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Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > November > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USVanGorder finally at home — with Falcons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Having gone from Georgia to Jacksonville to Georgia Southern to the Falcons to South Carolina and then back to the Falcons in seemingly seven minutes, it’s easy to understand how Brian VanGorder became known as a coaching nomad.
If he wasn’t mentioned in the same breath as Bobby Petrino, it’s only because VanGorder actually seemed to care and never jumped on a passing train during the season, while leaving disingenuous “Dear John” letters on players’ lockers.
So in the midst of this wondrous ride the Falcons are on, one thing should comfort management, players and fans: their defensive coordinator isn’t planning on leaving.
“If I could coach in Atlanta the rest of my career I’d be very happy,” VanGorder said Sunday.
He is 49. He has a wife and five children. There comes a time when a coach reaches a comfort zone in his life and career. VanGorder doesn’t want to move any more. A head coaching offer isn’t the end-all, be-all any more. This is what he should be doing — creating defensive mayhem.
“He knows the game of football better than anyone I’ve ever been around,” Keith Brooking said.
“I really believe that if he could, he would get out there and fight with us,” Lawyer Milloy said.
This is why teams win football games. It’s not just because of the brilliance of a rookie quarterback, or a power running game. Teams win when players want to fight for their coach and believe they’re better because of them.
The Falcons defeated New Orleans, 34-20 Sunday. The Saints accumulated 521 yards in offense and quarterback Drew Brees threw for 422. But statistics can say one thing and hide another.
The Falcons led, 27-6. They held one of the NFL’s highest scoring offenses to two field goals until only 9:54 was left in the game. The rest is window dressing. New Orleans’ final touchdown came on a Hail Mary as time expired.
VanGorder generally has been doing this with mirrors and mid-level talent. The Falcons give up yards but they make plays (three interceptions, 15 passes defensed and a sack Sunday). They came into the game ranked ninth in scoring defense, with a depth chart that numbers only one real star (John Abraham).
They’re doing this with the passion and aggressiveness reflected by their VanGorder, who is one of the few coordinators that coaches from the sideline.
“I’m an emotional guy,” he said. “I need that contact during the game, in case we need to change the momentum.”
He understands his reputation as a vagabond, but believes it’s “a little unfair.” He left Georgia for Jacksonville in 2005. He felt he needed NFL experience on his resume in order to eventually get a head coaching job.
But leaving the Jaguars after one season for the Georgia Southern head job he now concedes “was very questionable.” In Statesboro, they would agree. He went 3-8.
He bolted to become linebackers coach under Petrino last season. But when Petrino quit after 13 games, VanGorder was left in limbo. He said he wanted to remain in Atlanta, but management couldn’t promise anything. (Neither Thomas Dimitroff nor Mike Smith had been hired.)
Then Steve Spurrier phoned to offer the coordinator’s job at South Carolina. VanGorder took it on Dec. 13. But a few weeks later, he received another call — this from Smith, who was preparing to interview for the Falcons job and wanted VanGorder as his potential coordinator.
“I was unsure what I wanted to do at that point,” VanGorder said. “I have a lot of respect for Steve, and I told Mike I would only do it with Steve’s blessing. He understood. But it was hard. Sometimes in this business, we try not to read the papers and listen to what you guys say. But you get a reputation out there that you’re looking to move every year, and that just wasn’t the case. I’ve gotten opportunities. They were good opportunities. For whatever reason, it just got a little crazy for a few years.”
He called this season “a blessing.” He spoke with a calm that suggested he had finally found a home — and he isn’t waiting for the phone to ring again.
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By bobbysell
November 9, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
We have coaches and a team!! Go Falcons. 2 and 14 my a$$!!
By lostdawg
November 9, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
I was at the game today and the Falcons played great. Night and day how this team is playing compared to last year. As a DAWG fan I have always said Vangorder made some of the best halftime adjustments of any coach I have seen.
Glad to hear he is happy with Falcons…but if Mark Richt calls, PLEEEEEEEASE answer the phone!!
By TheFish
November 9, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Glad he’s found a home. He sure ruined a fine program in Statesboro, and he’s not welcomed back.
By dawgdan
November 9, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
BVG defense is one of the bigger losses the UGA program has had to endure. Our defenses with him at the helm were absolutely crushing. He instilled a defensive game plan that consisted of punishing quarterbacks, D-line always whipping the O-line, and a tremendous nasty streak in the secondary.
Basically everything you saw in the Falcons’ D today. :)
I’m proud to have him coaching D on my favorite pro team, but man, I hate that it came at the expense of my favorite NCAA team.
Go Dawgs, and go Falcons!
By Bryan G.
November 9, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Please go back to Athens. Pretty please, Brian?
By Dr. Warren
November 9, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
As soon as Detroit or St. Louis calls with a head coaching offer, he’s gone. Jeff, since when did you become naive enough to be believe a coach when he says he will stay put for the long haul?
By StingerSplash
November 9, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Happiness in Statesboro is seeing VanGorder’s taillights disappearing from sight. Goodbye and good riddance.
By Captain Herb
November 9, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Mr. VanGorder, for leaving Columbia. The Gamecock defense has been one of the best all year under Defensive Coordinator Ellis Johnson.
By Richard
November 9, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Brian VanGorder will always be welcome to come back to Athens. In fact, the Dawgs would have a better record this season if Brian VanGorder was the Dawgs Defensive Coordinator. There is no doubt about that!
By Ross
November 10, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
Man that was fun. The chicken wings and the beer and the bartendress (hi Amy!) and the Birds - wow haven’t had that much fun since ‘99 in St. Louis. Hey, isn’t that guy Warner still playing? Go Kurt! Go Matt! Go Turner! Go Johnny go go go! Go Roddy! Go Birds!!
-drl
By The Grinch
November 10, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
He’ll be gone the SECOND he gets a HC offer from another pro team, or even a top-tier college team. Let’s hope that’s not for a while, ‘cause he’s exactly what we need. GOD it was good watching the ‘aints leave town with their tails dragging.
By Edgar
November 10, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
Statesboro? Give me a break. Although yesterday was a win it still shows some serious problems on offense and defense. Special teams even lost focus on one play. In college football a 21 point 4th quarter lead is almost always a sure win. Not the NFL. We could have lost that game. VanGorder is getting better as are the Falcons as a whole. They need to keep the focus on the next game now and not what the possibilities are for a playoff game. This franchise has pushed the correct buttons this time and I’m not suspicious of the hires as I was after the Mora hire. I’m finally happy with with where the Falcons are headed. This franchise caught a cold with Mora that turned into pneumonia last season. It’s getting healthy this season. Statesboro? Who gives a toot about a second rate college team.
By falcon
November 10, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
This team is hungry to prove itself competitive. Their physical style of play on both sides of the ball has been fun to watch. The coaching staff has these guys believing they can beat anybody. I’m not sure any team in the history of the NFL has gotten as much production from its draft picks as these guys have.
My decision to purchase season tickets is proving to be the correct one. Watching these guys play as a team, without any cancerous superstars has been a hoot. Congrats to Arthur Blank for putting this staff together. Our future is looking might fine with this new Falcon’s team.
By tapate50
November 10, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Edgar, any football fan worth his mettle knows that Georgia Southern is one of the winningest football teams in the state and\or country. (6 NCs in 30 years is an impressive feat)
Not real sure what you are referring to as “second rate” but I know there aren’t any other teams that can claim that- round here anyway.
By hambone
November 10, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Statesboro? In Statesboro BVG proved to be an arrogant SOB who stinks as a head coach. This is relevant to Jeff’s story .How is insulting GSU relevant to your brilliant analysis?
The Eagles are my favorite team in the universe so I think that qualifies me as someone who “gives a toot”. Better yet, I’ll leave a toot just for you ,Edgar.
By Eagle
November 10, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
As a Falcons fan, I couldn’t be happier Van Gorder’s defense is playing so well. As a Georgia Southern alum, I couldn’t be happier that jackhole is long gone. Folks, his year in Statesboro was as awful as Petrino’s in Atlanta last year.
By Tom Becker
November 10, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Atlanta’s D-fence has never been the problem. Now we’ve fixed the O-fence.
We should continue to win.
By wordup
November 10, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Why would he ever go back to UGAY? He is done with the MUTTS! Why coach in the OUTBACK BOWL or PEACH BOWL when you can coach in the NFL PLAYOFFS!!! Another disappointing year for the MUTTS! They will never win another SEC TITLE-much less a NATIONAL TITLE! Go FALCONS!!!
By Travis Hill
November 10, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Is there any way we can steal you away from the Falcons? UGA really needs a great DC right now! I’m sure we can get some great donations to pay you what you are really worth here in Athens!
By ernisTbass
November 10, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
The D is certainly better than it has been since Dan Reeves days but why would you change to the prevent D after you go up big? The prevent D more often than not prevents you from winning. If you can hold a team to 6 points with your bread and butter D stick with it! Deep interceptions are game changers and yeah the highlite reels are cool but when you look at the underlying stats the defensive change of strategy was uncalled for and could easily have cost the Falcons the game.Why force yourself to intercept balls in the endzone? Strong D and a pounding running game to kill the clock are trademarks of playoff teams. The birds are having a great year and the furture looks bright but with far too much time left it looked like an attempt to allow the Saints back in as opposed to trying to bury them. That scenario is all too familiar to Falcons fans. in the NFL its not only good to kick a man(team) when he is down, its what seperates the winners from the coulda shoulda woulda teams.
By PCS
November 10, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
I went to Georgia Southern when VanGorder had his year there. The Eagles are STILL trying to recover from the shambles he left a once-great football powerhouse in. I remember reading the student paper when he was first interviewed at GSU- he strongly stated that he would be perfectly happy retiring as “the coach of the Georgia Southern Eagles.” So, take any Falcons’ defensive success with a grain of salt because the first chance he gets to “move up the ladder” so to speak, he will be gone.
By T
November 10, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
As a former GSU student, i say to all you BVG bashers: Get over yourself! My god, comparing BVG to Patrino and saying the program hasn’t recovered… give me a break! Did BVG leave in the middle of the season? (no) Can 1 year ruin a program? (no) So whatever reason the situation was in statesboro, BVG is a very good football coach. GSU isn’t even a blip on the football radar… GET OVER YOURSELF! All you bashers sound like 8 year old girls being petty…
By JHall
November 10, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Can one year ruin a program? Yes it can. Especially when you come in a revamp an entire program by taking away it’s identity. He scoffed in the face of the triple option and the 6 national titles that it brought. If you’re going to change the face of a program, be a man and see it through.
By B
November 10, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
T, You flunked out. You, get over yourself, pal.
By steverino
November 10, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Hey, T. GSU is Georgia STATE University, and was, LONG before ignorant ga southern fans usurped it. If you have any doubts, go to gsu.edu and see which university pops up.
By T
November 10, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
JHALL, (and all you other little girls) You are freaking crazy! Do you think BVG told the administration he was going to run the same offense and then get the job and change everything? If you want to blame someone as opposed to letting it go, how bout the people who hired him knowing he was going to bring in a different philosophy and then not back him when the times were difficult? Ruin a program?
Why don’t you gather up all your girlfriends and go cry in the corner. Be glad BVG realized he was in a no-win situation and got out of there before he did ruin a program. 1 year ruining a program… geez. Even Patrino’s horrible decision of leaving mid season didn’t ruin the Falcons “program”. But, BVG leaving after one season completely destroys an entire college program two years later? GET OVER YOURSELF!
By B
November 10, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
T, so sorry to see you are so bitter about having flunked out of Georgia Southern. Maybe therapy would help you. Since you seem to want to call more intelligent men, “girls” perhaps you are so upset because you were again denied sex reassignment surgery.
By T
November 10, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Good come back B.
You only support my “petty little girls” comments even more. Keep up with your derogatory incorrect comments.
By borodawg
November 10, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Yes apparently BVG is having a positive influence on Da Birds. Proof is in the results and one must give great credence to K.Brookings comment. As for some being glad he left Statesboro: yep, ol Hatcher has really turned that program around!
By Melinda
November 10, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Hopefully, BVG realizes his calling is as a DC and not a head coach. His year in Statesboro pointed out that he doesn’t have the people skills to handled all of the “other” that goes along with being a HC. He is a brilliant defensive mind and I think his players really enjoy working with him.
By T
November 10, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Roll Call:
UGA fans: would take BVG back today. Steve Spurier: wanted BVG as Def. Cord. Mike Smith (head coach ATL Falcons): Liked BVG so much after 1 season on his staff, hired him as Def. Cord. in the NFL. Georgia Southern fans: he ruined our program! (after 1 season) Waaaaa, waaaaaa, waaaaa…
Jhall, B & any other GSU fans still whining about BVG… grow up and concentrate on improving your now 5-5 team 2 years later.
By RealTime
November 10, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
All you UGA freaks are killing me. I always love your posts because you seem to think that you “deserve” to win the SEC Championship & go on to the NC game. You always dream of those “glory” days of Walker & Dooley. Got news for you. Your glory days are mediocre at best. Went back and did some eyeballing of the revered Mr. Dooley’s records while at Georgia. Nothing impressive there. Only 9 seasons with less than 2 losses. 11 (yep counte ‘em, 11) seasons out of 25 with 4 losses or more. Thems mediocre numbers at best.
Oh, and by the way, the National Championship is questionable too. By the grace of the scheduling gods you didn’t go through Tuscaloosa to get to New Orleans that year.
Now, with a 2 loss season you’re ready to fire the Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, and everyone else under the sun. Richt has numbers that dwarf Saint Dooley and you can’t even see it. UGA suffered the same delusion that Clemson did to begin this season. Overrated. The media hyped the team based on last year and Moreno/Stafford and surmised that you would be SEC champs. They didn’t consider the glaring softspots, even though they talked about it from time to time!!!
You’ve had a good season(considering the embarrassments), so enjoy it and dream of those “glory days.”
Oh, yeah, and leave Van Gorder alone.
By Belinda
November 10, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Melinda’s got it right. He’s a heckuva defensive coach. He doesn’t have what it takes for a head coaching job.
By Matt
November 10, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I’m glad that Van Gorder is here with the Falcons and he is doing one heck of a job, but the way he left Georgia Southern just left a bad taste in my mouth (not to mention he got rid of the GSU option offense, which won GSU 6 I-AA national Championships over the years).
His leaving Georgia Southern was very similar to the way Petrino left the Falcons - high and dry with no explanations. Article says he enjoys living in Atlanta, which is good because he’s not too welcome south of I-16 and east of I-95.
Van Gorder - take the Dirty Birds back to the play-offs this year and you win back my respect.
By PCS
November 10, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
BVG did away with Georgia Southern’s option offense which I LOVED watching, and I didn’t mind him doing that… however that was with the understanding that he was going to STAY.
I understood that we were going to struggle that first year with such a large conceptual change to the offense- we had Triple Option players in a West Coast offense. However, he came in, changed things around, recruited a class of players for a certain type of offense, then bolted.
I will admit, I cursed his name when he left Georgia Southern because of the residual effects of his departure. Objectively, however, I love what he is doing with the defense, ESPECIALLY with what he has.
I am all for giving people the benefit of the doubt- maybe his family didn’t like the area or the school system, or what have you. So, as a Georgia Southern fan, I will always have a bad taste in my mouth in his respect as Matt said, but as a Falcons fan, I truly appreciate what he has done with what the players that we have.
By junkyardawg41
November 10, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
I love the true understanding of fans on this thread… BVG is an outstanding coach. He is without a doubt one of the best adjustment coaches around. He coaches with moxy and guts. He might have difficulty developing a game plan to deal with the first 15 scripted plays but he is quick to understand what is happening better than just about anyone I have ever seen. (Reference WVA in Sugar Bowl). However, at the end of the day, what makes him successful is to coach a defense within the scope of the entire team concept. BVG is on the same page with Mike Smith on the concept of ball control and clock management. The prevent is not designed just to prevent touchdowns but to force a team to establish long sustained drives that eat up clock. Good job in that aspect. As for his GSU days, I think it served as a reminder that not everyone is cut out to be a head coach. (Reference Charlie Weis in NCAA or Steve Spurrier with the Redskins.) It was a difficult year for GSU fans but seriously, the southern conference is the SEC of FBS. I mean you play Furman, App State, The Citadel, etc. It is a tough league when you are accustomed to certain talent levels to be able to execute certain philosophies. Having said that, BVG is a better coach for his struggles at GSU. He was man enough to realize his shortcomings and left. I seriously doubt he will make a similar mistake in the future. I find it highly improbable for him to jump ship to a program as the head coach. If the Falcons win the Superbowl this year, that is a different story. At the end of the day, BVG knows where he stands as a professional and is at the pinnacle of his abilities. Being a D coordinator in the NFL is pretty good living. After all, there are 32 HC gigs in the NFL and 32 DC jobs in the NFL… coincidence… I think not… just random thoughts of course
By The Fight Realtor
November 10, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Jeff, you need to stick with the sarcasm. The insight and perspective are just not there.
By Lovey
November 10, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Edgar……You suck and are probably an bin Laden Obama supporter as well
By lamar
November 10, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
BRIAN VANGORDER IS ONE HELL OF A DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR!!!! THIS GUY CAN TAKE BELOW AVERAGE GUYS & TURN THEM INTO SUPERSTARS!!!! I LOVE THE FALCONS & EVEN WITH AVERAGE TALENT ON DEFENSE HE IS DOING ONE HELL OF A JOB!!! THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE IS SINCE HE LEFT ATHENS, GA “S MARTINEZ HAS TOOK OVER THE DEFENSE & THIS GUY CANT EVEN COME CLOSE TO RUNNING A DEFENSE LIKE BRIAN CAN!!!! PLEASE BRIAN, IF YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE THE FALCONS, PLEASE COME BACK TO ATHENS, WE NEED YOU BADLY!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!! GO DAWGS & FALCONS!!
By Billy
November 11, 2008 6:04 AM | Link to this
If you ever get tired of the Big A, please come back to the little A, Athens. I know CMR is committed to his coaches, but your FIRE has been dearly missed by our DAWGS..
By Billy
November 11, 2008 6:04 AM | Link to this
If you ever get tired of the Big A, please come back to the little A, Athens. I know CMR is committed to his coaches, but your FIRE has been dearly missed by our DAWGS..
By Knowdawg
November 11, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Jeff: You were way too soft on this job-jumper. Just cause he can coach defense doesn’t make him a good guy. The Petrino comparison is apt, and VG has been even worse—maybe write this story in 5 years when VG establishes a track record somewhere. He’s a vagabond looking for love, and will take the next best offer. Hey, Petrino hasn’t quit Arkansas yet, maybe write your ‘he’s finally found a home’ valentine about him now???? Please, this sucking up is bad even for an AJC piece.
By GW
November 11, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
BVG is a pure coach with nary a drop of politician’s blood in his veins. That is why he didn’t work at Southern and won’t work out elsewhere as a head coach. His niche in football is as a pro DC with no recruiting and no sucking up to alumni. He’s a fire breather that belongs on a field making a team better, not a COE. I do wish we still had him in Athens so at least he’s helping the Falcons.
By Old Dawg
November 11, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Edgar: You don’t know anything about 1-AA football (I don’t recognize anything to do with football that sounds like a housing complex). The Eagles have won 6 national titles — tied for the most titles in the history of the Division and have been runners-up twice Additionally, they have played any number of D-I teams to the brink of victory on several occassions. In fact, they’re such a threat Georgia Tech won’t play them, though they will schedule games with other teams in 1-AA, including Furman and Gardner-Webb.
And, several NFL Hall of Famers have played on the 1-AA level, including Walter Payton (the Division’s best player award is named after him), Terry Bradshaw and many others.
I wouldn’t let too many folks in Statesboro see your post — they might come looking for you!