Tech

By scoop

November 27, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

That’s some solid freaking reporting, taking a guess at the mental state of the fan base instead of reporting actual news. Wish we had a real reporter on the Tech beat instead of someone who posts “questions” and analyzes crap like this.

By Chan B. Gone

November 27, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

I hope the surprise is Chris Hatcher. Do it quick and let him get to work!

By Richard

November 27, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why there’s such a fuss over Chris Hatcher. A coach that’s had success at the 1-AA level? We havent had a coach like that since Chan Gailey.

The recent trend in college football (or at least among the BCS bound teams) is a spread offense. I’d target a young up and comming coordinator from an awesome program that can bring some high powered excitement to the team. Last time we did something like that we won the ACC championship.

I hope the hire impresses the recruits enough so that they don’t bail. There wont be enough time for the new guy to get more recruits.

But I really hope the new guy isn’t anything like Chan Gailey.

By d-dub

November 27, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

“The climate is not right for a coaching change” What kind of crap is that. The climate couldnt get any better for a caoching change. When a coach is at best average, its time for him to leave. D-Rad did exactly what had to be done.

By Ramblin Wrecker

November 27, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

I don’t think it is poor timing if Dan Radakovich had someone specific in mind. After all, no one knows better than Dan Rad what he has to spend on a new coach and he’s likely been planning for this day ever since he was hired to replace Dave Braine(dead). The culture under Braine was a shoulder shrug, “aww shucks that’s the best we’ll ever do” and Gailey was a willing follower of that philosophy. Rad has to change the culture like you change the musty carpet in an old house, otherwise no matter how much you clean, it will still stink. I’m certain that Rad has someone in mind, someone he was sure would be both available and interested in the GT job. There are at least two coordinators with whom he has ties to that are hot commodities as potential head coaches. Will Muschamp and Jimbo Fisher. Plus he can take Paul Johnson’s temperature and see if he is interested and will be affordable. Or he can dip down into the minor leagues for a proven winning head coach in Chris Hatcher from GA So. All these options are more exciting to me than another year of Chan Gailey. Or a promotion to Jon Tenuta for that matter.

By Crack Beat Reporting

November 27, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Can I get a job where I am paid to read the Hive, then write 7 sentences about my feelings on it and call it news?

By Southern Football Fan

November 27, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

As I stated late in yesterday’s vent:

Anyone out there old enough to remember how the Falcons fired Leman Bennett because they wanted to take the Falcons to the next level? The next level was to win half as many games each year for the next 20 years.

In truth Tech’s football rcord since Bobbie Dodd retired in 1966 is 243-221-8 for a 51% winning percentage. That is an average of 6 wins per season over 41 years. A lot of those wins came over patsies like the Dukes, UNC’s, and Division II teams of the world.

Chan Gailey’s winning percentage with a 44-32 record was 58%. He averaged 7.3 wins per season, which is above the Tech average. Chan also lost 5 straight to UGA.

As comparison: Bobbie Dodd’s record was 165-64-8 or 70% over 22 years. That is 7.5 wins per season - which is .2 wins per season better than Chan Gailey. Not much difference, huh? Bobbie also lost 7 of his last 8 games to UGA.

Yeah I know that Tech plays 2 more games a year now than when Bobbie coached. But I also think there are going to be a lot of Tech fans that regret running Chan off, when he was willing to stay here and work to build the program, rather than use it as a stepping stone to something better.

Atlanta was a smaller and safer city when Dodd was here. What quality coach is going to want to live close in to Atlanta with the crime and homelessness problem? What quality coach is going to want to commute considering Atlanta morning and afternoon traffic?

Maybe not even 1 (at least for long) with jobs in safer smaller college towns with university amenities and easy drives to nice homes with plenty of land to raise families.

That plus the unrealistic expectations of Tech alumni are going to lead to a lot more turmoil at Tech. The Atlanta press can be brutal to college teams here too. I think Tech made a foolish choice to run off Chan and as a result will continue to suffer.

We will see, because it is too late now.

By old nerd

November 27, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

that coach gailey continued to put a trash-talking hothead on the field to embarass himself and the fine institute that gave him a scholarship is reason enough to dismiss him. that the school’s administration did not call him on it and fire him sooner means that the problems at tech may be deeper than generally percieved. i hope not.

By old gold engineer

November 27, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

The folks second guessing this decision must not have been paying attention for the past several years. They certainly weren’t sitting in Bobby Dodd stadium watching Gailey’s team underperform repeatedly. I’m not enthused over the idea of hiring a Div I-AA or Div II head coach. The last two, Bill Lewis and Chan Gailey, didn’t work out as expected. I would like to see Tenuta given a chance. Who has gotten more out of his players consistently than Tenuta? He’s familiar with Tech and would likely be glad to accept a salary similar to Gailey’s. I would also think that he’s tired of the offense not pulling their weight and would remedy that situation immediately.

By Clark

November 27, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

By JACK WILKINSON RamblinWreck.com

Around 10 o’clock Monday morning, Gregg Garrett got a phone call. It was Frank Small on the line, with a last-minute request.

“There’s a lot of rumors going around,” Small told Garrett. “Would you mind speaking?”

Small is in charge of arranging speakers for the “Lunch Bunch,” the North Metro Georgia Tech Club which meets and eats every Monday throughout the school year at Frankie’s in the Prado. Garrett’s a fairly regular Lunch Buncher, too, but Small had a potential problem. Monday’s scheduled speaker was Chan Gailey.

“Frank,” Garrett told Small, “why don’t you call down to Teri and confirm?”

Small phoned Teri Anton, Gailey’s secretary in the Tech football office. “Frank,” Anton said, “he’s coming as far as I know.”

By then, Gailey had already met with athletic director Dan Radakovich. By then, he’d already been fired after six winning seasons on the Flats, a foregone conclusion which Radakovich announced at a 2 p.m. press conference. By noon, some 75 or so folks — mostly Tech regulars, some just curious — were already at Frankie’s.

“Chan was scheduled to speak and things were up in the air,” Garrett said. “And people wanted to see what was going on.”

When Garrett arrived, his services weren’t needed. The former Tech coach was already there.

“Chan stepped up to the podium, and was very classy,” Garrett said. “Regardless of what you think about his coaching ability, he was very classy. He said, ‘I made a commitment to speak to this group today. You guys have always been very loyal to me and my staff — although as most of you know, I’ve been relieved of my duties as coach.’”

How many coaches would do that? Speaking at an impromptu press conference, as Gailey did later Monday afternoon, is one thing. Showing up to speak at a weekly booster luncheon, barely an hour after you’ve been fired, is another. It’s something else.

“Everything Chan is, is everything you see,” Garrett said. “There’s nothing hidden. It’s him. He’s a very classy guy. I was impressed that he did it.”

When Garrett later spoke to the group, he said, “Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on with Chan as our coach, that it didn’t work out, well, it’s a disappointing day for Tech.”

Gailey shook hands with everyone as he left the Lunch Bunch. “He didn’t come there on an ego trip to get a one-up on everybody or prove anything,” Garrett said. “He’d made a commitment, and he fulfilled it.

“I don’t know of another coach who’d have done that,” he said. “He didn’t know what he’d face there, coming off a loss to Georgia. But it was a classy move.”

According to Garrett, Gailey said, “I know a lot of you guys supported me, and a lot of you guys didn’t support me. I understand that. When you’re in coaching that’s part of the deal.”

Who knows what might’ve happened had Tony Hollings — by then, the nation’s out-of-nowhere leading rusher and scorer — not torn up his knee against Brigham Young in 2002, in Gailey’s fourth game at the helm? Had Gailey not encountered an academic quagmire that was none of his making. Had the Jackets beaten Georgia just a time or two.

Gailey (44-32) is the only coach in Georgia Tech history who never had a losing season. He took the Jackets to six consecutive bowl games. He won the 2006 ACC Coastal Division title and nearly won the conference championship.

But he never finished in the Top 25, and never won a top tier bowl. No, he never filled up a reporter’s notebook with one-liners and quips. More to the point, he never filled up all those seats in Bobby Dodd Stadium on a regular basis. But he’s a good football coach and an exceptionally good man, yet one who never excited and energized the Tech fan base.

Ultimately, that cost Gailey his job. It didn’t deter him, however, from going out to recruit Sunday night. To continue to do his job, while the job was still his.

“First, I’d like to thank the Georgia Tech community for allowing me to be their head coach the last six years,” Gailey told the media Monday afternoon. He called it “an honor” to coach his players.

“Nobody likes to get fired,” Gailey said. “But all they can take is your job. They can’t take your faith, they can’t take your family and they can’t take your integrity.”

And as for his immediate plans? “I’ve got to clean out my office,” Gailey said. “Other than that, I don’t have any plans.”

And his decision to speak to the Lunch Bunch one last time? “I told ‘em I’d be there,” Gailey said. “It was a commitment.”

He paused. Then, in typical Chan fashion: “Anything else? Thank you.”

“It’ll be what I’ll remember more than any of the games: what Chan did by coming to the luncheon,” Garrett said. “You can debate his coaching ability and whether he should’ve been coaching or not ad nauseum.

“But no one can dispute that Chan is a classy guy and classy man, from the very beginning all the way through to the end.”

By terpfan87

November 27, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe what some GT fans think and have the guts to say. You people think your a top five football program. If your so sure Gailey was bad lets just see who you get to replace him. Since I have inside information I was told that no less than Bob Stoops, Pete Carroll, and Urban Meyer call DRad today to inquire about the opening. Ralph Frig and Frank Beamer thought about inquiring because of their Atlanta ties but have no interest in working under DRad. This time next year someone somewhere is going to call for Gailey to come back. Look at the crap people are writing about wanting O’Leary back. DRad is returning to LSU when Skip Bergman retires. By that time the whole athlectic program may be in shambles.

By scotch and guns

November 27, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Wow. I think others may “feel.” How about calling people and getting quotes? Why not call some more recruits? Why not go down to campus and talk to folks? Oh….

By LongBeachJacket

November 27, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Old Gold Engineer - I like your logic regarding the imperative a Head Coach Tenuta would have to ensure we have an offense that creates some “fireworks”. He knows all too well the constant pressure on the defense when the offense is stodgy and unimaginative. It will be interesting to see how he stacks up against other potential candidates.

I’d like to emphasize a point that seems to be missed in all the angst about having to compete with all of these other schools for a new Head Coach.

Tech is not in direct competition with many of them…or perhaps any of them. Each school is unique and has a unique set of qualities they are seeking to match their institutional needs. Also, Tech has unique benefits that other institutions cannot offer. I’m not worried at all about finding several good candidates who are interested specifically in the Tech job. If you win at Tech, and win big, and BOSS ROSS proved you could do it, and O’Leary was poised for a BCS run (9/11 blew up Tech’s season in addition to much more important things), you get big exposure because Atlanta is a big media market. Metro Atlanta is a nice place if you have a family and want your kids in good schools and want to go out to nice restaurants. Tech will pay about $1million plus perks. Some schools pay more. If a candidate is mostly concerned about money and $1million a year is not enough then perhaps we don’t want him anyway. $1million is more than most folks see in a lifetime. That’s mucho denaro.

Mark Bradley says we need to find our own Mark Richt. I agree only partially. Who we really need to find is our own JIM GROBE, with a bit of flair to attract attention in the competitive Atlanta market.

Grobe’s WFU team was 11-3 last year and 8-4 this year. They are no fluke. They’ll win at least 8 again next year. All this with no recruiting classes ever ranked in the top 50 nationally. And with less money, resources and support than at GA Tech.

The Tech job will be a great opportunity for the right guy. AD Dan is a smart guy and I think he’ll make a good choice.

Stay tuned….

By GT83

November 27, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Houston Nutt just took the Ole Miss job. It’s too late to get him now. Whatever we do, we better do it fast or all of the good ones will be gone.

We were stupid to fire Chan Gailey.

By Martin Calloway

November 27, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Bobbie? BobbIE? God spare Tech from such “fans”.

By Martin Calloway

November 27, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Bobbie? BobbIE? God spare Tech from such “fans”.

By wayupnorth

November 27, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

I’m a Tech grad and lifelong fan. I haven’t been to a Tech game in many years, because I live in Wisconsin, but from this vantage point, I felt like Chan had to go. It was made more difficult because he was not a total failure , but the writing was on the wall. He was a dinosaur as a coach. No offensive imagination , just line up and out-execute the opposition. Those days of Bobby Dodd and Vince Dooley and Bear Bryant are gone. They were “dictator” type coaches that micro-managed their teams. Assistants didn’t dare question the offensive or defensive plans. Today almost all D1 teams have good talent , note all the “upsets” in recent years. Assistants are specialists , allowed to do what they do best. What makes a team successful is coaching that is imaginative and motivating that puts an exciting team on the field;one that prospective recruits and current players want to play for and fans want to see. In my opinion , Tech has been outcoached numerous times on offense , putting a burden on the defense. Also, the QB’s struggle as the season goes along, instead of improving, because the opposing defenses get better at preparing for our “vanilla” game plans. So I feel the decision to fire Gailey was not because of the past as much as to improve our program for the future, with a coach and program that reflect the new way the college game is played .

By wayupnorth

November 27, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

I’m a Tech grad and lifelong fan. I haven’t been to a Tech game in many years, because I live in Wisconsin, but from this vantage point, I felt like Chan had to go. It was made more difficult because he was not a total failure , but the writing was on the wall. He was a dinosaur as a coach. No offensive imagination , just line up and out-execute the opposition. Those days of Bobby Dodd and Vince Dooley and Bear Bryant are gone. They were “dictator” type coaches that micro-managed their teams. Assistants didn’t dare question the offensive or defensive plans. Today almost all D1 teams have good talent , note all the “upsets” in recent years. Assistants are specialists , allowed to do what they do best. What makes a team successful is coaching that is imaginative and motivating that puts an exciting team on the field;one that prospective recruits and current players want to play for and fans want to see. In my opinion , Tech has been outcoached numerous times on offense , putting a burden on the defense. Also, the QB’s struggle as the season goes along, instead of improving, because the opposing defenses get better at preparing for our “vanilla” game plans. So I feel the decision to fire Gailey was not because of the past as much as to improve our program for the future, with a coach and program that reflect the new way the college game is played .

By moonbuzz

November 27, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Some added math to Southern Fan’s analysis above…

Dodd only LOST 27% of his games Gailey LOST 42% of his. Gailey LOST 6 games to ugag (not 5).

This year GT had more 1st and 2nd team All-ACC players than ANY other team in the ACC. Yet our standing out of the 12 ACC teams was a tie for 6th place. To me that points to insufficient coaching of the talent available.

By Old Guard

November 27, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Matt,

I have to agree with the first post (Scoop) - you did yourself a disservice with this idiotic blog-prompter.

And I would add that a later post (d-dub) is correct in pointing out that when an employee (in this case, Gailey) is not meeting expectations, and has been given a more than reasonable time to meet those expectations, then the time is appropriate to make a change. Apparently you’re suggesting that Tech should ride out another year of fan-base dissatisfaction/erosion, in the hope that after next season there will be only one or two openings, rather than the current count of ten or so.

I suggest you read your own sports section, this morning’s edition, which included at least 10 candidates that Tony Barnhart could dream up that, to one degree or another, made sense. I’m sure tony would agree that Dan Radakovich’s list may well include others that he failed to list (including Hatcher, mentioned this morning by Mark Bradley).

Usually enjoy your columns, Matt, but you fell well short with this one. I, and all of the Tech fans that I’ve spoken to, respect Coach Gailey for the positives that he brought to the program, but are excited about what the future will hold. We have complete confidence in Dan Radakovich’s ability to hit a home run with this hire.

By PantherWreck

November 27, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

No remorse here. Change has long been needed in HC position.

By Daytunaguy

November 27, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

June Jones????

By Matt Winkeljohn

November 27, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Old guard,

My blog, written from the airport in Indianapolis as I’m on my way to a basketball game at Indiana (remember that sport, folks), did not say I agree or disagree with those feeling regret.

In pointing out that there will be stiff competition for head coaches in the current climate, I was not suggesting that I think the timing was wrong.

I wrote that there are some thinking that way.

And those looking for “reporting” on a blog are looking in the wrong place. Ask around about what a blog is. It’s not where news breaks, or feature stories are posted.

So Oldguard, what did I fall short on? Am I wrong? Are there not some Tech fans lamenting the competitive market? There are, and it’s not hard to find them.

This is not a news story. It’s a blog, here for you folks to comment, and get involved. How about commenting on the topics — the competitive market place, and what Tech will or will not be able to afford?

Matt

By GT Fan

November 27, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

If only heard a few good arguments on why Gailey should have been fired and most of those comments are from idiots. I’m glad for Coach Gailey that he gets sit back and rest on the alumni’s money while you wait on your next great coach to arrive. Good Luck!! Hope your support GT now with your money because you got what you asked for. Suckers!!!

By moonbuzz

November 27, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

GO GT beat the hozers

By B

November 27, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

If ESPN is telling the truth, *DONNAN is already the new coach. Just waiting till after bowl game to have press conference. * I sure hope not. Whats your take on DONNAN ? How about some feed back.

By PTC DAWG

November 27, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

GT fans, fyi, your silly “ugag” comments just seem to further solidity your jealousy of UGA.

Good luck with your search.

By gradGTdad

November 27, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Chan Gailey has been a tremendous steward of our football program and showed a great amount of class and character in guiding it through the pitfalls of an academic and probationary mess he did not create. God bless him. Whether or not Tech fans agree with Chan’s coaching, we all owe him thanks for stepping in and taking on a mess that few, if any, quality head coaches or rising assistants would have been willing to tackle.

The egotistical, playground-quality insults Chan has endured while trying his best for the Tech fans were totally uncalled for and represents a sad time in Tech’s storied history.

For what it’s worth - I never saw the players, Chan or the coaches quit. They busted their tails to represent the school and the fans. Fans may disagree (and are entitled to) with the game plans, but to abandon the players is totally uncalled for. The only quitters I’ve seen in recent years were the fans who engaged in childish protests and didn’t show up to support the players regardless of the results. Let’s especially note those Tech “fans” that gave their tickets to UGA fans last weekend to “make a statement to Drad.” Way to go!!! You definitely sent a statement to the whole country on national tv about Tech - nice going!

If I’m a coaching candidate considering Tech, how do I know you won’t just as quickly turn on me?

By JD

November 27, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

PTC Dawg, how does it show our jealousy? It shows our dislike but not jealousy. Your comment, however, shows your ignorance.

By Bo

November 27, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

PTC I’m 100% GT55 and I love my (support)school. My wife finished at UGA and we pull for the UGA. I have a son playing golf at UGA. I have another son playing Baseball at Tech.Get the picture. UGA has a great Coach and great Football team. Our hope is that GT will improve its Coach and team to a higher level. which I believe they are doing. I live in Georgia and Both schools spend alot of my tax money thats why I want both schools to WIN!. I’m not jealousy, I pull for all schools in this great State.God bless the USA.

By sports report

November 27, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

1st GT 26 Indiana 21 8:50 to go. on ESPN now.

By Old Guard

November 27, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Matt,

To quote you: “Who knows? Maybe Dan Radakovich has some sort of surprise in store on that front, not that I’d bet on it.”

Unless you’re channeling into DRad’s mind, that sounds just a touch speculative, don’t you think?

I understand - you’re only stating that a segment of the fan base is uneasy. But don’t forget, there was a segment who wanted no change. I don’t doubt that they’re feeling a bit uneasy at the moment.

I appreciate the professionalism that our AD has brought to his post since his arrival, right up through this week, and am confident that he will move forward with success.

In closing, I seem to have struck a nerve… sorry about that. As for the “reporting” versus “blog” comment, I understand the difference, but expect there to be a bit of a distinction between us knucklehead “amatuers” out here and the reporter (I believe that’s what you are, right?) who stirs us all up.

Anyway, didn’t mean to offend you - as I said, I don’t always agree but always enjoy you’re columns - IMHO, you’re a fine writer and insightful reporter. Since I have a paid 7-day-a-week to the dear ol’ AJC, I think I’m entitled to an opinion.

Travel safe (and keep up the good work :-).

By GT Guy

November 27, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

It was time for a change and the timing was fine. What is done is done now let’s get focused on the future.

Go get Paul Johnson!

By GoldenTruth

November 27, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Regarding Chan Gailey: it was time to take the garbage out.

By Big Bananna

November 27, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Gosh Matt,

You appear to not have given much attention to this article. Lame… Quit speculating and give us some facts, boy!

Big ‘Nanna

By TDone

November 27, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

These are the facts:

For you Muttlanders, no self-respecting Tech fan is jealous of your football program or you. We compare ourselves to ourselves. Do we want to whip your jinky behinds? Yes, but we also know our world does not revolve around what happens on the field of athletics since we aren’t playing the actual game. The fact of the matter is that your time is coming when you will pay a price for your cockiness and when it does occur, it’s going to be pure schadenfreude.

Now as to regret, Matt, we have been down this road before. Long time Tech fans had to endure the Bill Lewis situation. We are not down, we are just know we could be better. If we are going to have a FBS-type program, it has to be top notch, not mediocre. Gailey was jinxed, but he helped to put his own self in that situation too. What’s done is done, now let’s let DRad do his thing.

Finally Matt, you have no control over who writes what here. You have a lot of Muttlanders who are very good at masquerading themselves as Tech fans. For the record, I was one of the last folks to give up on Gailey and it was not for what happened this year, but losing the last three games of last year which turned me against him. Still, I made it to 11/12 games this year and I don’t even live in Georgia. We have good fans and I have seen loads of Tech fans at away games. The fact that there were say 20,000 Muttlanders in Bobby Dodd the other night, goes to the fact some of our folks gave their tickets up, or that some of their folks bought up our ticket packages. If so, then Tech benefits since their money is just as green as their teeth.

Believe it or not, our football attendance is up since the late 90’s I would say 5,000 to 10,000 a game when you compare the like oppoents.

The Bottom Line: This is not about butts in seats or 10 win seasons. This is about being competitive week in and week out. We did have some great wins under Gailey, but also some terrible, but also unexplainable losess. Gailey had reached the point he could take the program no farther. A change had to be made.

By Joshua Barlowe

November 27, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

The “Climate” was Chan Gailey —

that’s the reason for change.

By michaelgee

November 27, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Why would Chris Hatcher want to come to GT just to be raped daily by the ajc writers?

If Mark Richt were in ATL tomorrow you ajc writers would be total hating opposites.

Paul Johnson could handle the ajc writers, you will enjoy hating Paul Johnson. PJ will win games and still be hated because he won’t cow down to the mighty ajc crew.

By GSU FAN

November 27, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

HEY GEORGIA TECH, WE LIKE IT THAT WE’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO SCHEUDLE A FOOTBALL GAME AGAINST BUT YOU CAN TAKE OUR COACH, LEAVE HATCHER ALONE AND GO HIRE YOU ANOTHER BILL LEWIS

By GSU FAN

November 27, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

HEY GEORGIA TECH, WE LIKE IT THAT WE’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO SCHEUDLE A FOOTBALL GAME AGAINST BUT YOU CAN TAKE OUR COACH, LEAVE HATCHER ALONE AND GO HIRE YOU ANOTHER BILL LEWIS

By GSU FAN

November 27, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

HEY GEORGIA TECH, WE LIKE IT THAT WE’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO SCHEUDLE A FOOTBALL GAME AGAINST BUT YOU CAN TAKE OUR COACH, LEAVE HATCHER ALONE AND GO HIRE YOU ANOTHER BILL LEWIS

By Future is bright!

November 27, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Nobody I know shed a tear for Chan. He was ready to bolt back to the NFL last year, too bad nobody gobbled him up! If you don’t live up to your expectations, (being a top 25 team bla, bla and other crap) make more than 1 million bucks a year, guess what? You will be held accountable! Where were you Gailey homers at the BC and VT game? Went home after half time, did you? Stayed to the very end of the VT game, five interceptions by TB!! Gailey did not manage to groom a decent QB, TB gets worse and worse and you want to tell me it’s not the coaches fault? DR is a smart guy and the future looks bright! Go Jackets!

By Braves Fan 79

November 27, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Man our pt guard play this 2nd half has been TERRIBLE! First miller has a turnover and a blown layup. Then causey misses a big free throw and commits a STUPID foul out of fustration!! AHHHHH!!!! Crinnention where u at!??

By Navigator

November 27, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

People, you’d better learn to say Jimbo. He’s in the best position to make that move, not because he’s a friend of Rad’s, but because he was the offensive coordinator that coached LSU’s power offense to the National Championship (yes LSU has the trophy and Southern Cal has a newspaper clipping saying their number one). In twenty years, it will be LSU.

By Leon

November 27, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

Will Muschamp has been hired as GT’s head coach. The annoucement will come later this week. This is a GREAT hire.

By flackjacket

November 27, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Geez, the stupid Gailey a* kissers never give up! Two things cross my mind. Here is the discouraging one:

DRAD didn’t fire Gailey because of his record or his performance against UGA. He said it was for lack of energy, lack of exciting the fan base and other BS. Evidently, DRAD was perfectly happy with the mediocre performance and if only we stupid fans would have tolerated it Gailey would still be our HC.

Now that really bothers me.

-fJ

By GT Ticket Holder

November 27, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Part of the problem with Gailey is his use and lack of development of his players. Clark mentioned above about the bad luck with Tony Hollings getting hurt. But the truth is he had to be assisted off the field earlier in the BYU game. So why was Hollings still playing at the end of the game even though we had the game under control? As a result he blew out his ACL. Thanks Coach.

Then there’s Kelly Rhino. In his senior year against Duke, two weeks before the Georgia game, he sprained his ankle. Gailey kept putting him back in even though he was hobbling onto the field on one foot. His foot was so badly sprained that he missed the Georgia game his senior year. Kelly was the heart of the team and to do that to him was just unforgivable.

Then there’s Choice. Why did he start the Duke game so soon after hurting his knee and with lingering hamstring problems? We should be able to beat Duke with our second team. Choice did pull up lame on one play due to his hamstring. We got lucky that he wasn’t seriously hurt. But why risk it when you know you will need him to beat UNC and Georgia?

Now I’m sure that all three of those players told Gailey they were fine and wanted to play. But that’s when the head coach says “No kid. Go sit down.”

Then there’s Reggie Ball, who got all the blame his last two years. He was a hot shot his freshman year and went downhill from there. Why did the coaching staff not make him a better quarterback over four years instead of worse one?

Same could be said for Taylor Bennett. Did he get better through this season? No.

How about Calvin Johnson. Why did we not use him much more than we did when we had him?

Why would any talented HS quarterback or receiver want to come to Tech? Just look at Gailey’s history of not developing that talent.

And then there’s preparation and game planning. Why did we spot UVA and Maryland 21 points in the first quarter this season? Because we got out coached.

Gailey has gotten credit for two good back to back recruiting classes. But the fact is Giff Smith is responsible for that. Sure Gailey hired him, but our recruiting didn’t improve until we did hire him. So Gailey really shouldn’t get credit.

Last but not least is the tendency of our team to choke in the Georgia games. It looks like we don’t think we can win and sure enough we don’t. We choked. Again and again.

These are some of the reasons that the fan base has no regard for Gailey as a coach.

I don’t care if we get a coach who can’t win but 7 or 8 games as long as we play like we think we can win and we call plays that put us in that position. Would Gailey go for it on fourth and long with the game on the line and time running out? And if he did, would he actually pull it off? Nope. We would punt.

Keep Giff Smith and hire a coach who can develop the talent and who has the guts to go for the win.

By Charles

November 27, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

If I am Paul Hewitt & Danny Hall, I am starting to keep my eyes open for future job openings elsewhere. DRad has just made it clear the new standard is “Excellence” and not “Success.”

The last time I checked, every coach who has won a National Title over the past 5 years is now making between $2-4 million per year (FLA, TX, SoCal, OSU, & LSU-Saban). The GT fan base had better be prepared to open up their checkbooks, because you will still be paying off Gailey (4 more years at $1 mil each) when you start looking for your next coach and DRad has moved onward and upward to a higher profile school.

I admire DRad’s aspirations for making GT better, but sounds to me like he wants a Head Football Coach to do his job and drum up support from alumni, raise money & sell tickets to put butts in seats.

Dear Matt - when was the last time GT sold out every home game for a single season?

By The Big Bug

November 27, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Terpfan87: Who do do you think you could get to coach your sorry p** of a school?One of our rejects? I would love to see your search for a coach. But wait,you guys are glad to have a .500 season. It’s all you expect. You are mediocracy defined.

By The Big Bug

November 27, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Uh, Charles: Paul Hewitt can keep his eyes open all he wants. Danny Hall too. Is excellence too much for your vocabulary? Check back here when & if we achieve what the coaches you referred to have achieved & see if we open our checkbooks. Moron!

By CW

November 27, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

There may be a couple grumpy old farts mooning about what a class act Coach Gailey is, but anybody I’ve talked to who gives a damn about Tech is thrilled to pieces that this move was made. None of us dislike Chan Gailey. It is so tired and cliched so let’s all move on past the “he’s a nice guy” bit. We all agree he’s a good person and a nice guy, but we’re also entitled to expect a bit more for our $1 million per year.

I’d say the pulse of the fan base is a hell of a lot more excited today than it was a week ago.

The Duke and UNC games had so much more to do with Coach Gailey leaving than the Georgia game did.

Several of the posters above have nailed it right on the head. To be successful at Tech isn’t about hitting some arbitrary number of wins and losses. It is about consistently playing up to potential and then exceeding it now and again. The last two years have been almost torturous to watch. The only consistency shown was on the defense and even Coach Gailey would admit he had little to do with that side of the ball. Yes, we’re all tired of losing to Georgia, but I’m even more tired of watching talented Tech teams struggle to beat inferior teams like Duke, UNC, and Maryland this year.

The players will always defend their coaches because that is what they do. But ultimately Coach Gailey let down any number of players (but especially Ball and Bennett) by his lack of imagination and offensive ineptitude. If there is a team in D-I football with a worse record of QB play for the last five seasons, someone please show it to me.

By Mike James

November 27, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Who is the most obvious choice for the next head coach at Tech? The guy has won both an ACC and SEC championship, he has coached at tech, is the most hated coach by a dawg fan, and has Georgia’s number when it comes to beating them. Why isn’t Steve Spurier being talked about — he has been out shopping and turned down some prestigious offers — Alabama to name one. When is he ever going to win an SEC championship at South Carolina? He could have another ACC Championship and be back in the mix of the BCS even as early as next year. He is the right coach for the job, he would re-invigerate the flats with enthusiasm and potent offense. He is what Tech needs to restore prestige within the football program.

By old gold engineer

November 27, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Some of the names being mentioned for a new Head Football Coach are starting to scare me. Therefore, I will begin lobbying for Coach Tenuta and pointing out why these other guys are worse candidates than Tenuta. First off, Jim Donnan - please say it isn’t so! He was the prototype for Chan Gailey. Not enough wins versus good competition in spite of good recruiting. Lest we forget, wasn’t he fired from his last coaching job? And, what does he know about coaching and recruiting at GT compared to Coach Tenuta’s experience at Tech? Secondly, Chris Hatcher - see 5:08 post regarding my feelings about hiring a Div I-AA or Div II head coach. Just like Donnan, what does he know about coaching and recruiting at Tech? Third and fourth, Will Muschamp and Charlie Strong - why would we want to bring in a defensively minded coach when our offense is the problem? And again, what do they know about coaching and recruiting at Tech compared to Jon Tenuta? Finally, Paul Johnson - seemingly a great choice but I hate the thought of robbing the Naval Academy of a head coach that is doing so well there even though I am an Air Force veteran. And yet again, he does not have the experience at Tech that Tenuta has.

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

November 28, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Chan is gone. That we know.

We have to hire a young, innovative, hungry coach that can build his program. I would love to see somebody run West Virginia’s offense at GT. Anyone who is a disciple of Rich Rodriguez would be great. Of course, the defense has to stay strong. Hopefully, it will if we can keep Tenuta or hire a Charlie Strong. If we did hire Charlie as head coach, he would find someone to run a spread offense. Folks, the spread is almost impossible to stop if run correctly by a smart, fast quarterback. (AKA: Pat White)

Either way, let’s get behind the guy that is hired. He needs to know that the GT fan base is ready to help him make our program a top 20 program consistently.

By elwoodGT

November 28, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this

Hey, Matt, I’ve got a great idea for a story. Why don’t you call all our current commits and tell them you think this is a terrible time to fire the coach, that we probably won’t get anybody good to replace him, and don’t they think they better reconsider?

By john

November 28, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

What an silly, completely wrong story. I am still elated he was fired. What, you think one day later we forget the mediocrity that was Chan. One reader said it very nicely, 7 wins today is like 5 or 6 a few years ago. Take out the cupcakes and what do we have to show for it. He constantly lost to teams he should have beaten, lost to teams we could have beaten, was conservative and passive and lost to Georiga 6 out of 6 times. Ah…..duh!!!!

By GVH

November 28, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

What an idiotic column by Winklejohn! GT has everything going for it that any prospective head coach would crave. Atlanta, great state high school football program, great weather, ACC, bowl hook-ups, name recognition, support of fan base IF you are a winner (same as anywhere)and the list goes on and on. GT doesn’t have to “settle” for just someone to fill a position as we’re a great institute of higher learning and it’s been proven that we can win with the right leadership. DRad has shown he has the where-with-all to make the right decisions and I have no doubt that he will get us the right person to head up our football program and take us to the level each of us is yearning for.

By m

November 28, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

The new coach should be the EXACT OPPOSITE of Chan Gailey…who is (was) the worst coach in the history of college football. IF we can complete our goal and hire the EXACT OPPOSITE of Chan….then, by definition, we will have the BEST coach in college football….because that would be the EXACT OPPOSITE of the worst coach in the history of college football…CHAN GAILEY. Thank God, and Greyhound, HE’S GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By GT80

November 28, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Please, everyone, no more discussion of why Gailey should have been fired. It’s done now. And for those who felt he should have been retained, drop it also. It’s done. If you are a Tech fan then look forward.

m, you got your wish, don’t mention Chan again in bold type.

Let’s get onto the next era. I have no doubt that we will have a great new HC that can bring the excitement back to the Flats. There are plenty of quality candidates out there.

Matt, no second guessing allowed.

Now, if we can get our Bball team to stop making TO’s and start making free throws we could have a surprising year there.

By firechangailey.com

November 28, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

From what I’ve heard from some reliable source DRad has 2 people in mind. Any other “interviews” are just a formality. And one of the 2 people is NOT Hatcher. One is Muschamp and the other is Johnson.

Ohh and Matt - this has to be one of your worst blogs this football season. No year is ever a good time to change coaches. It doesn’t mean it wasn’t the right choice.

http://www.firechangailey.com

By john

November 28, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out Chan! And that goes for you too Matt - you couldn’t have been more wrong with this article!

By Hal

November 28, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

The problem is UGA has a 5 Star coach who came from a sucessful program, they haven’t been the same since he left. Coach Richt fits right in with the fans, alumni and can recruit. Can Tech get someone who can do the same? Well he would have to come from a sucessful program, be fairly young and energetic, and have a big handle on offense. If he keeps Tenuta the defense will be fine. If he is a defensive guy Tenuta will be on his way out. If it is Tenuta he will be smart enough to hire the hottest offensive coordinator in college football pay him big bucks and turn the offense over to him.

By techaholic

November 28, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Mr. Reporter: How long have you been coverning Tech - I gather by this writing, not long.

Tech fans are gleeful, happy and ready for a change! Chan was never the right guy and I do believe there are much better coaches out there for Tech.

Chan took this program backwards and he inherited a good program. Ross and O’Leary did not and they did wonders for Tech.

Chan was highly overpaid here and earning his million dollar paycheck was a farce. He walked away with 4Mill but it was worth it for the long run!

By john

November 28, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Muschamp and Johnson are both good choices and a step up. An article in yahoo.com mentioned Muschamp and asst from FSU (Fisher?).

By NASCARfan

November 28, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

UGA sucks. Just thought I would put that in this discussion. Have you noticed how much sanity is on this blog without the leg humpers?

To HELL WITH GEORGIA!

By yellowblood

November 28, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Chan’s only failure was that he did not embrace the Tech Tickle Pile tradition yet he allowed it to continue in the worst possible way. We should never have allowed this innocent tradition to become some kind of sexual orgy.

By john

November 28, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

NASCARfan, yes I did notice. Except for ‘yellowblood’ who is a UGA fan and is missing his 2 front teeth.

By Wes King

November 28, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

It should be Tenuta….we made a mistake last time with letting McWorter go. These TECH men and proven. Promote from with in I say.

By Fireworks???

November 28, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

So many seem to want “fireworks” from the next coach. How about wanting honesty and integrity? What about winning with honor? If everyone wants an entertainer so bad I heard Big Boi is available to coach the Jackets and the team will be in new designer unis next season.

By Exley DAWG

November 28, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

My intent was to read and not write but NASCARFan p** me off. Coach Gailey is from my hometown so I’m interested in this discussion.

You Tech fans are nerds. I cant get over the fact that NO ONE went to the ACC Championship game last year. You cant have it both ways - Great football teams must have GREAT fans. You have neither. GO DAWGS!

By BB

November 28, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, there was really no choice to make except make a change. So many fans have fixated on Gailey being unacceptable that we would be in the red next year if we kept Gailey. From my viewpoint in the stands, we would have lost more than 1 M in lost PST and season ticket sales if he stayed. I hope we find someone who has all of the personal integrity of Chan, can keep the great recruiting class that he has coming in, and win the game after T-day along the way. Maybe JT gets a raise for next year to stay whether he’s the DC or HC to try and keep these recruits around.

By realyellowblood

November 28, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

TO GT TICKET HOLDER: Well written. Too bad our local “journalists” could’nt have spent 10 minutes to develope the comments you stated. We do expect our team to compete in any game, we expect a QB to compliment the talent we obviiously have at other positions, we expect some offensive creativity, we expect a coach who displays confidence and determination, and we expect wins over UGA. We have always been this way at Tech. Why would anyone be surprised. While Coach Hewitt got his team to the NCAA final and while Coach Hall has put his teams in Omaha our football team has been playing in the Mayonnaise Bowl.

By Drexel Gal

November 28, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

If the next few weeks are supposed to be a “proving ground” for the ill-tempered John Tenuta, why wasn’t Mac McWhorter given more than a cursory interview in 2001, when he guided the Jackets to a bowl victory over then-Number-16 (and heavily favored) Stanford? Of course, Mr. McWhorter today sports a BCS championship ring for his work on the Texas staff.

By trout

November 28, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

ESPN is reporting that GT is interested in (3) coaches. Rick Neuheisel (Baltimore Ravens OC), Will Muschamp and one unidentified coach (probably Hatcher). The link is below:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3131855

By GABorn'nBred

November 29, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

Seems to me there are about 5 head coaches that are immediately available. DR should go after one of those. Ed Orgeron might be a good fit, and he wouldn’t be as expensive as some who would come from a very successful program.

By ga_tech_92

November 29, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

According to the AJC, DRad hasn’t even contacted Navy to ASK about TALKING to Paul Johnson…that DRad isn’t interested in Paul Johnson…does anyone know how this could be true, considering Johnson is one of the consistent favorites to most of the fans and alumni? …or is the AJC wrong? (gasp)

By Chris

November 29, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

I like Neuheisel, not so sure about Muschamp (reeeeeealy don’t like that he’s a Georgia man), and if the “unidentified coach” is Hatcher, I think I like Hatcher the most. Charlie Strong is another coach I’d love to see on the Flats. Great recruiter, great motivator, and he’s worked for a lot of great coaches.

By Bakyanype

December 1, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this

guess shop Guess Shop Nine West Shop Guess Shop Guess Shop … Guess Silver Stretch Crystal Ring. Price: $15.00 … Guess Crystal Peirced Earrings - Pear Shape. Price: $18.00

By m

December 1, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

If Tenuta’s going to UM to be DC under Miles (as ESPN’s reporting), what’s DRad got up his sleeve? I think losing Tenuta is a big big blow.