AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > November > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGailey’s time is up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Chan Gailey needs to go. He has neither upgraded Georgia Tech nor driven it into the ditch, but lateral movement isn’t to be confused with success. He has had six seasons, and after his 76th game the best player on what should be Gailey’s last Tech team could offer no real defense of his coach.
Asked if Gailey deserved to keep his job, Tashard Choice said this: “I don’t know, man. I like coach Gailey; he gave me the chance to play here [after a transfer from Oklahoma]. But that’s up to everyone else.”
A minute later, someone asked if the Jackets would be upset if Gailey didn’t coach them in their latest nondescript bowl. Said Choice: “I don’t know, man. I just play the game of football.”
And there you have it. There are technical defenses to be made for Gailey — no losing seasons, always a bowl invitation — but nary a passionate one. He has energized his constituency only in its raging dislike for his coaching. He has taken Tech to the brink of great achievement only to see it slip back every single time. He has had long enough. He needs to go.
What transpired Saturday was Gailey’s stewardship in miniature. His Jackets played really hard and at times fairly well against Georgia — better than in any of Gailey’s first five losses to the hated mutts, truth to tell — but they wound up losing by two touchdowns. When a play had to be made, they whiffed. Corey Earls dropped a sure touchdown on Tech’s second snap. Morgan Burnett seized a botched Georgia lateral but fumbled within sight of the go-ahead score. This far but no further … haven’t we seen that before?
Well, yeah. We saw it in 2004 when Reggie Ball threw the ball away on fourth down, saw it in 2005 when Ball delivered a killing interception in the red zone, saw it last season when Ball’s fumble became a slow-motion Georgia touchdown. But the unloved Ball had nothing to do with Saturday’s game, and still Tech couldn’t win.
“One inch here and there, one break here and there and the outcome of the game could’ve been different,” said Choice, but the outcome of the Tech-Georgia game has been the same for six seasons now. And a Tech coach who cannot beat Georgia even once cannot reasonably expect to remain Tech’s coach.
“I’m not in charge of that,” said Gailey, speaking of his future. “My job is to do the best job I can do.”
His best, sad to say, hasn’t been good enough. He has upset enough ranked opponents — at least one every season — to give Tech fans hope, but never have gains been fully consolidated. For the sixth season running, a Gailey-coached team has managed at least five losses.
Fifty-three weeks ago, the Jackets were poised to break upward. They should have beaten Georgia in Athens and could have beaten Wake Forest to win the ACC title. Doing one or the other would have given skeptical Tech backers cause to celebrate. Doing neither only made it apparent that nothing really good would happen under this coach, and since rising to 9-2 last season this coach has lost eight of 15 games.
Firing a semi-successful coach is a tricky business. (Ask Ole Miss about dumping David Cutcliffe for Ed Orgeron.) But keeping Gailey another year would excite no Tech fan; on the contrary, it would depress more than a few. And those folks have let Dan Radakovich know exactly what they think of Gailey: There were more Georgia backers at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday than at any time in the last 20 years, and there were, believe it or not, pockets of empty seats at kickoff.
If you’re Radakovich, there’s your answer. Nobody would fault you for changing coaches when all the incumbent has done is extend the status quo. Chan Gailey arrived at Tech in 2001 and inherited a five-loss team. Six years on, five-loss seasons have become a constant. He’s a nice man, but it’s clear he’s not the man Tech requires. He needs to go.
Permalink | Comments (336) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, Tech / ACC
Comments
By Mutt Jacket
November 24, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
you are correct Mark,it has to be done and Monday it will
By a
November 24, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
first
By Chantastic
November 24, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Helll yesss
By gtstudent
November 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
very well written. When i turn on ESPN tomorrow or before I go to class Monday morning, I want to see/hear “Chan Gailey FIRED”
By gregocraker
November 24, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
But he really is a nice guy.
By Joshua Barlowe
November 24, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
Bingo. Now if the Athens Journal Constitution would provide fair coverage we’d be in business.
I mean really — the poll question?
By joe
November 24, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
OK, enough is enough. Headline tomorrow should read Chan is canned! Guy cannot recruit a QB and is not a motivator. On another note Bennett sucks and looks like a scared little kid out there. We now know why we had to deal w/ Reggie Ball for 4 years. For every dropp he over throws or under throws he just sucks. We need a coach who will develop real talent and create a team with attitude.
By Zelda
November 24, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
Gailey does need to go. UGA needs more of a challenge to get ready for their upcoming BCS Bowl games.
By Joshua Barlowe
November 24, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
I want to read “Chan Gailey resigns and voids his contract.” If he’s as good a man as people say he is - he’ll tear it up.
By Sports Reader
November 24, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
And I think your time should be up at the AJC. Nobody enjoys reading your always-negative articles. You must truly suffer from depression and probably have a lack of friends. You may or may not be right about Tech’s coach, but I have tried to understand for years why your focus on ANYTHING is always so negative and why you must always talk about how BAD everything in this world is. I would hate to live under your roof. The AJC needs to replace you!!
By Chan B. Gone
November 24, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
A great and truthful piece of sports journalism. He needs to go.
By ui
November 24, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
and the SEC is soooo overrated, ACC is 4-2 against so easy conf this year
By JacketFan
November 24, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
As a ‘92 alum and witnessing the greatness of the 1990 championship team, it’s obvious Gailey has to go.
There’s no passion. Georgia is one of the top states for football recruits and Atlanta is a great city that a lot of young men would love to play in.
There’s no reason why we can’t be a consistant top 15 school. Bring in some fresh young blood, please!!!
By I Bleed Red & Black
November 24, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Blah blah blah. Chan is not to blame for the loss today. The dropped pass on the 2nd play and the touchback that developed during the fumble return by Tech were the reasons for the loss. Gailey shouldn’t be blamed for the failure to perform basic skills like catching a wide open pass or holding on to the ball with two hands. What a joke. Try blaming the horrible fans that either didn’t show up or sold there tickets to UGA fans (thanks by-the-way). Oh well, it’s a great day to be a Georgia Bulldawg. Goooooo Dawgs. 7 in a row and counting.
By il
November 24, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Okla, USC, BC, etc…. will hang 50 on the doggies in bcs
By John
November 24, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Mark you are right on target. All this “Chan’s a nice guy” talk has gotten very old. The bottom line is - nice guy or not he has always ALMOST gotten his team to the “next level”. But not once in six years has he been able to deliver that “signature win”. All this has translated a bored fan base. How in the world will they sell tickets if he remains the coach.
By elijah
November 24, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
I agree. I am tired of going to games and having my heart broke. I was at the Vt and BC games this year and I was disgusted to say the least. A friend asked if I was going to this game. I said no way. I was not surprised when the showed the blimp view that there was more red than gold. If there is any question Mr. A.D. There is your answer.
By Richard
November 24, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
I can honestly say that I will not be buying season tickets as long as Gailey is coaching.
By Chris D
November 24, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley,
By your argument, the AJC’s entire edtiorial staff “needs to go”, too. Right?
According to nationally publicized subscription ratings, the AJC has lost subscribers at a faster rate than any newspaper in the United States.
Your argument is that Chan Gailey should be fired because, while his teams win more than they lose, they still lose too much.
So shouldn’t your standard be held to the AJC editors, too?
Gailey wins more than the AJC in his respective industry.
By Jerry Briant
November 24, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
More red than Gold in the stands? Even the TV commentators made note of that…really pathetic and shameful Radakovich….where is Mac McWhorter?
By gt72
November 24, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Per the line in “Remember the Titans” … sometimes you just have to cut a man loose. Well written article. Treading water just doesn’t cut it.
By KSU Alumni
November 24, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
tech SUCKS. Wait until KSU gets a football team. We will need an easy out of conference game for homecoming. Just hope you have enough fans that will travel up I-75 to even watch the game. Go Owls.
By Alan
November 24, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
The GTAA has serious financial isssues which are mostly the result of Dave Braine’s “stewardship” and failed leadership of Tech athletics. For D-Rad it’s essentially name your poision. Absorb the cost of Gaileys contract(about $4 million remaining)or accept marginally winning seasons and boring football while hoping that the fallout in the Tech fund and ticket/gameday revenues is not that bad. D-Rad is a business person and unfortunately is likely to treat this as a business decision. For the sake of the program I hope Gailey is gone. I just don’t trust D-Rad to pull the trigger.
By GT Athletic Supporter
November 24, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Good points, Mark but why put Tashard Choice on the hot seat like you did. You could have made your points without that. Your highlighting those remarks and introducing your position on Coach Gailey with Choice’s comments puts him in a very awkward position. You guys have no sensitivity.
By AlabamaRamblinwreck
November 24, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
You know, it is sad that this has to happen, but Chan really did it to himself. He was not willing to change his philosopy, and he was not willing to change the fact he had a direct impact on play-calling.
If he had been willing to allow his offensive coaches to do the play-calling, I really do believe that he could have made it as a head coach. Tommy Tuberville had to learn to do this at Auburn, and many other head coaches have had to learn this. Chan was not willing to change, and now his life will change. Maybe it will be better for him at his next position. I do hope so.
Let’s get a new exciting coach, and let’s support him 100%. He will need some time, but the cupboard is not bare. He should be able to be successful fairly quickly, but the players will have to adjust to a new system. GO JACKETS!!
By dc fab
November 24, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
I am a Ga Tech ticket holder and I attended the game tonight. I am disgusted. We blew numerous chances to capitalize on Georgia’s mistakes, while enduring once again, the terrible officiating. If Chan was a real coach, he would have been on that field, giving those refs what they deserve. After attending game after game, it is apparent that the officiating team has no respect for Chan or Georgia Tech. And certainly no fear of punishment for mis-calls. I’m sure Mark Richt doesnt just sit by and do nothing when his team is mis-treated. But that’s what a coach should do, protect his team. No, Bradley is right, Chan has to go. I just hate to see Chan get millions for being fired. Perhaps there is another job he could do, until his contract is up. AS LONG IT IS NOT COACHING!!!
By Mike
November 24, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget Chan’s embarrassing record of graduating players…that’s even worse than his won-loss record.
By Quiet Observer
November 24, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Yes it is time to move on. I believe we need a new direction. We need a fresh start and a coach for todays game. One who wants to build roots in a program and not just coach in one until a better offer comes along. We need someone who is able to take advantage of what Atlanta has to offer and recruit, train, educate and graduate his athletes. We need a man dedicated to his players and his university. I say we need Charlie Strong, an up and coming well respected Assistant Coach with winning experience. As an African American he would be a great fit for a University in a city that embraces diversity. He is young energetic and a class act. I vote for a change and I like the thought of Charlie Strong to lead us.
By rw
November 24, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
clue for recruiting GT, tell this to the recruits in a different way: why would you want to go to athens and play in a farm system for a bunch of white folks and to give them glory and they dont really like you and wont help you later, come to midtown in atl where there is prosperity and an acceptance of minorities; GT grads more black eng tahn anyone in USA, UGA has about 2 percent non-athlete balck student body. WAKE UP!!!!
By Protest the journalist as CEO
November 24, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
I just want to say that it is despicable when journalists call for the firing of coaches. Analysis please, don’t play CEO. To fire or not fire, that’s your question, Mark Bradley: what a waste of newspaper space! What a wannabe University politician!
By TechieMan
November 24, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Time for Chan Gailey to be fired. He just can’t get the job done. Georgia has no respect for our team or our fan base. Please join concerned Tech fans at: http://www.bbuzzoff.com to discuss how to fire Chan Gailey.
By engine82
November 24, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
1990, LOL. Didn’t they remove seats from the stadium in 1991 after winning the national championship.
By MisterT
November 24, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
He has to go. No two ways about it.
David Cutcliffe…hmmm…he has developed a QB or two…has beaten uga a few times.
Mark, did you just plant his name for consideration?
By Scooter
November 24, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
“Wow” so many missed opportunities. Tech receivers must watch Falcon highlight films. Earls and Smith couldn’t catch a pass if you handed them the ball. I’m really proud how hard Tech played they were just a break here or there of actually of winning. Next year surely someone can beat Bennet out. All year long when you’ve needed him to come through he wilts like a p*** willow. He like Gaily lack a winners mentality. This game sums up the whole season so many lost opportunities. This team should have been 9-3, or even 10-2.
By GT Cheated by SEC RFefs
November 24, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
I agree that Chan needs to go, but it is unfortunate that his last chance against the dogs is mared by biased SEC refs. The calls that denied GT touchdowns on a punt recovery in the endzone, def pass interferences called against GT that was actually Offensive pass interference, etc. When the announcers say that the refs made bad calls costing the jackets the game is very telling. This game MUST HAVE NON-ACC/SEC refs. GT would have won this game by at least 14 points if the calls were correctly made. Watch the tape!
By bravesfan
November 24, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Sometimes, change is needed to jump-start a program. Let’s just hope that this is one of those times, and if Coach Gailey is relieved of his duties that the AD will come up with an inspiring hire to instill true progress.
By knowshon knows
November 24, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
You need to keep chan I realy think he can win next year!
By Joe Tech
November 24, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Unless you have a better coach under contract shut up! which is what Mark Bradley should do permanently.
By bigdawg01
November 24, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
You NERDS just dont get it. UGA is the powerhouse school in the state. We have the edge in recruiting, talent, and coaching. Reggie Ball was the most valuable player for UGA in recent memory. Lets face it, a 9-4 year for a ACC (Almost Competitive Conference) is a good year, while the same is a DOWN year in the SEC. See you LAME A*******es next year when it is 8 in a row. GO DAWGS!!!
By Joshua Barlowe
November 24, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
Gailey plays players based on seniority - not talent.
Our Freshman class has more talent than our juniors, but they don’t play b/c of Chan’s ‘SYSTEM.”
It’s disgusting.
By Tom
November 24, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Yes Tech has cash problems. But right now the ACC is weak. If we were marginally better, we’d have a 50/50 shot annually to win the ACC and get BCS dollars.
BCS money would fix our issues. Even if we fall short, the payouts on 8 win bowls is a lot better then payouts on 7 or 6 win bowls.
And you want a coach who would a) Win b) Beat UGA c) and could see this as a job to love and retire from…?
His name is George O’leary, and he’s in Orlando.
By JB
November 24, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
I like Furman Bisher’s suggestion….Gailey to the Falcons and Petrino to the Jackets…
By Bee Sting
November 24, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
June Jones will be the next coach for Georgia Tech. He is in his final year at Hawaii. He has not signed an extension. Only question is will Tenuta stay.
By bye chan
November 24, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
Give it to Tenuta.
By yellowblood
November 24, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
I just don’t know. Chan gives us 7 great Tickle Piles a year. Even though no one is in the mood tonight we had a great Tickle Pile last night at Glenn Field. It’s just a dilemma and frankly I worry that we are jumping from the frying pan into the fire. I don’t know if we should risk the unknown for the 7 great Tickle Piles we know we can count on with Chan.
By Tim
November 24, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
KSU Alumni…what are you talking about? Are you planning on playing the game in the Brandsmart parking lot? Why say Tech sucks? A, you don’t have a football team; B, guess you couldn’t get into Tech-that is why you are at KSU.
By George P. Burdell
November 24, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Candidates: 1. Chris Petersen 2. Randy Edsall 3. Jimbo Fisher
By **billy g**
November 24, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
If not Gailey, then who? You say that Gailey has had six years, but you forget that the team was under severe restrictions. Gailey guided the ship under terrible circumstances.
I know that I am the minority, but I think that Gailey deserves to stay for the duration of his contract. Only a year ago, he was interviewed by NFL teams. Would they both to interview a guy that couldn’t coach?
Change for the sake of change never works out.
If you want to compete at a high level in football, lower the academic requirements. Design an educational program for these kids and help them gain real life skills that they can use once they leave. Stop the arrogance and wake up.
Chan is a good man and a good coach.
By ripkelly
November 24, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
Mr. Gailey is a good, if not great, man and as good a coach as most anyone else. Keep Gailey and retain some sense of stability in the program. We’ll win some and lose some, but so will everybody else. Then, once every 5 or so years, the Jackets will have a great year, compete for or win the ACC, and make finish top 10 / top 5.
A change at the top will get Tech no better results. Tech is an average to above average program and that is fine by me. Tech is generally competitive in each and every game, including today against top 10 UGA.
Please keep Gailey as our coach. Don’t make a change simply to make a change (see Nebraska, Ole Miss, A&M, and countless others). Let Mr. Gailey stay as long as he desires, and when he decides it is time to step down, someone else will emerge.
College football is cyclical. Take the good with the bad.
By Navigator
November 24, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
I know many of you don’t blame the coach for this loss. Examples: Dropped touchdown pass, bumbled return of UGA fumble, over thrown pass, receivers that simply can’t catch the ball. A simple answer for all of these is that these are Chan Gailey recruits.
By GT88
November 24, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Does anybody have Paul Johnson’s phone number at Navy?
By Fish
November 24, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
Tenuta for HC
By Fish
November 24, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Tenuta for HC
By KRIS
November 24, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
June Jones would be the most exciting hire by far.
By Yellow Dog Dem
November 24, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
RW,
Nice one about farm system in Athens…More black eng than anyone else in the nation? That is like shooting fish in a barrell….How many graduated last year? 10? lose the chip on your shoulder
By chris
November 24, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Sorry, but I doubt Chan is leaving for several reasons.
1) Radakovich is likely leaving for LSU in April
2) Chan’s buyout is too hefty a sum, especially for a program suffering from an $11 mil visitor seating expansion (see North end zone behemoth)
3) Do you really want to be looking for a new coach in a season where more than several top programs are looking for coaches?
If there is a change, it’s probably because someone is already lined up. We’d have a chance at Paul Johnson, maybe. If we’re lucky. Otherwise, let’s chuck another $600 into the “Tech Fund” for another mediocre season and another trip to “Obscure Corporate Bowl 2008.”
By Chan B. Gone
November 24, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
What do you all think about Chris Hatcher and/or Paul Johnson?
By GM
November 24, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
This game is not the best example of why Gailey should be fired, as the players played hard and well. All the breaks went UGA’s way (and this is not crying about the officials or anything else, just facts that it was UGA’s night tonight).
I would be shocked if Gailey were still employed at Tech by the end of this week.
Go Jackets. Congrats to the Dawgs on another nice win (darn it).
By InsectInside
November 24, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
Ken Whisenhunt
By SlimG
November 24, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
You Techies don’t know football. Who brought in Calvin Johnson? Oh yeah, all you fools saying that Nesbitt is the answer, he can’t even throw a pass. All I here is the 1990 bs, remember a UPI national championship if you like, it was a fluke. You also had 3 pro coaches on staff, and some illegal activity, but hey you did win. Gailey was the best coach you could get six years ago. Who will want this lackluster fan base to impress? Not Paul Johnson! Fire a coach with a winning record and reached the ACC champ game last year. Great idea!
By John
November 24, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
Thanks Mark for finally saying he must go. We have said it for some time now. Texas A&M upset Texas and then they fired their coach the same day. Why has the word not come out that Gailey is fired? It should have happened right after the game.
By GaTechAlum1965
November 24, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
Galey should never have been hired in the first place, he is MEDICORE and his record has been medicore everywhere he has been. Firing is 6 years too late in coming. Let’s move on or else the stands will be empty every game except UGA. Remember nice guys finish last.
By GM
November 24, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Do you not think D-Rad has a plan? Even if he leaves in April, he’s no Dave Braine. He’d leave Tech without a coach before he left us stuck with one. Have some faith in this man. Trust me. Gailey is gone.
By kris
November 24, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Hate to say it-bet Tech is a second tier job compared to all the other openings. They better have somebody in mind before they pull the plug.
By GM
November 24, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
SlimG: Thanks for your comments about our program. We will pass these along directly to the AD for careful consideration. Should you have anything further to add, please write your comments on a roll of toilet paper and use as necessary.
By GaTechAlum1965
November 24, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
The coach is 80% of winning, here’s why. 1. He is responsible for the players recruited, players on the field at any one time. 2. He is responsible for the strategy, play books, calling the plays, etc. 3. He is responsible for training schedules, routines, intensity, etc. 4. He is responsible for motivating the team. 5. The players execute. 80% coach, 20% players. In any sport it’s deliver or depart, Galey must depart but it’s doubtful the powers to be have the guts!
By Tech/Ga/Falcon Fan
November 24, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Bradly, you are one of the sports writers that hounded Falcons ownership in firing the only coach who led them to a super bowl. Now years and two coaches later, where are they? You have little knowledge of football and less than average skill as a writer.
By boulderman
November 24, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Whoa Jacket Fan, Colorado won the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in 1990. Come to Boulder sometime and you can touch the TROPHY.
By another GT grad
November 24, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
GT could’ve won had Earls caught the first pass for a TD, and the freshman CB hadn’t fumbled near the goal line. GT players aren’t coached as well as UGAs. Yup, time for Chan to go.
By another GT grad
November 24, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
And Tech surely shouldn’t wait til after the Nut Bowl to fire him. It’s after 11 pm and no announcement? We’ve waiting too long already!
By m
November 24, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
Hiring Chan Gailey was the 2nd stupidest decision in Tech history. Keeping him for 6 years was the absolute worst decision in Tech history. We should have called timeout during the game to fire CHAN. He sucks in epic proportions. This nightmare must end NOW.
By TechFan
November 24, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Ripkelly,
I understand what you are saying. But at some point you must be willing to say that anything is better than what we have now. I think 6 yeas is at that point. I would rather take a chance with the uknown, no matter how bad it may be, than continuing on with what we have. We need, at the very least, a glimmer of hope to do something more than the emerald nut bowl. If we fall short then change. But the definition of insanity is doing the same wrong thing again and again. I’m not sure who we can get at Tech but we MUST try to make a change.
By another GT grad
November 24, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Get Chris Hatcher. Wisenhunt’s too smart to come, as is June Jones. Don’t want the run & shoot anyway. Hawaii is crazy if they let him get away.
By fortebuna
November 24, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
It’s time? No it’s past time. Gailey if he is indeed the man of character he says he is the he would resign. But Gailey is not a man of character. Rad fire him tonite and I will come back to ATL to see the Jackets until then I’ll stay home and save my bucks. Bye Bye Gailey and don’t come back!
By Techfan
November 24, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
How many of Tech’s players on the offensive side would start at UGA this year? Answer = zero. Terrible QB, decent running back, clueless receivers and tight ends, and average O-line. I say keep Tenuta as HC, fire Gayley, and bring in a young offensive coach. OR if June Jones is interested, hire him as HC, contingent on keeping Tenuta.
By Hairy Dawg
November 24, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
I think Bill Lewis is available for all your Tech coaching needs…Most young nerds at Tech probably don’t know who he is. All you bunch of bandwaggon jumpers complain about the head coach but yet will not support the program. Seems like the stands were full last year when you were on top of the world…You only lost to ND last year by 4 at home…fan base was giddy and zits were a popping…couple of losses and now it is back to bashing the coach and tickly piles at the Star Wars conventions.
By GM
November 24, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
boulderman: this argument died long ago but in case you’ve forgotten, CO lost a game, tied a game, won one on fifth down, and another on a dubious penalty. Nearly 4 losses versus an undefeated Tech team that year? Go to bed you idiot.
By Tom
November 24, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
The problem is the failure to develop of talent. Chan can recruit, yes. But far too many players have come and gone, and have either not developed, or have regressed.
Look at Matthew Stafford. He’s had his challenges, but he gets quality coaching and UGA and gets better each game he plays. That’s good coaching.
Look at Reggie, and Taylor Bennett. If Chan was the 1/2 of the recruiter and/or Coach the Pro-Chan crowd claims, then Reggie would have been better in year 4 then year 1, and in fact I think Freshman Reggie was better then Senior Reggie. And over those 4 years, we were not able to recruit nor train a better qb then Taylor? That’s BAD COACHING!
Would you let you Son commit to GT with the record that Chan has wasting talent and the fact that it’s not a question of if he’ll go, it’s simply a question of when?
Think of the coaches from the past..
Would Bobby Dodd, John Heisman, Bobby Ross or George O’Leary ever say “we just need to be happy with a winning record and any bowl we can get?”
O’Leary just won the C-USA with the talent at UCF! Hire George. He’ll see the fact that he’s back at big time football that he’ll respect it and stay here until he retires.
By GM
November 24, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
June Jones? Get real.
By GM
November 24, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
Hairy Dawg: Thanks for your comments about our program. We will pass these along directly to the AD for careful consideration. Should you have anything further to add, please write your comments on a roll of toilet paper and use as necessary.
By jch
November 24, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
While we’re at it, lets get a new basketball coach too. While the football program has remained a boring status quo, the basketball program continues to be abysmal.
By UG-GAY
November 24, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
chan is the best coach since lombardi. and he’s much sexier than richt. vote for gailey in ‘08.
By belby
November 24, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
Wanting to fire a coach? Bradley, you’re as crass as they come
By Hairy Dawg
November 24, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
GM,
NP. Glad I could help. BTW, I prefer GT memorabilia instead of tp. Good luck in whatever bowl you attend during the middle part of December.
By Brian
November 24, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
Let me first say that I am not a Tech fan nor am I a UGA fan.
I don’t understand why this paper or the writers have the right to decide the future of any coach. COVER the games, don’t use your forum to change the lives of the people that are doing a good job of molding young people. This is not the NFL, this is amature athletics.
In the microwave society we live in, the teams that you cover are expected to win every game…that is not reality.
I don’t have the opportunity to express my opinions for a major newspaper like you do. If I did, Mr. Moore, and Mr Wyche, and you would not be working for me. Think about the impact of your saying that the coach should be fired? If you want to fire people, go take a management job or take a coaching job. A columnist is a journalist who produces a specific form of writing. This paper should cover the games, offer insight to the readers, and support the local teams.
That is what the paper or this web site should be about, not changing the lives of the many coaches (assistant coaches) that would be out of work…It is just not right.
By IWrecken
November 24, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
Money, money, that’s all we’re hearing. All GT has to do is ask US the fans if we’d like to give to the cause. I’m not talking about the Big $$$ people, but those of us who can afford a couple hundred.
I know a hell of a lot of GT fans/alums who have no problem ponying up that kind of money to help move Chan out!
Speak up GT fans!
By JustMe
November 24, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
Knowing that Chan has 4 years left on his contract at $1 million per year. That is an expensive fire!
What would the Tech nation feel about Dan R. telling Chan to stay on as a ‘father figure’ type coach to the players only under the conditions that he hire a great offensive coordinator (and for Chan to leave the offense totally up to him) and also hire a great QB coach?
Otherwise, get rid of Chan all together…
By NASCARfan
November 24, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
Typical stupid comments by the Dawgs on this board. Not a single intelligent comment among them. But that’s what you expect from morons in Athens.
Let’s get a decent coach and regroup. Too many missed opportunities but at least this should be the last straw to get rid of Gailey.
Go JACKETS! And to HELL WITH GEORGIA! UGA Sucks! Always has, always will!
By Custis
November 24, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
I hope Chan gets a contract extension. If he doesn’t, let’s hope Pepper Rogers comes back.
By junejones
November 24, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
Tech, Please call me asap. I have something to tell you. Sincerely, June Jones
By Reggie come back!
November 24, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
Fire Chan Gailey. Hire Reggie Ball.
By BOBCEE
November 24, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
College football is a business and in any business when there is no success the CEO usually is let go. This will happen to Chan. The only proble is WHO would want to come to TECH. Sure you could mention Bill Curry or any other Tech grad but Tech needs some new blood - need to be able to attract not only good athletes but also good students. Send the money and go for Tuberville, or even the the former coach at Michigan. For the right $$ either one would consider the opportunity.
By GM
November 24, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
Brian: If you’re not a fan, find something else to do at midnight on a Saturday. Really!!
Hairy Dawg: Thanks again. I would not be able to sleep tonight without your helpful comments.
By Correction
November 24, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this
*By rw -
GT grads more black eng tahn anyone in USA*
Sorry, North Carolina A&T State University holds that honor. I do hear that you guys are second though, and first among predominately white colleges.
Let’s just be clear, and correct.
By Concerned Fan
November 25, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
Hey I thought this was college football. Has this sport gotten so out of hand that winning is the only thing that counts. Hey who dropped the passess, who fumbled at both key and un-key times, who missed tackles, who did not complete a pass when needed - For all of the answers it is young 18-21 year old kids. All of them are not NFL material, but we in society think they should all be superstars. Come on giveme a break. I thought they were there to get an education and be able to have a successful life. Quit bringing up the goof os Reggie, or in this case putting Choice in the middle- Lighten up people football is ONLY A GAME not a process to put undue pressure on its participants.
By BOBCEE
November 25, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
How about we judge you on your writing skills? Maybe you should be looking for a job too.
By Hairy Dawg
November 25, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
Nascar fiend,
Thanks for the compliments. Try not to contract ink poisining on the next tatoo. 7 in a row in FB. Nice job on the bold…it really gets across your profound statements.
By Chanmustgo
November 25, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this
Why wait till Monday - Ole Miss and Nebraska did it today? Can-the-Chan - A different coach might have made a difference today. But the SEC can’t be as great as the lovefest that the networks give them; Wake beat Vandy pretty good (remember UGA had to wait till the end to win, needing help from a Vandy fumble) and Clemson (who GT beat) beat SC (who beat UGA). Get rid of Gaily now and be done with his sorry a@@
By Gwen
November 25, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this
To reverse a famous quote from Jerry Maguire: Chan, you lost me at 52-7. It doesn’t matter that he’s a nice guy or a just over .500 winner or that he brings the team to cold and muddy bowls known for care packages or shelled nuts, it’s that he never “got it” about the rivalry things. He’s just not a college level coach, and it’s time to get young, fresh ideas and motivations on board. He was the worst thing Dave Braine ever did to Tech.
By Russell
November 25, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
Chan Gailey rocks. The moron that wrote this article would lead the team to 0-13 for 6 years straight. I’m surrounded by idiots.
By Chanmustgo
November 25, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
Why wait till Monday - Ole Miss and Nebraska did it today? Can-the-Chan - A different coach might have made a difference today. But the SEC can’t be as great as the lovefest that the networks give them; Wake beat Vandy pretty good (remember UGA had to wait till the end to win, needing help from a Vandy fumble) and Clemson (who GT beat) beat SC (who beat UGA). Get rid of Gaily now and be done with his sorry a@@
By ben
November 25, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
College Football has passed us all by. Watch the Real Sports report on T. Boone Pickens giving Okie State 160 million to produce a winner. We don’t have the fan base or the money to be a big time winner. It’s over, I’m sorry to say. Let’s dumb down the schedule, go 10-2 and complain we didn’t get considered by the BCS. See TCU.
By granny g
November 25, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
All of you ignorant Dawg fans who think we can’t find a decent coach are oblivious to your own rightous bullshiiiat. GT is a great school w/ tons of potential. Just look at their latest recruiting class. There IS potential and we need a young coach who can run the west coast offense. We have the personnel in place to make it happen. Come on.. If you give the alumni what they want, they’ll pay enough to get us out of debt. Otherwise, if this keeps up, the debt will continue to mount. All it takes is one 10 win season and a BCS berth and all debts are erased. Now I’m not a UGA business major but I can bet that the math adds up. Gailey has to go…debt our not. Give them what they want and the money will follow.
PS: This was the worst officiated game I’ve ever seen and I’m not one to blame it on the refs. UGA is the better team but the officating was horrible. GT deserved better.
By BC
November 25, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
One name that might surprise some folks AND scare others…Mike O’Cain. He coached ECU to many many competetive games and is the offensive mastermind that this team needs. Mike O’Cain is your man.
By BigPapa
November 25, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
Brian:
This is an OPINION FORUM. But, you’re right…We should all give big hugs for mediocrity and pleasant complimentary opinions, so nobody gets their feelings hurt.
GIVE ME A BREAK!
If a product is crap, people are going to say that it’s crap.
By Scott
November 25, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
I love all the UGAg fans complaining about the Tech fans disappointment with Gailey. We aren’t whining fans that only want the latest and the greatest. We are tired of 7-5 every year. We win games we really shouldn’t win because our guys come out and play their guts out. Our coach continues to put an offense on the field that kills our defense and causes losses to teams we shouldn’t lose to. By the way, wasn’t it UGAg that fired Jim Donnan after 2 8-win seasons and a 40-19 overall record? Didn’t he lead Georgia to its first 4 consecutive bowl wins? Even your precious Dooley didn’t do that. Keep your opinions where they belong, in Athens. I think you saw today just how close you were to being beaten by an unranked Tech team. What would that have done for your BCS bowl bid?
By Chanmustgo
November 25, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
Hey - Concerned Fan - if it is “ONLY A GAME” why do coachs make millions of dollars a year to coach? If it is “ONLY A GAME” why do 95,000 fans show-up in Athens every week? IF it is “ONLY A GAME” why does UGA Football make $60 MILLION dollars a season - IF IT IS “ONLY A GAME” then sir - I ask YOU - DO you make that kind of money? I think not - IT IS NOT JUST A GAME
By 1992
November 25, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
Tech geeks, you people SU@K. You’re the No. 2 team and the No. 2 school in this State; always have been always will be. You can’t stand it and that’s why this game is soooo important to you. Say what you want about somebody putting up big points on us in our bowl game, blah, blah, blah…Have fun at the ‘whatever Bowl’ your coachless team will be playing in. Since the inception of the BCS, when was the last time tech played in a BCS bowl? How about NEVER!!! This will be our third. Take your beating and shut the f@#k up!
By DJ
November 25, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this
Chan is not a bad coach, but something has to be done to change the status quo. Tech needs some inspiration, but needs to make sure there is a good process in place for replacing him before he is dismissed. With all of the coaching vacancies and more to come, it could get difficult to get the right man.
By Chuck Uga
November 25, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this
HEY MARK, I DON’T SEE WHY ANYONE, SPORTSWRITER OR OTHERWISE, THINK THAT SOMEONE (ANYONE) CAN TAKE THE TECH JOB TODAY AND EXPECT TO DO WELL AGAINST AN ANNUAL TOP 10 TEAM FIELDED BY MARK RICHT. HOW? THE MAN IS RAKING IN THE RECRUITS AND NOTHING IS GOING WRONG OTHER THAN YOUTH (WHO COST US THE SEC EAST). CERTAINLY IN 2008 THE ONLY TEAM ON THE SEC EAST SCHEDULE WHO CAN BEAT US IS UF (LIKELY). LSU AND BAMA WILL BOTH BE TOUGH, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WIN 9 OR 10 GAMES AGAIN? TEN IS MORE LIKELY. TECH MAY GET LUCKY AND UPSET US IN A YEAR OR TWO, BUT THE 6, 7 OR 8 STRAIGHT WINS WILL BE THE NORM UNDER RICHT AGAINST A PROGRAM THAT SIMPLY CANNOT KEEP UP.
By TechBuzz
November 25, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
Gailey needs to go, now. Tech needs to get a real coach, like Steve Spurrier, who knows how to beat georgia or some assistant at Florida who knows the spread offense.
By bh
November 25, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this
I think Mr. Mark Bradley’s time is up. He needs to go. He tried to fire everyone in the world.
By GT Fan
November 25, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this
All the pathetic Tech fans should be the ones that go away. Since the late 80’s there have only been fair weather fans. You don’t show up for the games and you complain, you show up late and complain, they win you complain and of course when they lose you complain. If your truly a GT fan then put your money where your mouth is and sell out the 55,000 seat stadium. Give the players something to be proud of your full support. I’m willing to bet that 95% of you guys have never even put the pads on in pee wee football much less ever tried coaching a team. You guys make me ashamed to call myself at GT Fan. You as well as Mark Bradley are pathetic. If I was coach Gailey and the players I fire you guys!!
GO JACKETS!!!!
By coz109
November 25, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this
Scott, do you really think two touchdowns is close? Tech played hard, and deserve credit, but the fact remains 14 points isn’t close. Granted, it’s not a blowout. However once again, as I’ve always said, your defense was out of gas in the 2nd half from blitzing every down. Losing to an unranked team would surely have killed any shot at a BCS bowl, but the fact remains, we didn’t lose. In fact, we won, by 14 points.
By Sportswriters and crybaby jacket fans
November 25, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this
Coach Gailey’s drop of that first pass was just awful A guy in his fifties shouldn’t drop passes that way. He’s got to look those balls in. Shame on you Tech crybabies. The coaches can put the players in position, but the players have to make the plays. Did you see Coach Gailey scoop up that errant UGA lateral only to fumlbe it down near the goal. He must have missed out on the portion of practice dealing with securing the ball last week. Coach Gailey still plays, and his drops and fumbles must be accouted for.
Shame on a sportswriter who calls for a coaches firing. You who only have to write about the game, but who have never had to go down into the arena. You sit with the other timid souls in the Tech stands and criticize the coaching and players and then go to a player and take what he says or doesn’t say out of context to help make your point to fire the coach. You a