AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > November > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTech must find its own Richt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Georgia Tech has spent seven years playing kid brother to the hated mutts from Athens, and over that span it has become easy to overlook the level of pride and the depth of resources inherent in the Institute and its football program. The right coach will make us all remember. The right coach will give Mark Richt a run for his money.
Chan Gailey was to Tech as Jim Donnan was to Georgia, a winning coach who was nonetheless unloved by the masses. (Oddly enough, it took the abrasive Donnan five years to get as unpopular as the benign Gailey became in one.) As painful as this is to admit, Michael Adams proved something to me with Donnan’s dismissal, which I then regarded as premature: The incumbent was never going to unite Bulldog Nation, and the president found the man who could and did.
Dan Radakovich’s mission is to find his own Mark Richt. The AD used the buzzwords “energy” and “enthusiasm” often in his media briefing Monday, and those commodities were lacking under Gailey. Tech football had become a joyless thing. People went to games out of a sense of old-gold obligation, not because they couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
As was evident from the increasing number of empty seats at Bobby Dodd Stadium, obligation isn’t enough anymore — not with such competition in the marketplace and so many other available distractions. Gailey admitted as much in his classy farewell address, saying, “It’s a lot different than it was when I started 35 years ago.”
And it is. And the man Tech should hire will, conveniently enough, turn 35 in February.
Some stipulations. Radakovich emphasized that the new coach should “energize and entertain our fan base,” and offensive coaches, simply by nature of their jobs, tend to be more entertaining than defensive men. (Randy Edsall of Connecticut was mostly a defensive coach.) And even though Richt hadn’t been a head coach before Georgia hired him, the bias here still rests with those who have. (One who hasn’t: Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher.)
Paul Johnson of Navy would seem almost an ideal choice. He knows the territory, having won two national championships at Georgia Southern, and he has proved he can win at a school where academics matter, having led the Midshipmen to a fifth consecutive bowl. But his teams run the spread option with a disproportionate emphasis on “run” — 685 rushes this season against 117 passes — and running the ball is seen by many as old-fashioned. (Though not, I should report, by me.)
There’s also this: Johnson is 50. That’s not old by my lights, but the pragmatist in me sees a need for Tech to tap a younger man, someone capable of growing with the program the way Richt, who was 39 when he took the job, has at Georgia.
Chris Hatcher is 34. He has been a head coach since he was 26 and hasn’t yet had a losing season. His career record is 83-16. He led Valdosta State to the Division II national championship in 2004, and this year he cleaned up the mess left by Brian VanGorder at Georgia Southern and went 7-4 to boot. He’s good with the media, and he has showed the ability to recruit in Georgia and Florida.
Hatcher was an All-American quarterback at Valdosta State and he apprenticed at Kentucky under Hal Mumme, tutoring Tim Couch but getting out before the scandal hit.
His Valdosta State teams played the sling-it-around style fans seem to embrace, though it should be noted that Georgia Southern rushed three times as often as it passed this season. (That’s another heartening sign: One-trick ponies get old awfully fast.)
Just as Richt was viewed as the anti-Donnan, Hatcher would be seen by the Tech community as the anti-Gailey. He wouldn’t be stodgy, wouldn’t be taciturn and would, by gosh, be able to develop a quarterback. He’d make Tech football a vibrant thing again, and he’d make the hated mutts sit up and take notice. If any program should know the difference a coach can make, it’s the one in Athens.
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By m
November 26, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
Any coach we get will bet better than Chan Gailey….who was absolutely the worst coach in the history of college football. I think June Jones would be a great hire (hopefully keeping Tenuta). But whoever it is will be better than this crap we have had for 6 long years.
By Tech Fan
November 26, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
Interesting point Mr. Bradley. I understand how you feel that offensive minds will energize the fan base. Here’s something even better that will energize the fan base: winning. It doesn’t matter how you win, it matters that you win. And your suggestion, surely with some merits, is considerably weaker than mine: Charlie Strong. He’ s a proven winner (at USC and at UF). He is a defensive genius, a good recruiter, and a proven winner. He’s relatively young and energetic. That my friend is the answer to all of our prayers.
Charlie Strong, come on down!
By wildboar
November 26, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t agree more with Hatcher. But I’m a Dawg so I hope they don’t get him.
By TT3
November 26, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
A Hatcher, Fisher or Muschamp could possibly be Tech’s version of Richt. But without the slack-jawed, loser and trailer trash fanbase that UGAy has.
By Hatcher Fan
November 26, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Hatcher would ignite the fan base.
The previous GTAA regime would have no chance of making such a smart move.
Here’s to hoping that DRad pulls the trigger.
HATCH ATTACK to TECHWOOD DR!!!!
By tbaker39
November 26, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
I’ve been saying this for the past 5 weeks now. Sadly, since YOU (Mark) have now endorsed him, it’ll never happen.
But know this, and I 100% believe it, if we don’t find a way to lure Hatcher in now, we sure will ‘wish we had’ four to five years down the road.
Georgia ties, strong recruiter in both GA and FLA, winner everywhere he’s been, and is among the few who are ‘ahead of the curve’ in today’s knowledge of new-age offense.
He’s the right choice, and it should easily be affordable at this stage in his career.
By steve
November 26, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
Mark, do you think Coach Gailey would have won with UGA’s talent?
By Tech Fan
November 26, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
And Charlie Strong has proven himself to be a winner in the SEC!
Charlie Strong, lets get him.
By Beware what you wish..
November 26, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Gailey was a class act and one of the winningest coaches in Ga Tech history. If you want enthusiam and energy, hire Ted Roof. The AD didnt say he wanted to WIN.
By russ
November 26, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Good luck on finding another Richt. 71 wins in 7 seasons….those kind of coachs don’t grow on trees.
By dawg lover
November 26, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
Please don’t hire June Jones, Bre’r Bear. Oh please, oh please don’t hire him away from ‘dem rainbow warriors and such.
I remembah da last time he coached in these here parts, and he was mighty good.
Please oh please don’t hire him now.
By Ol' 1000 yard Charlie...
November 26, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
TechFan….your choice gave up over 1000 yards of offense in two weeks to two teams that lost a total of 7 games so far…Yes, this is what the Techies deserve. Charlie Strong..LOL
By stings to lose
November 26, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
Would Hatcher’s leaving require a huge payment? Will the next coach be issued a guaranteed contract devoid of incentives? Is that the norm now?
By dig003
November 26, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
I agree that Tech should find an up-and-coming, energetic coach with new ideas rather than old retread. With the number of openings, including Ole Miss (Nutt), Arkansas (?), Nebraska (?), and the big boy Michigan (they may be stuck waiting for Les), Tech could still snag a quality coach.
The early word is that Paul Johnson is not being considered by the AA/D-Rad, so I’d scratch that. Hatcher is possible, and intriguing, but he’s so young and has no DI experience so I don’t think D-Rad would call on him unless some other options have been exhausted. He does fit the energetic and innovative prototype that D-Rad is looking for, and understands Tech better than most of the coordinators Rad is connected to.
I have a feeling Muschamp will be the guy even though he’s a former dawg… between him and D-Rad they’ll have to find an OC but I’m sure they can figure it out.
By gatech97
November 26, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
Paul Johnson is my choice…
By son_sir
November 26, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Hatcher is a fair suggestion, but he is still in the proving grounds. Mark, as a Dawg, you’d love to give Tech a ? as a head coach. And we are supposed to buy your suggestions? Paul Johnson should be #1 in this search and #2 ain’t even close.
By wes
November 26, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
I just hope our players dance to “Soulja’ Boy” like Richt lets em’ do.
He has to be classy and run a squeaky clean program like Richt.
By June Jones is the answer
November 26, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Before and after the game, June could used his old Hawaiian lei to clean windshields on Techwood at the stop lights for $1. Would almost equal Tech’s revenue from football season ticket sales!
By ben
November 26, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
People, stop saying “Gailey won 7 games or more every year” as if you’re talking about 1965. Today’s seven is five as all schools increased their schedules by two patsys to increase revenue. Today’s nine is seven, etc. It’s all turned into one big money grab and I’m afraid Tech is on the losing end of this game. When the University of Houston hired Jack Pardee and the run n’ shoot, it rejuvenated a similar program that has never been the same since he left. Maybe June is the right choice. But, why would he leave Hawaii for Atlanta?
By editorjim
November 26, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
Mark,
Go back and edit the paragraph about Hatcher’s offense at Ga Southern…issues with run and pass and subject verb agreement…Not being a Tech guy, I pay attention to these things;-) About Hatcher…he’d be a great hire, as would Charlie Strong as Tech fan pointed out. I just hope the Tech guys won’t continue making the so called academics excuse that you hear from Notre Dame and Tech all of the time. Those Tech ball players aren’t challenged much more than student athletes at other schools…It’s all a tough balance for these young guys. I actually hope they find someone that’s a good fit for them, but I hope he won’t be too good for UGA’s sake!
By editorjim
November 26, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
Mark,
Go back and edit the paragraph about Hatcher’s offense at Ga Southern…issues with run and pass and subject verb agreement…Not being a Tech guy, I pay attention to these things;-) About Hatcher…he’d be a great hire, as would Charlie Strong as Tech fan pointed out. I just hope the Tech guys won’t continue making the so called academics excuse that you hear from Notre Dame and Tech all of the time. Those Tech ball players aren’t challenged much more than student athletes at other schools…It’s all a tough balance for these young guys. I actually hope they find someone that’s a good fit for them, but I hope he won’t be too good for UGA’s sake!
By fortebuna
November 26, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
Happy days are here again, the sky is clear again! Hatcher, Paul Johnson, Peterson etc etc. Are a world apart from Gailey. They are young (compared to me that is) energetic and up on all the latest gimmicks in fball. Sign one of them and I’ll be back at BDS in a heart Beat!
By Chan B. Gone
November 26, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
I’ve said it all along. Chris Hatcher is the Man! He could triple his salary and still save Tech money. And, talk about excitement…This guy’s picture is in the dictionary beside the definition of “college offense.” Hire Chris tomorrow. We can’t lose!! Winning coaches win no matter where they coach! Please, DRad, hire Chris Hatcher. We need him!
By Roger P.
November 26, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
Tech needs a coach that isnt so conservative, They need a coach that will make the on field changes when needed,Like leaving a QB in when he planly can not make a completion.Lets go for it all with the right choice this time around. Shake things up in Atlanta.
By Johnson is a Johnson
November 26, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
I truly believe that Chan is about to turn this thing around. Just give him one more season. With our great and supportive fans behind him anything is possible. Actually, I enjoyed going to games this year. The wife and I had seats in the end zone, and by the second quarter we were sitting on the 50 yard line every game.
By michaelgee
November 26, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
Get Chris Hatcher out of your mind. Hatch is GSU through and through. Now, Paul Johnson would be a better fit for GT, a proven winner, hand taught by Erk Russell. An offensive juggernaut and general snake in the grass. Remember how long it has been that GT has not beat UGA. What about the Notre Dame vs Navy 20 plus year scenario? Child’s play for Paul Johnson. FWIW, Paul Johnson was my TOP choice for the Falcons HC job. PJ is a winner and a motivator, he was mentored by Erk.
By Tech Fan since 1950
November 26, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Mark, you are right on target. Chris Hatcher is the perfect choice for Georgia Tech. He does have Division I experience. So much of what you see today with the wide open offenses at LSU, Georgia and around the country got its start, in part, at Valdosta State. Know who the tutor for Chris was at the time. He was Mike Leach, now at Texas Tech, along with Hal Mumme of Kentucky and now at New Mexico State. By the way I believe Chris hired Muschamp as Defensive Coordinator at VSU before Muschamp went to LSU and Auburn. It shows you that Hatcher knows his stuff and would rally the Tech community. He is the son of a football coach and would be a great hire. As a quarterback at VSU, Chris won the Harlon Hill Trophy (NCAA Division II equivalent of Heisman Trophy). If Tech doesn’t hire him we will see him across the field one of these days at another ACC or SEC school.
By CarolinaTechFan
November 26, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Tech would do well to hire a coach who does not see the school as simply a stepping stone. Gaily had finally gotten back to back top recruting classes and, of course, they fire him. Lets see how many this top class stays with Tech now that they see what it has done. This class includes a top quarterback who could compete for the starting job immediately. Lets see if he stays with Tech. Gaily won some big games with less than top talent. It is a shame that the Tech whinners have not given him a chance to see how he could do when he finally fielded a team with competitive athletes.
By Chopsticks
November 26, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Everyone needs to get a life — Don’t worry about football. Worry about important stuff. Chew on these thoughts.
Why should anyone get a free education just because he / she is good in sports? Do away with all athletic scholarships.
Why don’t we track the graduation rate of the football team vs. the overall graduation rate of the student body as a whole? That would be a better measure.
Why should the football coach make more money than the highest paid professor (or the lowest paid, for that matter)
By Chip
November 26, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
All the Dawg bashing the Jackets give UGA. Please explain to me, with all your vast knowledge, how your athletic dept. is so deep in the hole….
By hd
November 26, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Thanks right, hire Hatcher at a bargain price (since you still owe your old coach over 4 million and your athletic department is in debt from the stadium expansion). IF he pans out, lose him to a “big time” school. Tech is in a tough spot here. Hope you don’t slip from here….7 wins might sound VERY good a few years from now. Oh, by the way, THANKS for the stadium expansion, it allowed about 30,000 UGA fans watch the Dogs whip your a— for the 7th straight year!!
By LESD
November 26, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
Gailey had “back-to-back top recruiting classes?” Really?
Scout has ranked Tech’s last three recruiting classes 49th, 15th, and 22nd. Rivals has ranked them 57th, 18th, and 36th. Compare those numbers with Georgia’s for a dose of the bitter reality.
Part of the problem with Tech fans is that they live in a perpetual fantasy world. The Georgia Tech football program has more rust on it than the Cuban navy. It’s going to take Tech’s next coach many years to do much about it.
By TDone
November 26, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
If he does not get the Nebraska job, might I recommend Turner Gill?
He was a QB at Nebraska during the gloriy days, then be came its OC.
He has been the head coach at a very tough place where he is growing a program.
He would energize the City of Atlanta.
By Gordon
November 26, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
Mark, I commend you on admitting that you were wrong when you thought UGA was letting Donnan go too soon, but you were also wrong when you said we should hire Bill Lewis in 1991. However, looking back, no one could argue with that decision given the facts at the time. My point is that no matter who we get, there is a big risk here no matter what the credentials look like. But going with someone with no D1 experience is too big a risk.
Paul Johnson is the right man for the reasons you mentioned. No one thinks running is boring when it works and Johnson said with the right quarterback he would throw more.
By LESD
November 26, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
I love the idea posted above that Tech should go after Les Miles. I’m sure he’d leave LSU for Georgia Tech. Heck, who wouldn’t? But if, for some weird reason, that doesn’t work out, maybe go after Bill Belichick. He’s always coveted the Tech job.
If neither of those guys is available, maybe just scrap football and pat yourselves on the back for being a fine institution of higher learning with frighteningly intelligent students and alumni. That line has been reducing the inflammation of your swelling inferiority complex for years.
By 2N4YEARS
November 26, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
Bradley, all I can say is ‘WOW’. ‘Mutts’ over in Athens??? I’d be kidding myself if I said we in the Bulldawg Nation didn’t know how you really felt. You’ve always been a Tech homer. Should’ve Tech fans been happy with Gailey? Probably not. Just be careful what you wish for, though. Tech doesn’t have the resources that UGA does, nor will it probably ever have the talent to compete consistently. If Gailey was fired because he didn’t bring ‘excitement’ to Tech then that’s one thing. But if he was fired because he couldn’t beat UGA then that was the wrong reason. The most important thing to remember is this: Richt has one of the best winning percentages in CFB, and he’s doing it in the SEC, arguably the best conference in America. What’s the chances Anybody, not just GaTech, will get a coach that can beat Richt consistently?? Not very likely. Not very likely at all. But if Tech fans sleep better tonight I guess that’s all that matters. They still haven’t won in 7 years —-and firing Gailey probably hasn’t gotton them any closer.
By Michael Mays
November 26, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
Chris Hatcher’s resume reminds me a lot of some other successful coach who was never a coordinator at a 1-A school but who won championships at lower levels…a guy by the name of Jim Tressel.
By Chris Butler
November 26, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Yeah, as a Georgia Southern fan I can tell you that you don’t want Hatcher. He wouldn’t last 10 minutes up in Atlanta so just leave him to us Eagles down in Statesboro…
Thanks
By Dawgs Rule
November 26, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
If Tech wants to find another “Richt” they will need to find a solid coach would can win and be willing to stay when they do win. Many of the young names on “the list” would bolt for bigger & better programs as soon as they had success. Tech should bring back O’Liar and Godsey. O’Liar can develop Godsey into the future head coach and GT would be set for many years. After all if Richt were to leave UGA in 4 or 5 years Bobo or Muschamp would be a lock. Tech is making a mistake if they do not have a long term plan for the program.
By Geoff
November 27, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Two things:
By Richt was almost 41
November 27, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Richt wasn’t 39 when he got hired at UGA. He was a month and a half shy of his 41st birthday.
College coaching:
Where else can race and age discrimination be so blatantly put forth!
Norm Chow for Tech! Oh, I forgot. He is too old and too Asian!!!
By Mike
November 27, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Tech should get Bob Sphire.
By brian
November 27, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Tech will go for a high profile coach with an offensive background who will keep Tenuta as defensive coordinator.
Tech wants an exciting head coach who will stir up the base but will keep Tenuta.
Maybe Hatcher is that man.
By steve
November 27, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
The only problem with Charlie Strong is the fact that he played for Notre Dame, I think. So if he comes to Tech and is successfull, and Charlie Weiss continues to lose, guess what happens. Lets get someone in here that will not use this as a stepping stone to a “better” job.
By ABQJacket
November 27, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
I also think it’s absolutely crazy that Norm Chow hasn’t gotten a head coaching shot. He certainly has the credentials and the tools to be successful, and I earnestly hope DRad is considering him.
By Foorball man
November 27, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
It looks like Tenuta has tried his best to undermine Gailey. Remeber that Tech’s defense has been stout over the past few years, but it is also half the reason it can’t bust out of mediocrity. I think the way to go is David Cutcliffe. That man is awesome. He really did a wonderful job at Ole Miss. He actually did better that Tuberville or Orgeron put together. He knows how to coach, win, and keep players motivated.
By Steve
November 27, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
I think Steve Spurrier is the best fit for GT. He is unhappy with the USC entrance requirements. GT’s are set in stone. so he would know going in who he could recruit and who he could not. He hates the Dogs! The Dogs hate him! Talk about excitement! Call Columbia and see if he is interested!
By T
November 27, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
Mark.. since you know so much about football why dont you apply for the position? Or is it easier hiding behind the computer?
By Buzzman
November 27, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
I went to Georgia Southern before transferring to Georgia Tech and getting my EE degree. Let me tell you, the man that will bring Tech to ACC title contender and win consistently is Paul Johnson. I still feel the pain of him leaving GSU. The coaches that followed were not so good and that UGA genius almost killed GSU football in just one pathetic season (see 2006).
I like Hatcher, but the man that brought GSU back to national champions (twice) from the dismal state left by mediocre coach Tim Stowers gets my vote. That Flexbone can win and it will confound all these defenses that now have to defend and practice for the four and five WR spread offenses.
GSU gave UGA a run for their money once or twice, even with non I-A talent. Give Paul Johnson 1-A talent and he can win big and beating UGA will happen, though Tech will never be able to beat UGA consistently, not with all the resource advantages UGA has (lots more alumni and the state of Georgia love UGA).
Paul Johnson! I don’t want any O-coordinator that can’t gain yards (several of them on the vote list). I don’t want D-coordinators that disregard offense. I don’t want Charlie Strong either, he might be a good candidate, but that defensive approach is what has left Tech mediocre for the entire decade.
Paul Johnson doesn’t disregard defense and he brings the best offense in all of college football with him!
By Scooter
November 27, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
There seems to be several excellant choices for a new head coach. I do believe DRad has already made his choice. I just hope he announces it soon so that the possible recruits will feel better and still sign with Tech. I also hope that Tennuta and Gib Smith are retained. Go-o-o-o-o Jackets.
By McBuzz4ever
November 27, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Why is Terry Bowden keep surfacing as a candidate? I would disavow any affiliation with GT if Tater Tot even gets a consideration.
I would look at one of the young guys such as Hatcher, Muschamp, or Fisher.
By hop
November 27, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
paul johnson is the man who knows how to win with a school who has high academics just look at navy’s success.
he won big time at GSU when the program was in trouble. tech better hurry before someone else gets him.
if they don’t get johnson, why not the wake forest coach.he is a proven winner
something to think about
By Ray
November 27, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
I cannot believe that no one mentions the best guy for the job and that is Ken Whisenhut. He was the offensive coordinator for the Steelers and is now the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals. He walked on at Tech, earned a scholarship and then played pro football. He is young, a Georgia native, Tech man and a darn good coach. I cannot believe Bradley does not even mention him.
By Loosa
November 27, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
I hope we get a new coach that can win big fast. I would rather have Gailey than take a big step backwards. I hope Drad knows what he’s doing.
By michaelgee
November 27, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
In 5 years at Georgia Southern Paul Johnson had an 86% winning percentage. Paul Johnson won more games than Erk Russell or Chris Hatcher.
PJ is the right man to BEAT UGA!
By brian
November 27, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Paul Johnson is the only logical choice.
By Travis Hill
November 27, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
June Jones to Tech…are you crazy….Why would he leave Hawaii for Tech….I think he loves it in Hawaii….He’ll be in Hawaii along time…Probably allot longer than Tech’s new coach will be at Tech.
By SIX FLAGS OVER georgia SOUTHERN
November 27, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Hatcher is staying…
I hate speculation…and besides, you all in Atlanta will throw him under the bus quicker than we will down here if he has a bad season. We didnt expect a 7-4 season and compared to other seasons, this is hatcher’s worst. Hes having to adjust to D1 football. Come back in 5-6 years…