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Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2009 > January > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USUGA should give Tubby a call
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Athens - The worst thing to happen to Georgia basketball in recent years was the miracle that wasn’t.
It was a fluke. In fact, when the Bulldogs interrupted another season of mediocrity or worse under Dennis Felton last spring to win the SEC tournament, it kept Georgia’s athletics director Damon Evans from doing what he eventually did emphatically on Thursday.
He pushed Felton into the past for the Bulldog Nation with a justified firing, and he brought hope into its future when it comes to hoops. Sooner than later, courtesy of Evans’ vision, Georgia will show that it isn’t just a football school anymore. It will show that it is a Florida or a Texas, which means Georgia will show it can punt, pass, kick and dribble, too.
“I know how difficult it is, in this or any other business, to fill an important position with the right person for the right opportunity at the right time,” said Evans, just shy of his fifth year as Bulldogs’ head boss. “This is the right time. This is the right opportunity. And I can assure you that we will identify the right person.”
They will. This isn’t the old days, when the state of Georgia basketball was exemplified by the pre-renovated Stegeman Coliseum, the most depressing place on earth. Hoops ranked in the Bulldog Nation behind regular-season football, spring football and off-season football.
Then came nice spurts of goodness for Georgia basketball under Hugh Durham and Tubby Smith. The Jim Harrick era produced victories but also scandals, which led to Felton in 2003.
No question, Felton had Harrick’s mess to overcome. There were depleted rosters due to probation and the tragic death of a player before one season. Plus, Felton had the apathy that has smothered Georgia basketball since Vince Dooley caused barking to explode for football on campus after his 1964 arrival.
Still, there is no excuse for this: 33. That’s how many games Felton’s Bulldogs were under .500 in SEC play. Or this: $30 million. That’s how much Georgia spent on its peerless basketball facility to give Felton a chance to prosper. Or this: Numerous. That’s how many Georgia natives have helped other college basketball programs prosper in recent years, mostly because Felton wasn’t signing them.
So, here is what Evans wants from his next basketball guy.
“When I say (I want) a CEO, you have to have leadership qualities and understand the broad scope of what it means to be a basketball coach at an institution of this magnitude,” Evans said. “We’re high on academics at the University of Georgia, and I want a coach that will embrace the academic side of the equation.
“Of course, we want somebody who has a thorough knowledge of the game of basketball … But at the end of the day, we need to get an individual with a high level of integrity. Someone who will help our student-athletes to grow and develop and that will allow us to put a competitive program on the floor.”
Sounds like Tubby Smith, 57, in his second year as a miracle worker at Minnesota after doing the same at Tulsa and Georgia. He also took Kentucky to a national championship.
Smith told reporters after practice this week in Minneapolis that, contrary to rumors, he isn’t interested in the vacant Alabama job. But what about that other vacant SEC job, especially since Smith told me two years ago that he once dreamed of becoming the Vince Dooley of Georgia basketball?
It’s worth a call.
Permalink | Comments (74) | Categories: UGA/SEC
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By Shane
January 29, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this
1
By hop
January 29, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this
for once,I agree with MR. MOORE.Georgia needs to move on doing whatever it takes to sign the “TUB”.
Besides HUGH DURHAM, Tubby was the most successful coach in bulldog basketball history. I truly believe with the right offer TUBBY SMITH would return to georgia.
By Gary
January 29, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this
Make the call..Tubby can still recruit and really overachieved with the talent he had at UGA. Imagine if he stayed long enough to build the program.
I agree….make the call. At least see if he is interested.
By rainman
January 29, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
As a Ga.Tech fan I would gladly take Tubby over our current HC. If he would come, ya’ll ought to jump on it!
By SC Dawg
January 29, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
Would Tubby want to come back to Georgia? Would Georgia trust Tubby enough to hire him back?
By Ralph
January 29, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
Tubby wouldnt leave a better Minnesota program to come to a less than mediocre program in Georgia…..Lets be honest about what we are, people.
By HOG
January 29, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this
Nolan Richardson!
By Gary
January 29, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
I wish the timing was better. Looks like Tubby already has a great contract at Minnesota making more money than most head football coaches including Richt. I don’t see how he could leave that much as I’d like him to. Surely there’s another pre-Kentucky Tubby out there who wants to show his stuff in the SEC. I know the SEC takes a lot of hits for basketball, but they still have a lot of great programs that coaches at non-majors would love to jump to or a great assistant at a successful major conference school would want. Much as I hate it for the players, Evan’s decision to cut the cord now is a solid one so that Georgia has planty of time to find the right coach and start recruiting A players. Felton did not leave the cupboard bare, there are some good young players on the team now. We need someone now who can consistently recruit great players then instill the type of team concept that has worked for Duke and other quality programs. Harrick, Tubby and Durham all showed that you can win at Georgia and turn things around in just a couple of years. Now we need a coach that will generate as much excitement for basketball that football does. Florida figured it out. Georgia can too.
By HI McDunnough
January 29, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
Good gracious, I won’t be more suprised if I awaken tomorrow with my head sewn to the floor. I just agreed with every word of a Terrence Moore column. What is the world coming to?
By Paul
January 29, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
If Tubby wants an excellent opportunity to stick it to Kentucky, here’s his best shot! Come on back, Tubby!
By Elvis
January 29, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this
I NEVER thought I would say this: “Terrance, I agree with you!!!!”
We were jilted by Tubbs years ago and I have never fully recovered, neith have my Dawgs.
Is there ANY way we could get him back? Seriously.
He would bring excitement and hope.
Winning the SEC last year, as you correctly mentioned, delayed the inevitable.
I hope Evans can get Tubby back in “The Tub” if not, it will take a BIG name to excite us about roundball.
By Out of Town
January 29, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
Harrick is available.
By AlphaDog
January 29, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
Not a bad thought, Tub’s deserves at least a phone call.
There is simply to much GA born talent within a 4 hr drive of Athens not to field a competitive team. I’m not asking for a National title, just be competitve. A good recruiter will do wonders at UGA, similar (to a lesser extent) to what Spurrier did at UF with their football program. 11 of the top 100 players(Rivals) in the nation are from GA, UGA didn’t sign a single one this year. Hell, GaSt at least signed one of them.
I was at UGA during Harricks time, if you win, the students will fill Stegeman, I know that for a fact.
By Joe
January 29, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
Terence - are you aware that the Lady Panthers at Clark-Atlanta University are the number 24th rank tea min the nation in Division II basketball - no mention of them has appeared the the AJC all season. This Saturday night at CAU, they will be facing their Conference rival i Fort Valley State University. Both of the Lady’s team are undefeated in Conference play. It sure be very exciting - I hope that you will come and watch (and write about) the game. I look forward to seeing you there.
By D.Ellis
January 29, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this
Wrong
The first phone call should go to STEVE LAVIN.
By GradyGrad96
January 29, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this
No to Nolan Richardson. He fell off the nutty wagon some time ago and got himself in trouble. No thank you.
Like the Tubby idea though.
By jason
January 29, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this
WHY WOULD UGA HIRE TUBBY BACK AFTER THE WAY TUBBY LEFT?
By 10 million reasons it will never happen
January 29, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
Terrence, if you had done some reasearch on this, you would see that hiring Tubby Smith away from Minnesota would require a 10 million dollar buy out.
There is simply no way that UGA is going to pay that much money to buy him out, on top of the salary that they would have to pay him in addition, as well as Felton’s 1.5 million buy out.
Time to put a little more effort into this situation instead of simply naming the first coach that comes to mind.
By O.J.
January 29, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this
Whats his number? Lets give him a call right now. Mr. Moore I really dont agree with you to much but for once we are on the same page. Lets try to do it again sometime.!
By Mac
January 29, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this
It is worth a call. Tubby’s got another good 10 years in him at least. Let him spend it building UGA into a contender and groom a successor.
By Dave
January 29, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
Jaime Dixon, Jeff Capel, Mike Anderson, Brad Stevens, Scott Drew, and Anthony Grant in that order.
By UGA fan
January 29, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
Why not call Tubby? One of the few times I agree with you, TM. That would be a dream come true for many UGA hoops fans.
By DawgGirl32
January 29, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
If Tubby came back, I bet we wouldn’t have that attendence problem.
By Terence Moore
January 29, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this
I can’t stress this enough. Tubby loved his stay with Georgia, and his wife, Donna, loved Athens. If Damon Evans makes that call, he might be surprised.
Then again, maybe not.
By Tubby Jumped Ship
January 29, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this
To Terrance and everyone on this blog that wants Tubby back:
Tubby Smith used Georgia as a stepping-stone to get to Kentucky. He left UGA high and dry and stuck them with Ron Jirsa! Shouldn’t Georgia look for a coach with a little more loyalty to the program?
By Left to Right
January 29, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this
The problem is that Tubby would only be a short term solution. In two or three years other programs would start using his age against him in recruiting by telling recruits he would be retiring soon-and recruiting has always been the weakest part of his coaching talents.
Five years ago I would have loved to of had Tubby back, but then 5 years ago he wasn’t available.
By TheAntiMe
January 29, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this
I think that Mike Woodson would make the perfect coach for UGA. Then perhaps the Hawks could actually find a coach who has a clue.
By Herschel Talker
January 29, 2009 5:51 PM | Link to this
Maybe we can work out a trade: Tubby for Terence. Terence can go write for a Minnesota paper.
By 'ol dawg
January 29, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this
If the poster who quoted the buyout for Tubby is correct, the idea is ridiculous! Of course, most of us did not know that, assuming it is true. As an alum, I am completely opposed to spending in such a fashion. Moore, as for the facility, why would we entertain the idea of something new until we fill what we have? That is like asking GT to enlarge Grant Field to 90,000 capacity, when they can’t even put half that many in house now. Let’s be prudent on how we spend supporter dollars. Anthony Grant has done an excellent job at VC, and has the reputation as a great recruiter. He supposedly is interested, can probably be had for much less than some but more than he is currently making, and could be locked up with a strong buyout as a result. He has SEC experience, a good record so far in his coaching as both an assistant and a head, so what is not to like. He might even agree to something at UGA’s option, long term, without UGA having to pay an arm and a leg if he did not work out.
By Dog in Fla
January 29, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this
Call Tubby? For what, so he could come back and leave again?
By Zager & Evans
January 29, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this
I loved Tubby and would take him back in a heart beat but I would be shocked if he would leave Minnesota for UGA. Contrary to opinions above, I thought Tubby would have stayed at UGA a very long time if Kentucky (where he had coached before and where everyone knew he would go if offered - for way more money and way more prestige) hadn’t come calling. I think he’s basically a pretty loyal guy and at his age, I would expect him to finish out another 7-9 years at Minnesota.
Let’s move on. Nothing to see here.
By Used-up old retread? No thanks.
January 29, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this
Tubby is overrated, and we can do better. No thanks.
By Fan
January 29, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
Tubby is and would be a great coach but Gary (above) has a point. The money it would take to get him back to UGA would destroy the entire athletic budget when you consider what Richt would have to be compensated. In this economy, no way. Luckily there are quite a few candidates to be considered.
I, for one, would look to UNLV or VCU.
By Big G
January 29, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this
Tubby left UGA for UK that was a no brainer..UK is a big time basketball program..Tubby is happy at Minnesota..look elsewhere..
By david
January 29, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
Tubby left UGA for the capital of the college basketball world not for Clemson or Starkville. You would have to. GO GET TUBBY!
By John
January 29, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this
He has a better job at Minn.
By el martin
January 29, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this
Jamie Dixon would NEVER leave PITT and the best basketball conference in the country to come to a basketball wasteland that is the SEC in general and Georgia in particular.
Nor would Tubby leave a Minnesota program that has at least or better than equal billing as football to come to the Georgia wasteland. He’s not going anywhere especially Georgia.
By Chuck Uga
January 29, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this
As a long time Dawg basketball fan who loves Hugh and Tubby, I just can’t see Tubby wanting to come back to UGA. Would I welcome him? You bet. But he won’t be interested. So let’s not waste a minute and HIRE ANTHONY GRANT!! What pedigree he has!!
By 2 old 2.
January 29, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
If Tubby were interested in the job he’d be calling Evans. Now, if you plan to offer him the moon…call him.
By Glenn
January 29, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this
Tubby is a great guy but he had his chance, let him be.
By Gene
January 29, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this
Tubby loved Athens in the pre-Adams days. Nobody wants a basketball program micromanaged by a twit like Adams. Tubby is a good coach and a decent person. At UGA, he would be just another lackey.
By Save us Tubbs
January 29, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this
Tubby come back- finish what you started! You will be a legend at UGA and get two shots a year at UK.
By Rod
January 29, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this
Bring the TUB back to UGA!! Tubby’s son is an Alumni right?
By ET
January 29, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this
I think UGA should go after one of these young guns like South Carolina did last year when they got Horn from Western Kentucky (of all places). So far it looks like they are doing well. Beat Florida, Baylor and are 15-4 so far. I think they have some good comittments lined up also.
I think the future is in a young energetic coach that still gets out there and out-works the competition. Some of these older guys start coasting in their final years.
* Uga needs to go young. *
By maddawg913
January 29, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this
tubby could have been the vince dooley of ga basketball. he was lured by the temptation of KY basketball, one of the best jobs in the country. the problem was there was no where to go there but down. i don’t hold it against him and would welcome him back.
By Tally
January 29, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this
I say Stan Jones the top assistant at FSU should get a call. He coached in the SEC at MSU. He could hire Murray Smith a great high school coach in Florida to be a recuiter. tUBBY if hecomes should hire Murray Smith. Tubby recuirted one of his players while at UGA
By Go Dawgs!
January 29, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this
That ship has sailed long ago. Hated for him to leave but he did.
Get a PROVEN coach with recruiting ability. Agree with above posts; if UF can do it so can we!
Go Dawgs!
By GWJ
January 29, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this
Tubby Smith is a CLASS act. I believe the UK job was the ONLY job that Tubby would have left UGA to take. Hell, how can ANYONE blame him? I think its a longshot, but I hope Damon will make that call.
By the truth
January 29, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this
Tubby had his chance…. he failed at Kentucky when he had prime time recruits. Felton had more SEC championships than that clown Tubby. The answer:
STEVE LAVIN He’s the only way that UGA will reach an elite level.
By Slick Rick
January 29, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this
Has anyone mentioned “WoJo” (former Duke player and one heck of a coach)? Incredible basketball brain, and could relate to the kids. Thoughts?
By Early 80s Dawg
January 29, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this
This was the greatest article ever written by Mr. Moore until the last two paragraphs. I understand why many people still consider Tubby Smith’s tenure at UGA the high-point of our basketball program, but those who do are short-sighted.
Yes, Coach Smith had a sterling 45-19 record during his tenure and reached the NCAA tournament both years. The Sweet 16 run was nice (however we should have won the Syracuse game if we had covered the man on the inbounds pass and shot that tied it to send it into OT), but the UTC loss in the first round….UTC!!!…the next year as a 3-seed (if I remember correctly) was abysmal! I think at one point it was 20 to zero. But I digress….
Coach Smith’s Achilles heel has always been recruiting. Let’s not forget that the group he inherited from Coach Durham (Strong, Robinson, etc.) was the class heralded as the new “Fab 5” when they signed. High expectations greeted that group and everyone expected instant gratification their freshman year like the original “Fab 5” delivered for Michigan. When it didn’t happen after Year 2, Coach Dooley decided we had reached that “plateau” made famous by Rankin Smith years earlier and canned Coach Durham (who was a borderline “great” coach).
Coach Smith is a very good coach, and he took that group of maturing veterans and had two great (by UGA hoops standards) seasons. However, his signing classes were less than sterling, as evidenced by the talent dearth left for Jirsa, and subsequently, Harrick. Coach Smith believes in going 10-deep on his bench, and if you don’t play “D”, your playing time is impacted. And there is nothing at all wrong with that formula, and the results of his career record speak for itself. However, that doesn’t always make for an easy pitch to recruits today who, especially in college basketball (and this is an admitted broad generalization), are focused more on “me”. Even with Coach Smith’s success at Kentucky, he was never able to recruit to a level that one would expect for a program of that level. And that, more than anything I believe, was his undoing in Lexington. The Big Blue Nation is about as forgiving about poor recruiting classes in basketball as we are in football.
Bottom line: Damon Evans has a tough job. It’s not easy finding the next Donovan, Pearl or even Tubby. But it can be done, and until he proves me wrong, I believe he will. Florida changed the perception of their entire athletic program when Spurrier tapped the unrealized potential of their football program, and Kruger and Donovan did the same for basketball. And for the Tech fans who may read this, do any of y’all remember Tech basketball pre-Cremins? If you don’t, I can tell you it wasn’t pretty. Many of the same “UGA can’t win in basketball” argument tossed around various blogs today were the same ones levied Tech in the late 70’s. There is no reason whatsoever that UGA can’t realize the same level of basketball success. None…including the stale “Stegeman is a barn” excuse. With the right coach in place, anything is possible. Good grief….look at the Arizona Cardinals of all people! It can be done, and I sincerely believe the Damon will get it done. But it shouldn’t be with Tubby.
By Dave
January 30, 2009 12:22 AM | Link to this
The SEC Championship was no fluke. Improbable? Yes. Miraculous? Yes. We beat four of the best teams in the SEC in THREE days. That was no fluke, and proved that there IS talent with this group of players to come together and play as one. We just need a coach who can consistently do that.
By Barry
January 30, 2009 12:39 AM | Link to this
Let’s get the facts straight. Tubby’s Minnesota contract has no $10 mil buyout clause; it’s $2 mil. His salary is $1.75 mil plus assorted camp cash.
By Hairofthedawg
January 30, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this
We should call Tubby Smith about the UGA job? The same Tubby who on his own volition packed his bags after a year to go to UK. Well, let me say a couple of things. First, I think Tubby is truly a very very good coach who unfortunately never lead UK to a national championship even though it has always had the capability as such a rich basketball history and support at the University. So does he have capabilty to help UGA. Sure, he knows the game. But he left the program and now to call him back would be akward at best. I do not blame Tubby at all for what he did as UGA was merely a steping stone between the Tulsa Job and the 0pportunity to get the any coaches dream job at his age and experience at the time at uk. Some Coaches, as we have seen in Nick Saban, seem to drift to where ever the highest sweepstakes might be. I say fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Plenty of well qaulified individuals are out there and we need someone the likes of Mark Richt who has stuck to the program and given us stability in a time where coaches play musical chairs.
By How high is low?
January 30, 2009 1:21 AM | Link to this
AD Evans assures one and all that Georgia has “high academic standards.”
Not very high HONESTY standards, based on that statement, but obviously a high tolerance for spewing bullsheet with a straight face.
By LifelongDawg
January 30, 2009 4:44 AM | Link to this
Terence, for once I agree with you. If UGA can get Tubby Smith back, then by all means they should look to make that happen. He knows the conference and the talent level in Georgia high schools. He’s an excellent recruiter and bench coach. Unlike at Kentucky,He’ll be able to work at UGA without having to answer to the entire state population foe every single loss.
My only qualm is the fact that he left Georgia for another SEC member. Granted, it was to go to the premier basketball program in the conference and one of the best in the nation, but getting jilted hurts no matter what the reason. I don’t think he would bolt again regardless of who came calling, but I’m sure there is still a little bit of a bad taste in the mouths of some alumni and school officials. I hope they can look past that, and I hope Coach Smith gives this position some serious thought if indeed UGA is interested in getting him back.
By The Fight Realtor
January 30, 2009 5:30 AM | Link to this
I hate to be Mr. Negativity, but what gives anybody the idea Tubby Smith would leave Minnesota for Georgia? Is UGA a better basketball opportunity for Tubby than where he is now? I don’t necessarily think so. I’d love to see Tubby come back to Georgia, but this notion that he would leave Minnesota for Georgia seems a little misguided.
By Sid
January 30, 2009 5:43 AM | Link to this
Good article Mr.Moore. We will see-soon I hope !!!
By Dennis G. Berdanis
January 30, 2009 6:09 AM | Link to this
You seem to have a hole in your memory. If Tubby wanted to become the Vince Dooley of UGA basketball he wouldn’t have jilted us for Kentucky after only 2 seasons. Don’t waste our time on this flightly person. Get someone young who wants to grow with UGA basketball into a premier power. Not someone treading water waiting for the next offer from a school that already is a premier power.
By UGA
January 30, 2009 7:43 AM | Link to this
Evans need to either get Tubby or the coach from VCU or Butler. Those are probably his best three options. We need a winner and a great recruiter, I don’t think that’s asking too much is it? Good article Terence.
By Habdawg
January 30, 2009 8:22 AM | Link to this
Yes, call Tubby to show the nation that we are serious about our b ball programa. Who knows? Maybe he will consider. If not Tubby, other big names should be considered to at least make a “splash”. Bobby Knight???
By 82DAWG
January 30, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this
Bring Tubby back - whatever it takes!!!
By Dog in Fla
January 30, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this
Mr. Evans needs to hire Anthony Grant of VCU before Bama or someone else does. If Mr. Grant has half the coaching skills that his mentor, Billy Donovan, has, we should be in great shape.
By RUKiddin
January 30, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this
I don’t know enough about recruiting and coaches to know if it matters, but Felton signed Daniel Miller from Loganville Christian. Tubby Smith heavily recruited Miller for Minnesota. So, in essence, Smith already has one big guy that he knows very well at UGA.
By richard
January 30, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this
Tubby loved his time here? Tubby wanted to be the Vince Dooley of Georgia basketball? If he loved it so much why did he leave? I really don’t care about opportunity of a lifetime crap! Georgia could have been that program. Instead he bolted. Why?
Screw him! Find someone else!
By Gophers&Jackets
January 30, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this
Why would Tubby leave Minnesota? He inherited an absolute mess in Minnesota, takes them to the post season his first year (with garbage talent), and well en route to a solid NCAA seed in his second. He has a top 20 recruiting class coming in next year, and contrary to the toothless folk in the Bluegrass state, fans adore Tubby in Minneapolis. In fact, Tubby is very happy in Minneapolis, he has no reason to leave. He is in the midst of building something very special at Minny. Why would he leave what he is building to go to U[sic]GA of all places? The only possible reason are his Georgia roots, and of course if they offer a high enough price tag (but Minny will match up to $2.7 mill).
I don’t doubt Tubby does leave in a few years, but only to an elite program in an elite conference (hmm… maybe Tech?). Not U[sic]GA. Not now. And Terrance, he WON the NC, not merely “take them” there.
By RUKiddin
January 30, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Excuse the post if it’s a repeat - the first one never showed up.
For what it’s worth, Felton signed Daniel Miller (6’11”) from Loganville Christian. Miller was heavily recruited by Tubby Smith to play at Minnesota. If Smith takes the job, he already has one of his recruits at UGA. Don’t know if that’s any incentive for him…
By dbc
January 30, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
Get Bobby Knight out of retirement. Now that would be entertaining AND would put UGA instantly back on the basketball map.
By griffdawg1
January 30, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
T.M. , why does it have to be Tubby? I think as long as the hire is black you will be satisfied whether he is the most qualified or not!
By augustadawg
January 30, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
worst mistake Tubby ever made was leaving UGA. He could have built a dynasty in Athens and he could have had all the credit for the success. Instead he got involved with those morons at UK and look at what he got from them.
By dt4c
January 30, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
Terrence,
You are absolutely right! I know Tubby personally and know how much he loved UGA and more importantly how much his family loved Athens and UGA. I hope against all odds that we will be willing to pay the money to get Tubby. Then maybe he can not only get us to the FL level but he could groom his successor (GG) who is a UGA grad and loyalist (didn’t follow his dad to KY) to take over. I cannot think of ANYONE who would generate the excitement and positive press that Tubby would. Damon, go get him!
By Willis
January 30, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
What about the former Alabama coach, Mark Gottfried. He is a tremendous recruiter and says he still wants to coach.
By dt4c
January 30, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this
Gophers&Jackets,
Your name alone tells one how much you know. Seriously, WTH would anyone want to stay in MN and coach in the Big 2 rather than live and coach in Athens and UGA? Did you not understand that Donna LOVED Athens? You go where momma is happy. Tubby KNOWS the potential of UGA and KNOWS that he can fulfill all of his dreams here. We may not be willing to pay the $$’s but IF we are and Damon thinks the way most of us do, Tubby will be back here in April.
By JW
January 30, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this
Bobby Knight would look good in a red sweater