AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > May > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHonesty’s Gailey’s strong suit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Chan Gailey is an unappreciated treasure at Georgia Tech for many reasons. Those trips to bowl games after each of his five seasons with the Yellow Jackets. Taking what has become a deceptively solid football program to the ACC championship game last year. A stint in the NFL, where 11 of the 14 seasons he was a coach of any kind in the league concluded in the playoffs.
Even so, the primary reason why those in the Tech Nation should cherish Gailey more than they do is his character.
There is his straightforward tongue, for instance. Few of his peers would ignore the land mines surrounding the following questions and answer them without fear of blowing up.
Given your lengthy flirtation earlier this year with becoming the head guy of the Pittsburgh Steelers or Miami Dolphins, do recruits and their parents ask you about that? If they do, what do you tell them? And how long will you be with the Jackets, by the way?
“All of that comes up, and I tell them that, in this day and age, nothing is guaranteed,” Gailey, 55, said without hesitation behind his meticulously organized desk. Outside the window in his office, you can see the whole field at Bobby Dodd Stadium. That’s where Gailey may or may not be in 2010, when his Tech contract is slated to expire.
Added Gailey, “I tell [recruits and their parents] straight up that, if there is somebody out there next year [in the NFL] that offers me an exorbitant amount of money and it’s a good owner and good people, I’m going to talk to them. That doesn’t mean I’m going, but I’m probably going to talk to them.
“I’ve got a great job, and I love it here, and I’d love to retire here. That’s what I’d like to do, but you can’t say ‘never’ in this business.”
Such honesty must be a requirement for those from Americus, Ga. Dan Reeves also is as blunt as they come, and he once coached Gailey in Little League. Tech athletics director Dan Radakovich isn’t from Americus, but the Monaca, Pa., native was equally blunt when he said he hasn’t a problem with any of Gailey’s answers to those questions.
Then again, Radakovich shouldn’t. It is better to have the anti-Nick Saban, as in somebody who will tell you what he actually believes instead of what he figures you wish to hear for the moment.
“What’s happening in our business is that if you’re not that honest, then at some point and time, people will come back and give you a little bit of the hypocrite side,” Radakovich said. “There are opportunities that surface for people in our athletics department. There could be a better circumstance out there for them and their families. But here’s the bigger issue: Just as we ask of our student-athletes, we ask of our coaches and others that, while you’re here, you give us 100 percent effort, and you make us better every day.”
Exhibit A: Gailey.
Courtesy of steady recruiting by Gailey’s regime, the Jackets will return eight starters from a defense led by accomplished coordinator Jon Tenuta. They’ll also have seven holdovers on offense, including ACC rushing leader Tashard Choice. Plus, they’ll have Taylor Bennett replacing the erratic Reggie Ball at quarterback.
Here’s something else: The old days of the Jackets battling Northwestern, Stanford and Vanderbilt for recruits have been replaced by Jonathan Dwyer bringing his running to Tech instead of Florida and by coveted defensive end Jason Peters choosing Tech over hometown LSU.
According to most recruiting services, the Jackets’ 2007 class ranked among the nation’s elite, and maybe at the top of the ACC. Whether Gailey will be around to see it through is another story.
“Out of respect for the Wayne Huizengas and the Dan Rooneys, if they call you, you’ve got to talk to them,” said Gailey, adding that he hasn’t received many angry e-mails, calls or looks from Tech fans since his old bosses with the Steelers and Dolphins flew him to their towns for those job interviews. Gailey smiled, saying, “The majority of Tech people are very entrepreneurial. They understand that, if somebody is willing to give you an outstanding business deal, you need to talk to them.”
Then Gailey showed his devout Christian side, saying, “I’m one of those that firmly believes you are where you’re supposed to be. I’m supposed to be at Georgia Tech right now. Maybe I don’t know all the reasons, but I’m sure they’ll become obvious as time goes on.”
It’s already obvious: Gailey is supposed to keep Tech vibrant and rising.
Which he has.
Permalink | Comments (49) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech / ACC, Terence Moore
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By Old N' Gold shs
May 2, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Wow…thanks a ton Terrence. It’s about time somebody actually gives Chan some of the credit he deserves. People often forget what an elite coach he is. Seeing that the Reggie Ball-Nix era is over and that the Bennet-Bond era begins, I believe people will begin to appreciate Gailey more instead of channeling some of Reggie Ball’s woes onto him…This year will prove that Chan really is the man.
By Gaily
May 2, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
I lost respect for gaily when Taylor Bennett showed how good he was in the bowl game. Tech’s season (and Calvin’s college career) would have been much different if Gaily had the courage to sit Ball down.
By GT_NC
May 2, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
You can’t change the past but you can the future. And whether you want to admit it or not, it does look pretty darn good for Tech. Once he overcomes the obstacle of beating UGA, Gailey and his team will seriously fly.
For all of you mutts who refute this article, it only shows you are worried that this program is making the turn.
By wishful thinking
May 2, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Gailey made a huge mistake by starting Reggie for four darn-never-ending years. By admitting his BIGGEST mistake EVER, the GT nation would be more forgiving.
By Rhino
May 2, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
To GT-NC
I am a UGA graduate and fan. I am also a big fan of Chan Gailey. Several years ago I was watching Tech on TV and saw a sideline shot of Chan. A Tech player had been called for an unsportsmanlike penalty. They showed Chan yelling at the official to get his attention, instead of blaming the ref (the usual thing for most coaches to do) he got the refs attention and when he got it said “I’m on it” and thumped his chest. When the offending player came off the field he scolded the player and then patted him on the back. At that moment I became a fan of Chan Gailey. He was clearly being a teacher and a role model. I feel we have the same situation at UGA with Mark Richt. Both schools are heading in the right direction and that is something the state of Georgia can be proud of.
As far as Gaily’s post and those that disapprove of Chan, get a life. Did you go to every practice and see both players perform. As I recall Tech lost the game Taylor Bennett started in Jacksonville. When you coach as long as Chan has then you have the right to question this decision. As I recall Reggie won a lot of big ball games while at Tech, fortuneately for UGA fans none of those were against the Dogs. UGA hasn’t fared too well against Florida and I don’t see anyone throwing Mark Richt under the bus for that.
By 3 Rivers jacket
May 2, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
I could not agree more about the quality of Gailey. I do not understand the Ball situation but that is the past. I do think thatNix moving on was a blessing and wish him well but i like Bond. This years team will not be pre-season highly ranked but people who know the game will look at the 16 returningstarters and it will dawn on everyone that this team should be very good. I really think they could be at least a 11 win team counting the bowl game. The game with VT may decied who goes to Jax.
By GTweatherguy
May 2, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
From a die-hard Tech fan, thanks Terrence for a well-written article. Some people on this blog or on the hive may bash you for your anti-tech comments, but this article said it all about Coach Gailey. He is a good Christian man who will continue to lead this Tech football team to many more victories in the coming years!
By surfrider
May 3, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this
The Heavy lifting was done by Bobby Ross and O’leary/Friedgen when it came to recruiting lanes and upgrading the program to the passing era. Gailey has done some things good but some not too good. QB is one position we all felt would be good under Gailey. If Tech could have passed the last 5 years it may have been a top 20 program. By the way I’m not sure we have finished in the top 25 in this period. O’leary recruited in the top 25 every year it seemed and finished in the top 25 a few times with one top 10 finish. Can one imagine what Joe Hamilton could have done with Calvin Johnson to go along with Tenuta’s defenses? We have had just one of the best wr’s in college in sometime come through Tech and we really had no idea of what we had until his last game in the Gator Bowl. That is the legacy of Gailey at this point. The ACC will be getting much tougher in the years ahead as well.
By Patrick
May 3, 2007 2:19 AM | Link to this
GREAT article. I can’t believe some of the things I’ve heard people say about Gailey, especially after this past season. Gailey has improved our program consistently since he arrived. And I expect another progression next season. Go Jackets
By Gailey Still Sucks
May 3, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this
Oh Terence…Always in search of someone to knight with his misguided love. First he defends Mike Vick until the end, then the end finally happened last week when he actually turned on the great MIKE VICK. Now he needs to wrap his silly little arms around the Biggest Loser of a Div 1-A Coach In History: Chan Gailey! Of course, who can really be surprised? By the end of the ‘07 season, Terence will be calling for Gailey’s head, like the rest of the Tech Faithful!!
**The ONLY things Gailey has proven in 5 years are:
1) NO Top 25 finish, despite busting at the seams with talented players and coaches.
2) He despises Tech Fans because we were RIGHT when repeatedly pleading for Bennett to go in and replace “the erratic Reggie Ball”. Something Gailey will never admit, even on his death bed.
3) For 4 agonizing YEARS, he started the WORST Div 1-A Quarterback in the history of college football (15 of 51, 4 INT, 1 Fumble Ret for TD in his final 2 SENIOR starts before flushing his academic career down the drain with his 44% SENIOR completion percentage).
4) Despite having the HINDSIGHT of seeing Taylor Bennett’s TECH BOWL RECORD passing performance in the final ‘06 game, the two-thumbs-up-his-butt Gailey, with his infinite lack of wisdom, proclaimed that he still would’ve NEVER substituted Bennett for Ball during one of the season’s many Ball-Meltdowns. Just how thick is that skull anyway??
5) He showed everyone how to lose an ACC Championship Game by doing the absolute most STUPID thing you will EVER see a Head Coach do: PUNT ON 4th DOWN with 2 minutes to play…BUT you’re BEHIND by 3, not in the lead! Even the Waterboy would’ve gone for it…And might have even WON the game!
6) Gailey has shown absolutely NO DESIRE to WIN against UGA…Which of course he HASN’T DONE since stepping into the HC position at Tech. One might believe that once he has his schedule hot off the press, he goes straight to the bottom and just puts an “L” by the UGA game…It helps him to remember when November does roll around.
7) THREE Seniors were Academically Ineligible for the Gator Bowl under Gailey’s “Let Seniors be their own guides” FAILURE of a policy at a school already reeling from recent academic infractions with the athletics program.
8) He PUBLICLY flew around for NFL interviews with former employers…NEITHER of which would even hire him. Surely they watched his 3 coaching debacles to end 2006, finding an innovative way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory each time…Who wants to hire someone that 2 former employers don’t even want back after interviewing them?**
WOW! What a HC to be proud of Terence! Who else bleeding white & gold wants to slit their wrists too? CHAN “the Man” GAILEY is a pompous, arrogant, stubborn old man who would be out-coached by anyone in any football game…As long as they were upright and breathing on the other sideline…Even Patrick Star (without the assistance of SpongeBob).
Grant Field has more Fans from the opposition at every game (previously because of the Gailey-Ball Love Connection), so Radakovich has the flash of brilliance to hit the remaining Tech Faithful with both barrels in the wallet for this year’s season tickets…Guess what — The $$$ woes of Tech Athletics have only just begun with this MORON at the helm!
You’re about to witness a complete nosedive by GT Athletics, led by fans showing up Grant Field disguised as empty seats and the program doing a tailspin into record levels of DEBT because this ain’t LSU Country, get it yet?…Fewer and fewer keep showing up to see the miraculous Chan Gailey torpedo his own players and their season once again for a humiliating finish out of the Top 25.
If there was an HONEST BONE is Chan Gailey’s entire body, he would RESIGN as HC instead of dragging Tech Football and Athletics even further down than he already has…But he has no honest bone Mr. Terence…Otherwise, he would’ve given fans answers to the HARD questions we’ve asked for so long…Instead of hiding under his desk and waiting for you to serve him up homerun balls in your “journalistic endeavors”.
Once again, I have to go puke my guts out…But this time I’m not sure if it’s because of Terence Moore or Chan Gailey…Probably BOTH.
By Larry
May 3, 2007 5:11 AM | Link to this
Hmmmmm!
I think I get it! Any white man that put Reggie Ball at QB for 4 seasons cannot possibly be a racist, huh Terence?
Terence, I hear what you’re thinking (wink)!
By Mike
May 3, 2007 6:06 AM | Link to this
I enjoyed the article. I have not been a fan of Chan’s, mostly because of what I have seen as a stubborn insistence on the Reggie Ball issue. However, reminding us all of Coach Gailey’s solid personal foundation, and that his job is really supposed to that of a teacher, is a good thing.
Not completely sure I am won over, but it has made me think, and that’s a good thing. Thanks.
By Chan IS the man!
May 3, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
Hey Gailey Still Sucks……easy on the caffine man. I guess 3 hours after midnight you forget that rule….”If you can’t say something nice”….Apparently you LOST money on these games or something. The fact that the NFL even wants to talk to Chan is a testament to his quality. I don’t hear about the NFL coming to court Mr Richt down the road. And Terrence hit on Chan’s integrity which is quite intact. He was too loyal to a QB who probably didn’t deserve it. But Chan never doubted Reggie and stuck behind him no matter what. Sure, we looked like the end was a bit messy. But the Maryland and Miami games would not have been won without Reggie in my opinion. So there’s 2 right there. If you like O’Leary so much, go down and see how many people are in the stands at UCF. I am tired of people bashing Chan Gailey. He is an excellent coach. He is moving the team in a positive direction. Yes O’Leary started some good things….with started bing the key word. He flew the coop for the stupid idiots we are going to crush in 4 months time, while tarnishing his career forever. I’ll bet Chan will not get fired if he ever left BEFORE he even started working. Because he has integrity. Chan is getting better players b/c he knows how to prepare them for the NFL. WE did not have as many drafted as UGA, but 5 will remain and that’s better than the UGA class who I am sure was top ten when they came in. But Chan still sucks. Go get a life, a woman or something. But good god, the sky is falling because Chan is our coach? It looks like you are bitter (its hard to tell), but please shut up about all of Tech’s shortcomings. I think things are going well in football and basketball. We are no Fla or UNC in either, but we now compete with both for talent, which has not been able to be said of either program until the past 5 years. So you go lick your wounds under a rock and get ready for a great season in my opinion. I guess you agree with Tony Barnhardt that Tech will not even be in the top 40 next year. But Tech still sucks because we have Chan. You are probably the same guy who wants Hewitt’s head on a platter b/c we have not gone deep in the tournament again. Its hard to compete with these big schools for players when we have empty seats at home football games and large ACC basketball battles show empty “fat-cat” seats on national TV (which needs to be addressed) b/c corporate guys buy them. But what both of these coaches have done is put solid programs together that other teams do not pencil in a “W” any longer. This year we beat FSU and UGA!
Go Jackets!
By dwight l
May 3, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
Men of conscience, and purpose dont need the railings of immature persons to do their job. I have followed Tech for over 50 years, and I personally believe Chan Gailey to be an excellent leader, and Tech will learn to appreciate his leadership. As to Reggie Ball, He is Chan Gaileys choice and Im sure he had good reasons. The people who send Emails deriding coach need to find something to do beside villifying tech.
By Jack
May 3, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this
My god now we have elevated Gailey to sainthood. The guy is a liar, a jerk and most of all not a D1 coach! Lets look at his record worst loss to Ga, worst loss to Clemson, 2-4 record in bowls most of which are no name bowls, worst loss in Tech history in a bowl this is not not mention losses to Duke and their ilk. Coach no way, the guy is a lying jerk no way around it and the sooner the guy is gone the better for Tech.
By Not DAWGin Gailey
May 3, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
GA Trekk should keep chan-chan as long as possible. It’s nice that even in our worst season the past 6 years we don’t have to worry about the jackets. Writing that W in before the season starts helps us concentrate on our REAL rivals, like Vandy and ‘Tucky. I also love hearing all the excuses from my dipcrap tekkie father-in-law first so I know already know the punchline when speaking with other jacket fans. Horrible athletic program, embarrassment to the state of GA, also-ran in the ASheShe — go jackets! buzz buzz buzz!
By Rob
May 3, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
I stiil hold Gailey responsible for the Ball fiasco and for last year’s losses to georgia And Wake Forest (by continuing to play Ball) I don’t think I can ever forgive him for throwing those games away!
By Oakland
May 3, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
Georgia Tech is going to have a very good team this year. GT may very well beat Notre Dame at South Bend and it may not be close. In fact GT may have finally developed depth on it’s roster. The offensive line is strong. The defensive line has the size, strength and skill to match up well with any national power. Cornerback and special teams are a concern. Again, this team is going to be good. However, as good as a coach Chan may be, Georgia owns him. The 51-7 loss to UGA still haunts him and I don’t think he realizes that. Surely Chan and DRad know the wolfs will be howling if he does not beat Georgia in Atlanta this year.
By fubr
May 3, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Chan Gailey is such a great teacher and man of character! He’s the only football coach I’ve ever seen at any level who repeatedly taught his players how important it is to put one player on a pedestal above everyone else, even if it was to the detriment of the entire team.
Surely it’s worth $1 Million/year for our Tech players to learn valuable life lessons like how on-the-field performance measurements don’t matter when one player is more valuable than the rest of his teammates!?!?!?
The fact that no ‘07 recruit changed their mind about coming to Tech when it was reported that Gailey was going to the Dolphins is clear evidence of just how much Chan Gailey is a magnet for top players (NOT). Good and great football players have been going to Georgia Tech for decades before Gailey, and they’ll continue to long after he’s gone…
By viningsbee
May 3, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Rhino, great post. You all have a great coach over in Athens as well, and I know that the majority of Tech fans agree wholeheartedly (kinda hard to when you beat us so often…)
Can’t wait til that special day in November!
By JTK
May 3, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
Unfortunatly, honesty does not overcome stupid and stubborn. Get him out of there. We can find an honest man that can also coach.
By jabster
May 3, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Uhhh…we don’t play Half @$$ U this year…it’s BC and Maryland for our rotating opponents this year.
If we do a lot better with Bennett taking the snaps, then Chan will have dodged a real bullet of a coach-killer in Reginald L** Ball.
Although I would still like to know whether Reggie gave Chan an offer he couldn’t refuse, or if Chan made a promise to Reggie he regrets having to keep.
Have all of you Dawg and Deacon fans sent your thank-you notes to Chan yet?
By SavTechIE
May 3, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Like what Mr. Rhino has to say, but how did a RHINO end up at UGA?
By Don P.
May 3, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Yes Ball had some bad games but he also had some great games-remember the Va. Tech game???? Lighten up - Gailey is a good coach and we are fortunarte to have him. No one is perfect but it seems we expect that out of our coaches. I also like out new OC.
By m
May 3, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
Since you take so much pride in Gailey’s so-called honesty, let me give you some real honesty. Chan Gailey is probably the worst coach there has EVER been. He should be fired….TODAY.
By techaholic
May 3, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
There are a lot of coaches around with ‘character’ … but can they coach and move the program forward.
Gailey HAS NOT done that. Going to ‘nothing’ bowls does not constitute an up and coming program, nor does it make this coach better.
This program has taken many steps backwards under Chan Gailey and it’s of his own doing. Tech football is NOT exciting nor has it been a Top 25 resider ‘consistently’ since Chan’s arrival.
Terrance - you may like his character and one good recruiting class but that doesn’t make him a great coach with a great program.
By techaholic
May 3, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
It’s a pretty sad time when Terrance annoints Chan Gailey!
By techaholic
May 3, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Honesty and Chan Gailey are not a match!
By Pitbull
May 3, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
What a great article. We love Chan in Athens and hope he will be on the Georgia Toke sidelines for years to come. You folks keep him right where he is.
By smitty
May 3, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
nothing like a chance to bash chan with the football season still four months away….chan is a good and decent man but he is a LOUSY coach….as someone earlier said, i’m sure there are honest and GOOD coaches out there……the upcoming season is likely to generate a good deal of excitement and maybe chan can make amends for past season blunders…..
By BigEd
May 3, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
I have been a big Gailey supporter until last season. Gaily said, “I don’t care what the fans say.” when many expressed disgust with Reggie Ball’s play. He also said, “An injured Reggie Ball is better than a healthy backup”. I lost respect for him as a coach. The fans’ opinion should be respected even if not agreed with. Gailey’s assessment of talent is tainted. Taylor Bennett should have been given a chance. Tech might have had a 12 win season.
By Matt
May 3, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
GT’s 2006 season was a study in mediocrity. Gailey took what should have been an 11 win team in the joke ACC and turned them into a 9 win disappointment. They shouldn’t have lost to an offensively challenged Georgia team (I’m a Georgia fan) or Wake Forest. As much as the Techies like to throw Reggie Ball under the bus, the buck stops with the coach. Who was the head coach overseeing Reggie Ball’s development (or lack thereof) for the past 4 season? Can someone answer that question?
By cltgtfan
May 3, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
I have been a patient observer of Chan. I saw early on what Mr. Moore is writing of here. I also note that he has been successful wherever he has been. There have surely been some trying times over the past years, but I have been and still am confident that the program is making the right steps under Mr. Gailey. The talent level is rising and the kids are graduating more. I think that the best thing he has done recently is turn the playcalling over to others so that he now can concentrate on the head coaching duties. Good luck Mr. Gailey, I am excited about GT football and its future directions.
By GREENHULK
May 3, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
It’s about the student athlete. They get a free ride to college by playing football. Gailey is a teacher. He shows them honesty, respect, and teaches them the values of life. What stake do most fans have in this? Nothing. They just want the sports team to win. There is more to life than winning and losing. Its been the best person you can be, doing things the right way, and treating others with respect. For that I commend Gailey, he builds winners before they ever step foot on a playing field.
By m
May 3, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
Chan has taken all the fun out of GT football. When you see someone coach like Urban Meyer or Steve Spurrier, where they live and die on every play, and try to outsmart their opponents….Chan is just the opposite. He basically doesn’t care. He came to Tech to retire on a fat paycheck that he has not earned. And he will leave at a moments notice for a dollar. Please let this long Tech nightmare end and FIRE CHAN and hire someone that gives a crap about TECH.
By Just A Fan
May 3, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Chan Gailey may be honest much of the time, which is a good thing, but he is not a very good Division 1A coach, and even had a national article written about him which was titled “The Worst Coach in Football” or something similar.
But the real point - and EVERYONE AGREES ON THIS - is that he took a potentially great season and ruined it with bad coaching and astonishing stubbornness.
And then he not only refused to explain to the fans what happened, but told the fans it was none of their business. That is not character, Terence, that is arrogance.
In his honesty, I would like to know what happened. But I would love to know his justification as to why he won’t even answer the question. You had a chance for a real article, Terence, and you blew it. I will bet you did not even ask the question. Or maybe he refused to do the interview unless you promised not to ask that question. Chan has a way with promises, it seems.
Chan Gailey’s weaknesses clearly outweigh his strengths. And his biggest weakness is that he has lost the confidence and respect of just about every Tech fan I know, including a lot of season ticket holders. Unfortunately, Chan has clearly shown he doesn’t care about that.
So, a mediocre coach with one good recruiting class who is stubborn, arrogant, and disrespectful to the fans, but who will tell the truth about possibly going to the NFL (dear heavens, PLEASE let that happen!) to his recruits. Yeah, that’s the guy I want leading my football program.
By Jim D**
May 3, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
As an 82 year old Tech alumnus and avid football fan, Terence, I appreciate your recognition of Chan Gailey’s character, and I appreciate your willingness to publicize your observations and feelings.
By JR Tech Fan
May 3, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Reggie Ball has got to be THE WORST 4-year starter @ QB IN THE HISTORY of college football … if not, please tell me who could have possibly been worse.
Calvin & Tashard had their career best games in the Gator Bowl … b/c the right QB was playing! I guess it helps when the QB can see beyond the line of scrimmage.
And the purported great football coach, with all those years of coaching & evaluating talent, continued to shove Reggie Ball down Tech fan’s throat. (Tech’s defense is why it won ‘big’ games …and the D kept Reggie & the Jackets in position to win the last 3 games vs. UGA, but Mr. Ball just wasn’t up to the challenge)
On a positive note: Very optimistic about the upcomming season with the new off. cord. — his system put up big #s at N. Ill.
By theedge56
May 3, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
Chan is a good man that does it the right way. His football is not flashy and that doesn’t sit well with alot of fans. He is good for the Institute!
All the people calling for his job I am sure are on some colleges short list to replace their head coaches. How can you pass judgement with out seing every practice every meeting? Unless you compare RB against that weak WV defense you will never know. ANd believe me I was bever fond of Ball. But I have to believe the coaches know more about it than any of us.
By Wrecker1
May 3, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
I believe you’re wrong on one count m. I think Chan cares and is a competitor. I’m just not sold on his ability to lead a football program. It’s true that he’s been to many bowl games and playoffs (NFL) but my gosh if you can finish above .500 you have an excellant chance of doing that. I don’t understand how people can say the program is in better shape than when Gailey got here. We went to 2 Gator bowls and the Peach bowl in 98-2000. We had what seemed to be a really good team in 01 that seemed to fall apart after 9/11. I’m not bashing Gailey but we haven’t had that kind of sucess since. After one game I’m not going to say Bennett was better than Ball but a HC has to give his 2nd guy a chance when the #1 was playing as bad as Ball did. I think if Gailey doesn’t have Bond on a short leash and Bennett plays good steady ball this could be a really big year.
By gdawginkalamazoo
May 3, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
You guys are fortunate to have Gailey there. For all the reasons that Terrence mentioned above. The fact that two of his former employers (Super Bowl winning franchises) even considered him speaks highly of his football knowledge and reputation. If Tech fired him tomorrow he would be on a sideline or in the booth for an NFL team the following day. He is at least honest about it unlike other coaches (Nick Satan). I don’t understand that whole Reggie deal that is hard to figure out. You guys should be dangerous next year. Choice is an awesome RB, Bennet looked good on the bowl game at QB. Your D should be very good again with Tenuta. You guys are complaining but IMO GT football looks to be in very good shape. Be careful what you wish for.
By Atlanta Hawks #1 Fan
May 3, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Great article Terrance, finally something positive to say about TECH. We football fans do appreciate Chan’s role at TECH and hopefully he can stay a few more years. But that’s not likely considering the money that’s being offered for college coaches to jump to the next level. He should continue being honest with the recruits and families to insure the integrity of the football program and his namesake.
RICH GUYS TROPHY WIFE HOT GIRLS
By JR Tech Fan
May 3, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
Yo “theedge56”
The WV rush defense was pretty tough last season … coming into the Gator Bowl the unit was giving up just 88 yards per game.
By josh
May 3, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
I do not like you or your opinions. You should be fired.
By Michael Cameron
May 3, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Terence, for a generally accurate and fair evaluation of Coach Gailey. Constructive honesty, politely and sensitively — i.e., respectfully — expressed (as opposed to bluntness…unless it’s warranted) is an attribute which should be publicly commended. While I doubt that he is anymore “blunt (which lexicographers at Dictionary.com define as abrupt, rude, uncivil)” than he has to be, the Tech coach appears to be a straight-shooter and a gentleman of integrity.
He is an excellent football coach. He has a history of winning, at the collegiate and professional levels. His skills were deemed worthy, just a few months ago, of consideration for the position of head coach at two of the NFL’s most storied franchises, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins, both of which were previous employers (he was the O.C. for those teams). Therefore, these pros in the sport of football know full well, from first-hand experience, his coaching abilities. Should Tech people feel fortunate to have as their head coach someone who was seriously interviewed by the Steelers and Dolphins to be theirs?
Yes.
Most importantly, as others have noted, he seems to be a fine teacher of the young men who come through the Tech program, setting a standard of general personal honor, as well as imparting some of his NFL knowledge to the elites who have a chance to play in the league. His tutelage includes teaching dedication to teammates, stressing the importance, in life, of trying to perform well for others who count on us to honestly try to do our share for a greater cause beyond only the achievement of the individual.
Sure, amongst about seventy or eighty 18—22 year-olds per season, there are going to be some hotheads or kids with surly attitudes. However, most college players probably experience a growth in their own character as a result of several formative early manhood years being spent under the persuasion and example of a good man as their leader.
By K
May 3, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Great Scott - Terence Moore wrote an article without playing the race card! Wait a second, what was that…was that a pig that just flew past my window?!?!? Why yes, yes it was - pigs are flying!!!
By GT_NC
May 3, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
you guys give props to Ross and The Fridge but where are they now? Do you think they stuck around to listen to this crap?? Fridge is a Terp for life and Ross bolted for the NFL. But NOOOOOO…they won so who cares about integrity or building a solid program to compete??? What about O’Leary?? He stuck around too huh?? At least Gailey is giving this a vested interest. Give the man his due b/c we are very competitive year in and year out. Richt won’t be Florida again this year and Gailey won’t be UGA. The earth still rotates and life goes on. Its nice to UGA every once in a while but they don’t hold the key to the ACC title.
By addicted
May 4, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
I feel really sorry for Chan. 4 years ago Reggie Ball looked like he would mold into a great quarterback, so Gailey put most of his eggs in the Ball basket. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Reggis did not pan out, making Gailey look bad.
I agree that from a football perspective, he should have replaced Ball with Bennet. However, Reggie despite his erratic throwing was still winning us games, and its a really poor way to treat a college student who has given you 4 years to chuck him with 2/3 games to go in his career.
It was probably a rough decision for Gailey. Should he do what might win him games, or should he do what is the right thing to do, considering it is COLLEGE football, and not professional.
By '78 grad
May 4, 2007 2:42 AM | Link to this
Chan will never be embraced by the majority of Tech fans. His refusal to participate in “tickle piles” has cost him dearly with alums, students and especially with his players.