do is get penetration and play assignment football. His offense depends on trickery and slight of hand and I don’t think you can sell that to blue chip players these days. We will see. go Dawgs!!
By Coach Johnson
December 7, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
Greg, thanks for your question. I’m hoping to find another Reggie Ball…what a player!
By Snapshot
December 7, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
Leg humpers are sure hitting on this. They seem a bit worried and are trying to ease their simple minds.
By The Entertainer
December 7, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
You’ve been a GREAT audience. I’m out of here….
By quaildawg
December 7, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Tech on hiring a new Coach. Johnson seems to be a good man and a pretty fair Coach but Tony before you get giddy about things like ending Navy’s losing streak to ND I have one question. Who DIDN’T beat ND this year???(UCLA,Stanford,and Duke…Oh my!!!) Heck even the Coach GT just fired beat ND. Up there no less. In regards to recruiting why should UGA be concerned? We have to fight FL,FSU,Auburn,AL,SC,Clemson,and TN on a regular basis for our recruits. Get in line Techsters because everybody wants a piece of UGA in recruiting. Go ahead GT fans pop a Yoo-hoo and celebrate you have a new Coach but don’t go throwing down the gauntlet about beating UGA just yet.
By Greg
December 7, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Coach J, You the man! I’ll only respect you though if you stick with him for 4 miserable years like Chan did with Reggie.
By RWfromGT
December 7, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Thank you dawg fans for reminding me why I hate UGAG so d* bad.
By Fun, Fun, Fun
December 7, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Snapper, there’s only one reason I’m on here…to get witless repartee from nerdville. Success. Have a nice day.
By boring
December 7, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
to all the people who want “buzz” and “excitement” - I say Bill Belichick is the most unexciting prick in the game, but do you know what he does??? WIN - I’ll take wins - this is a great hire.
Screw the Dogs - I’ll take ACC Championships & BCS bowls -
To all the Bulldogs - I find it laughable that you have nothing better to do than post on a Tech blog? Get a life…
By boring
December 7, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
to all the people who want “buzz” and “excitement” - I say Bill Belichick is the most unexciting prick in the game, but do you know what he does??? WIN - I’ll take wins - this is a great hire.
Screw the Dogs - that series is old and ti will come back with time. I’ll take ACC Championships & BCS bowls -
To all the Bulldogs - I find it laughable that you have nothing better to do than post on a Tech blog? Get a life…
By hop
December 7, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
tony, you need to do a better job in obtaining sports information. neither you have poor contacts or you do not have a glue.
By Jesse
December 7, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Jesse WHO? How many Jesse’s do you know? Wait til the cameras get here! The Black Coaches Association will not stand for this blatant disregard by Georgia Tech. You line up this list of white folk and then before I can get my nose powdered, you hire this Johnson guy. Well, you have not heard the end of this. We’re bringing in Charlie Strong for HIS interview and we will insist he be made at least Co-Head Coach. What? Hewitt don’t count…there’s plenty of African-Armenians coaching basketball. We want our share of football coaches. If we don’t get the response we want, we’ll tell A-A recruits to boycott Tech and both A-A fans to stop buying tickets. Watch for me at 11 on Channels 2, 5, 11, 17, 36, CNN, Headlines News, and other sophisticated outlets. You better get used to seeing me in town! I haven’t finished with Coca-Cola either.
By Lifer
December 7, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
I have a life thank you very much…I’m sitting here in my media room watching Hannity and Colmes on my 50” HDTV and expressing my true feelings about the nerds. Educational and fun. Pass me another cold one…no, not another dead Tech tradition…a brewski. O, and you think the DAWGS love GT? Hate drives a big bus.
By Talk to me Barnhart
December 7, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Yo Tony,
Amen for the positive spin on this from an otherwise negative AJC. As an ex Jacket DB, I am thrilled about the hire. My favorite would have been Charlie Strong, but I think Paul Johnson is perhaps less of a gamble at HC. He wins, bottom line. And I agree with you that we GOTTA keep Giff Smith. And as much as I would like Tenuta to stay, I gotta say as the Stews would put it- he’s gone.
By The Facts
December 7, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
Face it, if it weren’t for DAWGS on this site, it would be B-O-R-I-N-G !! Everybody knows nerds have personalities…how should I say this…like watching paint dry, grass grow, lakes evaporate, fingernails grow, ink dry, oil prices change, and GEORGIA TECH football. You get the point.
By A worried Dawg
December 7, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
I am a GSU Eagle and UGA Dawg that is worried. It will take a few years but Paul Johnson is the one choice that will actually give Tech a chance to be UGA. We better get ready I am sorry to say. The only saving grace is that we have Richt!!!
By Chuck Uga
December 7, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Tony, You have to consider that most Tech fans ae not keeping up with Georgia’s current MACHINE. Mark Richt’s success is NOT going to slow down one bit because of Paul Johnson. Is Tech going to eventually beat UGA? Of course. Is Tech going to somehow DERAIL the Georgia program and start winning every year? Not a chance in he__. Paul Johnson will do very well in the ACC, but he still will have to deal with Clemson, Va Tech, up-and-coming power North Carolina, a tough NC State, Virginia every other year (Tech can’t win up there no matter what). I can see PJ winning 8 games and losing 4 as a norm with a 9-3 record occasionally. He’ll eventually play for an ACC title. that’s all Tech needed, but make sure all the delusional fans know that Georgia has reached the pinnacle of success and will be staying there a LONG time if Mark Richt hangs around Athens. UGA WILL BE a perennial Top 10 team for years to come.
By GTME87
December 7, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Tony,
Thanks for the positive comments. Same to some of the UGA fans with class. To the other UGA fans, yeah we have some “nerds” - but these “nerds” keep America competive both economically and from a military stand point. One question, however is what do your white trash trailor park fans provide to the community except a drain on the economy.
By The Historian
December 7, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
My gay lover just left me for a younger horn dawg. I just lost my job as Turd Wrassler down at the Athens Water Works. My 4X4 has a flat tur and my double-wide is being repossessed Monday. My Dawgs got scammed out of the BCS Title Game. I just bought a bullet and rented a gun. I think I’m going out back and just kill myself. You can thank me in advance.
By Will Muschamp
December 7, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Tech made the wrong choice…it should of been me! BMF! To Hell with Georgia!
By Wreckhorngoes "THWUGA!!!!!!!!!!!!"
December 7, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
It is a time for optimism, hope, and looking forward. Thank you for recognizing this obvious fact, Mr. Barnhardt. I sincerely appreciate it. I am afraid I will still be cancelling my subscriptions to the AJC because most of your colleagues in the AJC sports dept aren’t worthy of a major city newspaper. The reporters (even beat reporters) can’t get the facts, much less the inside info on their respective subjects, and the columnists generally lack interesting ideas and writing skills.
By gaDAwg
December 7, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
GTME87,
How many Rhodes Scholars did Tech produce this year? Answer 0. How many did UGA produce this year? Answer 2. One of the worst graduates Tech ever produce was our 39th president. He did a lot for the US economy. Also, explain to me when all the tech men have to go to UGA to find wives? I guess they like white trailer (not trailor) park trash.
By GO Jackets
December 8, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Great points Tony. You also take a position on the hire and back up your position. Your fellow journalist Jeff Schultz simply says, “Paul may or may not win.” Thanks Jeff for that BGO. Tony your editor at the Journal needs to cut your article out and tape it to Jeffs computer screen so he can learn how to write about the hiring of a new coach. Coach him up Tony.
By gaDAwg
December 8, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah. Pay attention cause in I only going to explain this one time. UGA produces more Road W******* than any other skool in this c**. Wifout them, our ecomony in Athens would be devs, devist, davested…..well, it’d be purty darn bad! Got it now?
By OldDawg55
December 8, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
I realize a lot of thought goes into the crap generated by the so-called “fans” above, but, seriously, Paul Johnson is a class act and will serve GT well…let the ACC be your first goal..generate a rivalry with FSU/VT/Va/Clemson or someone else…we’re (UGA)concentrating on the SEC and we’ll be tough for years to come..PJ and the Gnats will get us sooner or later..that’s life..but don’t work yourselves in a lather over the Dawgs…don’t measure PJ by beating Georgia…enjoy your new coach..he’s a quality guy that will bring a good football team back to Atlanta…I’m a lifelong dawg and I’m pulling for you guys! But, THWGT!
By Chan got Canned
December 8, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
I agree with the bloggers who recognized the fear in UGA all in this blog The dogs WILL lose to Tech soon, and often, as long as Paul Johnson is the coach. HE HAS WON EVERYWHERE HE’S BEEN, AND IT WON’T STOP HERE. I mean WOW! the first 2 entries in this blog were from concerned dog fans. People … the man won 70% of his games at NAVY for cying-out-loud. One blogger posted some of Navy’s oppenents this season trying to suggest they really weakened their schedule or something. I’ve got a news flash for there pumpkin … it has always consisted of weak teams! And before Johnson got there nobody could win with consistency. Ga Southern had some GREAT teams for a while there. Then they fell off … but what happened when Johnson became their head coach … back to the elite of I-AA. And he came to GSU from Hawaii (maybe you should check-out his versatility as an offensive mind with all the records Hawaii’s offense set). The man knows how to coach, and can mold an offensive unit into the best style to beat its oppenent with ease. He knows football people! Kind of like that guy named Urban at UF. He has won everywhere he’s been too … a couple of places that were not known for their football presence before he arrived, and now aren’t so known since he left. This past game between Tech-UGA was the only one of the past 4 that Tech COULD have won … b/c the previous 3 they SHOULD have won — if not for Reggie & Chan, and intelligent football fans know this to be true.
Again … UGA will lose to Tech soon, and often, as long as Paul Johnson is leading the Jackets It’s going to be fun to watch……
By Jay
December 8, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this
gaDAWG, Jimmy Carter didn’t graduate from Tech, he graduated from the Naval Academy. Second, anyone who thinks Tech is going to dominate the series with UGA is deluding themselves. UGA has so many benefits - size (so there are many more UGA grads in GA than GT, and every plumber who didn’t go to college loves to jump on that Bulldawg bandwagon), a more “varied” academic menu, and, for now, the best coach in the SEC for my money in Richt.
But, next year is likely Bobby Bowden’s last at FSU. Would Richt jump ship for the big bucks he’s likely to be offered there, or would FSU take it’s chances with Fisher? THAT has to be a Dawg fan’s nightmare scenario.
Hey, look Dawgies, I personally am not expecting to beat UGA every year, just to do it every other year and win the ACC Championship a little more often. I’d like to see us with VT and Clemson regularly battling for the ACC title, and going somewhere other than the Nut bowl or the Blue Bowl. GT is not likely to be a top 10 program annually, but top 15 is certainly within reach, and I want us to be where 8 wins is considered a bad year. If that happens, I’ll be happy.
By Quincy Carter
December 8, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
Yo Yo Yo - Just got outta rehab - what i miss, yo?
By GT PR Dept.
December 8, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
We found it necessary to re-write the news release on the hiring of Chan Gailey in 2002: Today, Georgia Tech is announcing that Chan Gailey has been named Head Football Coach, at least for several years. He was the best we could do, given our circumstances. We suggest all Tech people give him the benefit of the doubt. He’ll probably win more than he loses, will likely take the team to second tier bowl games and MAY be able to beat Georgia if everything falls into place. We have suggested that he rent a house in Atlanta in case things don’t work out. In closing, we hope several of you, our loyal fans, will be positive about this hire…or at least neutral. By the way, if he’s fired, say after 6 years, we’ll have to pay him $4,000,000 so ticket prices are being raised accordingly. If you have any questions, reconsider them. Go Jackets!
By Kedric Golston
December 8, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this
Can someone please read this article to me. My eyes are still burning from when I got pepper sprayed outside of Classic City Saloon in Athens. And tell Derrick White that I said what’s up - haven’t seen him since he got thrown off the team for his DUI arrest.
By GT PR Dept
December 8, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this
Today, Georgia Tech is announcing that Paul Johnson has been named Head Football Coach, at least for several years. He was the best we could do, given our circumstances. We suggest all Tech people give him the benefit of the doubt. He’ll probably win more than he loses, will likely take the team to second tier bowl games and MAY be able to beat Georgia if everything falls into place. We have suggested that he rent a house in Atlanta in case things don’t work out. In closing, we hope several of you, our loyal fans, will be positive about this hire…or at least neutral. By the way, if he’s fired, say after 6 years, we’ll have to pay him $4,000,000 so ticket prices are being raised accordingly. If you have any questions, reconsider them. Go Jackets!
By Keno
December 8, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this
It makes a lot of sense for Johnson to quickly get started recruiting at Tech. Apparently he had a great staff at Navy, and who wouldn’t think they could handle a bowl game. Remember McWhorter (bless his heart). I don’t think Navy is concerned about his sudden departure. They may have an assistant to audition also. I can’t believe some of you aren’t excited about the bowl game. I’m curious to see how Tenuda and Bond do on their own. It should be very interesting. I don’t think there will be any repeat of Tech’s play several years ago in California (was it Fresno State?). It’ll be fun in Boise. Fun football—especially if we roll. I’m a believer! Everything’s going to be great. By the way, why would Mark Richt leave Georgia for FSU? It ain’t gonna happen. At this point, Georgia’s up and FSU is sinking, plus Georgia’s got a tradition that FSU can only dream about. I hope Tech and Georgia roll till the big game at the end of next year.
By surfrider
December 8, 2007 3:27 AM | Link to this
Great hire. Navy is as hard if not harder academically than Tech, so this guy understands that all too well. At the same time working under Erk and later at GSU is great experience in nuts and bolts football the way it use to be played in the south. At the same time recruiting in Ga. will be natural. But what’s different is at Navy the recruiting connections are national. George Welsh came from Navy and turned UVA from a joke to a contender 25 or so years ago. But don’t underestimate the experience at Hawaii. Anyone who has coached there can throw the football. Running the wishbone would be more exciting than not moving the ball. As for QB questions, one needs to remember Pepper’s Qb’s not the most recruited in the country and also a guy named Doug Flutie at BC. Tech has had good option QB’s in the past including Dewberry, Jones, Hamilton and Godsey as well as Pepper’s. Hopefully that will be taken to a new level with the threat of passing coming into the mix at some point.
By JR
December 8, 2007 3:35 AM | Link to this
Do you dogs really think that what you post here is witty? At best, it is second and third grade humor. Darn! I forgot, That IS the intelligence level over there!
By MarkRichtFan
December 8, 2007 3:55 AM | Link to this
If you Techies want to beat Georgia, you should have raised some real money and bought out Mark Richt’s contract. As long as MR is at Georgia you have slim to no change of beating the Dogs. Paul Johnson is a fine coach, and a good man (so was Chan), but he won’t touch UGA in at least his first 3 seasons at Tech. (It could be a lot longer than that.) The drought in Georgia will be a distant memory and Lake Lanier will be full before Tech’s drought against Georgia ends!
By Stephon Marbury
December 8, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
Paul Johnson will make Steve Spurrier appear humble. Within a year he will be at war with both the print and broadcast media in Atlanta because they won’t kiss up to him like they did in Statesboro.
By Concerned Tech Alumni
December 8, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
I was at GA Tech during the 60’s and graduated during the Dodd era. This was the zenith of GA Tech football.
I’ve listened to the p** and moaning ever since that time.It is fixing to stop now for the long haul!
As a retired Army Colonel I know Coach Johnson will instill the discipline and leadership it requires to have a winning program. If he can win at a service adademy he can win at GA Tech.
It takes a special individual like him to win at an institution like Annapolis where only the best students can gain admittance. Tech falls in that category.
By gatech87
December 8, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Well said, Mr. Bullfrog graduate!
It will be so nice to wax those overrated Bullfags EVERY year going forward! If we could come so close over the last 4 years with the worst GT offense in 40 years we shouldn’t have a problem going forward (beating those always overrated rednecks)…
By Sam
December 8, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
Go Jackets!
By Pago Pago
December 8, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
Well, it appears to be all over for the DAWGS!
By Lewis and Gilbert
December 8, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
We just want to invite everyone over to the Lambda Lambda Lambda house tonight where we are having a “Celebrate Paul Johnson” party! It will start at 7 with a viewing of the movie Star Trek 4 - The Wrath of Khon followed by a live band called The Riverdance Rockets. So logoff around 6:30, put your glasses on and lets PARTY!!!!!!
By listen
December 8, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
I love all the trash talk from UGA fans. Mouthing off when you have no idea what is going to happen is foolish. Chan is out the door and it makes them a little nervous. Keep barking you redneck idiots! Mark Richt is all class, but his fan base is viewed by the whole country as a bunch of loud mouth redneck foolish inbred idiots. OK, maybe no the while country, but at least the ones who read the AJC blogs. I am proud to have a guy like Paul Johnson at the Institute. Now we will see what he does
By uga grad
December 8, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
You Tech guys kill me….last week it was doom and gloom, we will never beat UGA, we need to go to the Big East, etc etc….suddenly you have a new coach, and you have already beaten UGA! You idiots, it will take more than a new direction in coaching to turn around your sorry football program…..meanwhile, UGA is off to *ANOTHER BCS BOWL, WHILE YOU GO TO A BLUE FIELD…..ENJOY THE WISHBONE OFFENSE, LOSERS….GET READY FOR 8-0 VS THE DAWGS!
By uga grad
December 8, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
You Tech guys kill me….last week it was doom and gloom, we will never beat UGA, we need to go to the Big East, etc etc….suddenly you have a new coach, and you have already beaten UGA! You idiots, it will take more than a new direction in coaching to turn around your sorry football program…..meanwhile, UGA is off to ANOTHER BCS BOWL, WHILE YOU GO TO A BLUE FIELD…..ENJOY THE WISHBONE OFFENSE, LOSERS….GET READY FOR 8-0 VS THE DAWGS!
By reality check
December 8, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
Paul Johnson has gotten it done on the field before and he should succeed at Tech. Just like Saban has gotten it done on the field before and he should succeed at Alabama.
Alabama fans were very delusional about what their team would accomplish this year. Some of the bloggers on here are just as delusional. Paul Johnson has never been in an environment where the fan base can be so demanding, negative, and unrealistic.
I am certain Tech will beat Georgia again someday. But Georgia will continue the dominance they’ve had for the last 40 years at least as long as Richt is coach.
By DawginLex
December 8, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
As I predicted a couple of days ago, johnson is the new coach at Tech. This is a good hire. I am not concerned as a Dawg fan. Not because Tech might actually beat us now but because having a quality coach at Tech and UGA continuing to excel makes for a great football state.
Nobody really cares who wins Auburn vs Alabama but we still watch. Why ? Because Alabama has been knwon as a tradition rich state in college football. Georgia has a chance to continue its tradition by putting 2 conference champions on the field for the final game of the year. If either is in the running for BCS honors, the game will help the strength of schedule.
Congrats on a good hire. Just leave our guy alone.
By gt45
December 8, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Paul, do whatever it takes, but keep Tenuta. I just want to see for one year what our team will look like with an offense who can put points on the board, and keep the defense off the field for a little less. Could be an awsome combo. Go Jackets
By NYJACKET
December 8, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Well said Concerned Tech Alumi
I am also a graduate of the Dodd era and I played for Dodd. Like you I am a retired officer. In my case, Captain, US Navy.
Coach Johnson looks to be an excellent fit for the Tech program. And, I sure welcome him aboard.
By Cody Dawg
December 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Tony Tony Tony!!! It’s a great hire for Tech. The offence he is a master will of not work in the ACC. I hope he doe’s well for the Tech fans and they win the conference-will make the Georgia game worth wild again in the future.
By Cody Dawg
December 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Tony Tony Tony!!! It’s a great hire for Tech. The offence he is a masterof will not work in the ACC. I hope he doe’s well for the Tech fans and they win the conference-will make the Georgia game worth wild again in the future.
By Cody Dawg
December 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Tony Tony Tony!!! It’s a great hire for Tech. The offence he is a masterof will not work in the ACC. I hope he doe’s well for the Tech fans and they win the conference-will make the Georgia game worth wild again in the future.
By Cody Dawg
December 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Tony Tony Tony!!! It’s a great hire for Tech. The offence he is a masterof will not work in the ACC. I hope he doe’s well for the Tech fans and they win the conference-will make the Georgia game worth wild again in the future.
By Cody Dawg
December 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Tony Tony Tony!!! It’s a great hire for Tech. The offence he is a masterof will not work in the ACC. I hope he doe’s well for the Tech fans and they win the conference-will make the Georgia game worth wild again in the future.
By Cody Dawg
December 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Tony Tony Tony!!! It’s a great hire for Tech. The offence he is a masterof will not work in the ACC. I hope he doe’s well for the Tech fans and they win the conference-will make the Georgia game worth wild again in the future.
By ODELL THURMAN
December 8, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
yo gee, I be scared we ain’t going to be dancing no more when the dawgs score TDs.
dis Navy crip scares me. I be glad thou cause the Tek game is da last game and my boz’s all be off suspendshon for drgus, assults, and beating up the Athens Holes.
Shout out to my boz Tony Cole and Randy McMichael, ahh yea, GO DAWGS Mug’um…i be meaning sic’em
By alan
December 8, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Tony, I hope that Calculus (or even heavy math) is not required for a lot of Tech’s new Liberal Arts courses. Why would a Liberal Arts or a Management Major need Calculus anyway? What a waste of time if it is still required. Could someone enlighten us on the current requirements? I took IM and six quarters of calculus at Tech and hardly used it in a 30 year career. I think it was a waste of time for me.
By GWH
December 8, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
The “program” is the problem, not the head coach. Rinky Dink…
By White and Gold
December 8, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Since 1990, Ga Tech has just as many Conference Championships and more National Championships than UGA. Mark Richt was a great hire. Paul Johnson will prove to be an equally great hire for Tech.
By GTMike76
December 8, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
This is a great day for Tech football. Having watched his success at GA Southern and Navy, we have to be excited. Parents will appreciate his Navy experience as a signal for discipline and accomplishment. He knows where the talent is in Georgia, and successfully got what he needed in Statesboro to win 2 national championships. I am one who will up his contributions to be part of the new tradition.
By Georgia Tech=JOKE
December 8, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Getting it done at Georgia Tech = 8 wins, “almost” beating Georgia, and going to a bowl that isn’t in two or three time zones away.
The bar is low.
By GT
December 8, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
One of the things I liked hearing from Johnson was how hard it was to tell the Navy team he was leaving. After watching Gailey shop around for a job last year and just his general personality I don’t think Chan would have had that hard of time telling Tech players he was leaving. Nor do I think it shook Tech players up that bad to see him leave when he did. If emotions were germs Gailey’s football program could have been an operating room. I think Navy could have beaten Tech just about every year Johnson was there and Gailey was here. I think Johnson is a lot like Grobe at Wake who usually came in with less and left with a win. Now Georgia. Tech had a way of getting up for Georgia that even an emotional handicapped Gailey couldn’t defuse. The games have been mostly close because of Tech’s emotional high but at the end lost because of some stubborn thinking by Gailey. Whatever strategy he walked into the stadium with was going to be the strategy the entire game, not your Bobby Dodd type game day coach. Johnson not only thinks during a game, but his players obviously have faith in his thinking and leadership and I think he will earn that faith with Tech fans. You worry more about what a coach like Spurrier might do than what he actually does which is why he beat Georgia time and time again. Old Chan never stuck that fear in an opponents mind nor that confidence in his players that he trust them to try something a little on the edge. Don’t worry about tight ends, over the middle passes and stack the linebackers when you played Tech. Navy would have killed us.
By TD
December 8, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
JOHN: I’m not a Tech or UGA fans, I get on here to read how ignornat some of these posting, from both sides are, and yours my friend is the most obnoxious. You have so much hate in son. Merry Christmas, let go of that hate.
No, Tech will not beat UGA next year. Take it to the bank. Within the next 5 years, yes.
By randy
December 8, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
tech fans suck great old big ones!
By 3rdGen_GT_alum
December 8, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Well said DawginLex. As much as I REALLY do not enjoy my alma mater losing to UGA in ANY sport, it does certainly add more excitement & draw attention to the state if BOTH GT & UGA have Nationally TOP ranked programs. Think of the rich history in Florida between the ‘Canes the Gators & the “Noles, whereby almost annually field champion caliber teams. I would much prefer the season’s last scheduled game btw GT & UGA to have huge BCS significance. That said, I think DRad has made a great hire w/Coach J with the great hope that Tenuta & G Smith will continue on his staff at GT. I may even renew my ‘08 season football tix subscription after a 6 year lapse. GO JACKETS! Beat the Leg-Humpers soon!
By Sonny Chaffin
December 8, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Ugagers Be afraid, be very afraid! The truth shall set you free. The Black and Red will never again cloak the White and Gold.
I feel so sorry for you!! Secula; Seculorum!! and THWG
By Richtwho?
December 8, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
I really think its the Dawgs who are delusional. You guys have some sort of a superiority complex. Yea Richt is a great coach, no doubt. But for you to think that your going to be a “Powerhouse” year in and year out, sorry not going to happen. Gt is going to beat you eventually, get over it. UGA = overrated.
By TechCrybaby
December 8, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Good note, Mr.”By the Historian.” You observe correctly that Dooley went 19-6 against Tech, and was followed by other coaches all of whom had winning records against the Jackets. Dooley was the guy who found the key, coming to UGA in 1964, a year when Tech led the all-time Tech-Georgia series by one game.
Bobby Dodd, as early as his second season as head coach at Tech (1946), acknowledged the superior position he knew Georgia enjoyed. Talking to Bob Davis and George Mathews about Georgia, outside the Tech athletic offices, he said, according to Mathews, “If I can beat Georgia one out of three years, I’d consider that doing pretty good.”
Dodd did a lot better than that, of course, going 9-3 in his first 12 games against Georgia, and finishing 12-10 against them. But he was talking about the difficulty of Tech’s recruiting against Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, among the less academically serious schools in the region.
Dodd stepped down after the 1966 season. Dooley had beaten him the only three times they met, in ‘64, ‘65, and ‘66. Including those years, and the 41 years since, the two schools have played 44 times. Tech has won 11 of those times. Not as good as what Dodd would have thought was “doing pretty good