Tech

By Paddy

December 18, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Yes, Yes, a thousand times Yes… Congrats to AD Rad for getting this done.

By techman98

December 18, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Heck Yeah… I am glad we wrapped him up for a while. Hopefully there is also a large buyout clause that will lower the chances of anyone else taking him.

I can’t wait for the Bowl and next season. I can’t get enough of the T.O.

By m

December 18, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Paul Johnson is worth EVERY penny. On the other hand, Chan Gailey was not worth ONE penny. Thank God that we have a great new coach and Thank God and Greyhound that the sorriest excuse for a coach in the history of the world is gone FOREVER!!! Hallleeeeedamlooooooyah!!

By cuttysark

December 18, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

The hiring of Paul Johnson was an excellent decision even prior to the performance of his staff and team this season. Just wait until this scheme is implemented in full with the high caliber athletes at Tech. Not to mention his prior recruting of the state of Georgia when he was at GSU. Now after hearing all of the experts saying before the season that this Navy offense won’t work at this level, look at the results. This is tough minded football that instills in the team the knowledge that opponents are always on their heels trying to defend against it. Now that the turnovers from the early season have diminished, the execution is beginning to show. This is the job he wanted, and being rewarded for his tremendus change in attitude and effort on the field, this raise is well warranted. He is and will always be a college footbal coach, and has found himself the perfect fit here at Tech. Remember, he turned down more $$$$ to come here. I see nothing wrong with renumeration commensurate with performance. This team will only get better on both sides of the ball. 3 and 9, PLEEEEASE! Go Tech.

By KT

December 18, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Doug, How much does Paul Hewitt make and where does he fall in with the other ACC coaches?? Just curious.

By Billy

December 18, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

As long as the money is flowing in. I didn’t think they had any real attendance bump this year.

By Craig

December 18, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Totally worth it. Thank you D-rad for stepping up. Glad we have an AD that wants excellence instead of using academics as an excuse.

By op

December 18, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Dawgs need to get used to being 2nd best team in the state!!!

By Tech75

December 18, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Heck yes!

How big is the ubiquitous buyout clause?

Hopefully $5mil+.

By jabster

December 18, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

It’s time to give DRad a raise, too, considering the mop-up job he had to do after Dave NoBraine.

I recently paid my A-T contribution over the phone, and when the A-T guy asked me if there was anything else they could do for me, I asked him to tell DRad and CPJ that they were doing wonderful jobs and to keep up the good work.

By OX Jake

December 18, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Might be time to renegotiate athletics director Dan Radakovich’s contract to make sure he’s locked up for the future… D’Rad is the one behind the scenes making a lot of good things happen.

By doug roberson

December 18, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

I believe Hewitt makes about $1.3 million this year, and will make $1.375 million next year. That’s according to the renegotiation in 2004.

By N 85 Eagle

December 18, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

PJ is a great coach, pay the man, support him, and he’ll take you places. His favorite colors have got to be Blue and White (and gold)……..

By kevin

December 18, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I am hearby committing to one additional ticket next year.

By Glenn

December 18, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

What I didn’t see mentioned was that Coach Johnson also negotiated for raises for his Assistant Coaches as well. This speaks volumes about the character of Coach Johnson…

Hopefully this contract extension will not only show recruits that GA Tech has a stable program, but that takes care of its own and appreciates those who understand and appreciates all that is GA Tech and what it has to offer.

DRad, thanks for taking the leap of faith in Coach Johnson; Coach Johnson, thank you for having faith in GA Tech; and players, thank you for buying into Coach Johnson’s (and the Coaching Staff’s) system(s).

It’s been one heck of a ride, and we look forward to years to come!

By Failing Irish

December 18, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

This is in line with what Notre Dame did for Charlie Weiss after one season….Better hope it works out better with Johnson than with the “genius” up in South Bend….

By UGA is so last year

December 18, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

well worth it! way to go! THWG!!!

By Rene

December 18, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

This is STUPID. What about the folks in the story right below this one that talks about the unemployment rate in Georgia at 7.5%. I’ve been a Georgia Tech fan since moving here in 2001 because everyone I talked to seem to think that UGA is the ONLY school in Georgia. Anyway, you guys have just lost my support.

By Ken

December 18, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Ha ha. This will be funny when Tech starts losing again. So they had a lucky year, big deal. Pretty sad when a college football team calls it a good year every year when they win 8 or 9 games.

By Von Jennings

December 18, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Let’s hope there’s a helluva compensation clause in the contract because when Notre Dame comes calling,money is no object with all their deep pockets.

By UGA is so last year

December 18, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Hey Failing - open your eyes. There’s no comparison between Weiss and Johnson. One can coach! Johnson!

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

December 18, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Well worth every penny. I just wish that Chan Gailey’s severance money could be given to Coach Johnson!

Anyway, great job DRAD! The future of GT athletics is bright and sunny.

Go Jackets!!

By Reggie Ball

December 18, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Didn’t we renegotiate Paul Hewitt’s contract after the run to the Final Four? That did not turn out to well so why would we do this again?

By UGA is so last year

December 18, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Ken, get used to losing to us year after year sorry puppy.

By $$$$

December 18, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

I’m not so sure how good this is, not just at Ga. Tech, but at Auburn, Tn, etc. Yes, PJ had a good year, but I am not too sure that it will continue to get better. You have to remember that he won some, he should have lost, & lost some he should have won. Yes, he beat the Fleabags, but for one reason only, they were real idiots this year. That does not mean that he will beat them most of the time. The dog fans are on CMR & I have no reason to believe that PJ will duplicate his limited sucess. Tech does not have the funds for expensive buy outs.

By ga_tech_92

December 18, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Ken, you have no point of reference. You clearly root for a football factory. Your advice and opinion mean nothing in the world outside of football factories.

By UGA is so last year

December 18, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Rene, lol. Like we believe you’re Georgia Tech. GA Tech fans are fans for life - no matter what. 17.7 Million is nothing comared to baseball players that make 200M. It’s all relative. Anyone that went to GT would know that. Those that went to UGA wouldn’t.

By ACC

December 18, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Rene, you are an idiot.

By Tron5000

December 18, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks, AD Dan. The check will be in the mail soon. See you at the Dome.

By Sharecropper

December 18, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

So, are they paying him by the yard?

By Larry

December 18, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Hey Ken, why don’t you go back over to the dawg vent, and brag with the rest of your buddies, that uga is the best 3 loss team in the country. I understand you are jealous of GT football success, CPJ, Dwyer, and all the love the Jackets are getting. Believe me I was once jealous of your program, so I understand!!

Go Jackets

By Joe

December 18, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Smells of the Charlie Weiss situation…one good season and you start throwing tons of money and length of contract at him. You “could” be begging for an out sooner than you would hope. But then again, he may be the next big thing and lead you to glory. He has to be better than Chan Gailey who was much like Tommy Bowden…just couldn’t get it done. Best of luck and congrats from a Clemson fan.

By GotOut07

December 18, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

I hope this works out. But I remember how Charlie Weis seemed like such a great pick when they extended his contract at ND. 7 yeas is a long time. But, yeah, it was incredible first year for CPJ, he’s more of a proven winner than Charlie was, and I think he’s going to keep it up. If he does this was a great decision.

By Glenn

December 18, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Rene;

How much money have you donated to GA Tech? How many games have you attended since arriving in 2001? It’s great that you have been a GA Tech fan; Lord knows we appreciate you.

The bottom line is that those of us who donate to the AA and Institute, and go to the games regularly, even attended GA Tech, have long suffered with the program and are HAPPY that Coach Johnson is here and is being compensated as not only is he a top-tier coach, but the kind of coach that FITS GA Tech.

You may not realize this, but it takes a special coach that can come to GA Tech and understand what it takes to be successful, both on the field and in the classroom because of the academic requirements. Paul Johnson does because of his experience at the Naval Academy.

He has been successful at every place he has coached, so for all of those trying to compare him with Charlie Weiss, of Notre Dame, I would say go back and check his history as a Head Coach versus Paul Johnson…There is a HUGE difference.

But it’s all okay.

GA Tech fans will live with those of you who may be critical of this raise because NONE of you have made ONE comment about Mark Richt’s compensation package at UGA versus Paul Johnson’s. new compensation package. Do any of you have a problem with what HE makes?

And that’s okay, too. I’m more than happy with my Coach, thank you.

By SouthBendJacket

December 18, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Falling Irish,

The difference between the self proclaimed offensive genius and PJ is that PJ totally changed the offensive strategy and it improved. Charlie just modified the offense. Charlie can’t teach players, that’s his main problem. I think everyone sees that PJ can definitely teach his players. No worries about a ND repeat here!

By mj

December 18, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

According to an article on USATODAY.com, the average salary for the ACC ranks third among the conferences nationwide (coming in at around $1.4 million/year). This is one big deal Paul got after just one season. Beating UGA for once this decade proves to be huge for the man who has yet to coach a second season in a weak ACC, having VT getting a BCS bowl bid…weak indeed. And “UGA is so last year,” check your spelling next time; I’m pretty sure compared has a “P” in it. But of course anyone that goes to UGA would know that. Those that went to Tech wouldn’t!

By the real Old Gold

December 18, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

If I could afford to, I’d double it.

By Failing Irish

December 18, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Ok….Can’t win with Gailey’s recruits in a couple of years. ACC is not Navy or Ga Southern. Competition in the ACC is full of real good teams (some average ones this year). Can’t wait to see the buyout package on this one…….

By GTJay

December 18, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Hey, Joe— The difference between PJ and Weiss is that the former has the history/success that strongly suggests that this year is no fluke.

By Lost my job to mexico

December 18, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

What great thing did he do for society to justify making in one year what it would take 38 for me to make? And I’m an engineer. What about the millions who make minimum wage? He is a football coach. He doesn’t build cars, dig ditches or save lives. And, lets face it, a great deal of his success is directly attributable to the quality of his players. I don’t see him sharing any of this windfall with them. And, what about the hundreds of professors at Tech that are arming students with real skills to face a new and challenging reality? Mind you, I like football and will continue watch games when I can, but as some have admitted, their role is highly overrated and vastly overpaid.

By Joe

December 18, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

GTJay, we shall see my friend. I suspect Paul Johnson has what it takes to get it done, but being a Clemson alumnus/fan I get nervous about contracts…lol. It should make the games even more interesting with Johnson’s high-powered rushing attack. Should be fun to watch.

By slim

December 18, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Not like Weiss at all. Weiss’s success was reliant upon Brady Quinn. The beauty of PJ’s offense is that you just need good, well coached athletes. You don’t need a superstar QB, don’t need superstar receivers.

PJ’s offense is quite sustainable and should only get better as Tech gets more versatile/athlete type recruits. His offense might be as weak as it will ever be (Tech couldn’t pass the ball a lick this season) and it still beat a top 10 UGA team.

By WirelessBuzz

December 18, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

M…you really need to let go of the hate. I am so glad that we have CPJ and have locked in him, but Chan was an honorable man and I have no shame that he represented Georgia Tech. And if he was so sorry, how did he manage to keep the bowl streak alive that CPJ is now extending? Like I said…let go of the hate…let go of your agenda and just try to enjoy the good times we have going on now and hopefully in the future.

By ACC

December 18, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

“Lost my job to Mexico” - Is your name Karl Marx by chance. Waa waa waa Cry baby! Go to Russia if you don’t like it here.

By RT

December 18, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I like CPJ and hope he stays. However, did we learn nothing from Gailey? We’re still paying that king of mediocrity. I’m all for giving CPJ and his assts. a big fat bonus this year for a shockingly good performance. But, we don’t have enough information to commit future money to him no matter how he performs in the future. In general, college coaches are over paid, I’d like to see a lot more performance incentives and a lot less salary. What happens if we find out he was doing Dwyer’s homework for him or some other scandal that would embarrass the school, we are still on the hook for his salary.

By Kyle

December 18, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

The difference between this and the Weis situation is that PJ has had success everywhere he has been as a head coach, and Charlie Weis’s first head coaching gig was at Notre Dame. I hope Paul Johnson is here for the next 20+ years. He is a great fit for our program and brings a great attitude to the team.

By slink

December 18, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

There’s no comparison between CPJ and Weiss. Weiss had one good year. CPJ has a 116-42 record over many seasons as a head coach. He’s a proven winner where as Weis was not.

By raymond

December 18, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

A raise like that after one season when you already had him under contract? Stupid move. Its not like that money can’t easily be beat if a big time program wants him. If one of the big boys come calling he is gone.

By jacket

December 18, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I would watch out for Weis and Notre Dame next year. Consistency/longevity in the Head coach position is key for a program. 5 yrs should be the minimum. You have to take the ups with the downs at first, and then a program should be a consistent winner. Look at Va Tech. Beamer has been there for decades, and they are a consistent winner.

I was expecting CPJ to get more than he did - $1 mil raise or something. He got a $700,000 raise, so I think this is a great deal for Tech.

By Ben

December 18, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Any word on how much another team would have to pay to us if they wanted to buy him out? I agree, DRad needs a raise. We don’t want him to get away! I hear this guy never stops working. GT fans and Atlantans need to step up and support the hometown teams (Georgia Tech, Hawks, Falcons, and Braves etc.)

By Go Jackets

December 18, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Raymond you are a troll, if it’s just about money he would have gone to SMU or Duke as they offered more.

By Ben

December 18, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

I have heard that Auburn offered him 5 years and 15 Mill, so Paul Johnson took a $700,000 pay cut per year, to stay at GT. Thanks for being loyal PJ and thanks to DRad for hopefully keeping him here a long time. It is a business people, sometimes you have to pay to keep the best.

By Blackberry Cobbler

December 18, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Tech. They now own the best coach in the state.

I’m a big Dawg fan but CMR and his staff are a bunch of clowns.

CPJ is a better coach than CMR can ever think about being………… proof is on the field and in the rankings.

Look at what CPJ did this year with his talent vs. what CMR did with his.

A pathetic, dissappointing year for UGA.

By CW

December 18, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Locking up Coach Johnson with these kind of numbers was absolutely critical. Although I never wanted to believe that Auburn really had a chance to steal Coach Johnson, it did cause me to think what would happen if he left after one year.

It would have been an absolute disaster. As any longtime Tech fan knows, the Jackets football program labors with constraints that much larger universities just don’t have. The instability caused by a coaching change has almost always caused huge problems for recruiting and player retention at Tech.

For the Jackets to remain competitive in the ACC and nationally, stability on the coaching staff is vitally important.

By reebok

December 18, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

There was nothing lucky about this year for the Jackets. We got some good breaks and some bad ones. This team was better-conditioned, better-coached and more determined than any team we played against all year (except for the lackluster effort against North Carolina - I can’t explain that one). Coach Johnson won Natonal titles at Ga Southern, and went to something like 5 straght bowl games at Navy. If that’s all luck, then he should get out of football and go to Vegas full-time, ‘ause he’s been the luckiest guy in the world for about 15 years now.

By Bankerdawg

December 18, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

This is a positive, proactive move by an AD that clearly knows what he is doing.

Anyone on the Tech side who sees this as a negative is just not paying attention.

I stated on an earlier blog that I never believed CPJ was going anywhere, anytime soon, as I beleive he is just not that kind of man (i.e. “one and done”). The fact that one of his main points of emphasis was to secure raises for his assistant coaches speaks volumes to this.

You have yourself a good man and coach, and I hope the rivalry is as exciting for the next ten years as that game was on 11/29….just with a slightly different outcome.

Good luck against LSU, I’ve never liked those guys anyway, although, if you are lucky enough to see the LSU Golden Girls, you may not be able to stop clapping for them. Yes, they are that hot.

GO Dawgs!

By chris

December 18, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

You would think this guy could cure cancer for that kind of money. NO ONE is worth this kind of money.

Kudos to him for getting it, shame that is what his salary is.

By Mark

December 18, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Great move DRad….looking forward to many many more great years under CPJ!

By Harmon

December 18, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

I’m going to have to be against a raise after one year. I mean come on what is the point of a 7 year contract if you renegotiate after one year. CPJ is the kind of man that would have stayed here several years before we should have been worried about him leaving do to lack of respect. I loved his first season and I fully expect there will be many more to come under CPJ but at least make him get in 3 recruiting classes before giving him a huge raise. CPJ would understand having to prove himself for a few years before getting a big kick back from it.

On another note does anyone know where to get the contract info, because I want to know what the buy policy is and what kind of incentives there are for performance and academics.

By Big Al

December 18, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Well, just whip dem Dawgs again next year and you will help Coach Richt vacate his vaunted position. Da love is fading in Athens and Willie Martinez sho ain’t helping Coach Richt’s case.

By dap01

December 18, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Congratulations! If PJ can get Tech to be average or better, you deserve a hugh contract!

By Qwerty

December 18, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Guess we know why tuition is going up..

By Michael

December 18, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

At some point, people at Tech will regret this.

Congrats on a 9-3 season, but that is all Paul Johnson has accomplished. No division title, no conference title, no bowl win. Apparently the Tech AD never read the book about Terry Bowden (who went 11-0 in his first year at Auburn) or Jim Donnan (won a national title in 1-AA, mediocre at UGA).

To the people slamming Georgia (even Georgia fans?!?!), take a look at the other two losses. Alabama and Florida are darn good. Yes, UGA was loaded on offense, but apparently not so much on defense. Rennie Curran can’t tackle everybody and you can’t use pass interference as a defensive scheme. Through all that mess, Georgia still has a chance to win 10 games. Again.

By jabster

December 18, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Chris:

How much the GTAA decides to pay CPJ is none of your concern. Apparently a LOT of us (myself included) think he is worth every nickel of that $17.7M, because there’s not a line of equally-qualified applicants standing outside the Edge building that we could hire for less. Believe me, we would have if we could have.

Go back to reading The Nation and quit being covetous of other people’s paychecks.

I hate to wax so political on a sports blog but you brought it up.

By goldarchie77

December 18, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

I work for a nonprofit and make very little, I’m also a lifelong Tech fan and will be glad to pay the extra few dollars in ticket prices to be secured that what I watch is entertaining. The T.O. is entertainment and seven fun and exciting Saturdays out of the year helps me cope with my own scummy salary the rest of the year. Congrats to P. Johnson, he is making a comparable salary to his peers. The tragedy isn’t the salary, the shame is what WE all choose to consume and pay a premium to do so. GT football is one of the few and highest consumable entertainment products for me. To complain about it, is to look in the mirror.

By Sharecropper

December 18, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

By the way, that “whoosh!” you hear is the slipstream left by Butch Davis and Frank Beamer as they sprint for their AD’s office. Maybe they at least will be kind enough to send Johnson a thank-you note.

By Economics 101

December 18, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

For those of you complaining about the CPJ’s salary, please do all of us a favor and put down the class envy Kool Aid (it never tastes good anyways) and realize a person is paid for the value he provides to their employer. With the immediate success Paul Johnson brings to the Tech community comes with higher donations to the AA, and more participation at the games. We sold out our allotted tickets to the CFA/Peach Bowl as quickly if not sooner than LSU, which has a rabid (literally) fan base. DRad made the right chose to reward CPJ for his success…

By C'mon Qwerty -

December 18, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Even you should know that coaches salaries are not paid by the university’s state supported funds!

By GT45

December 18, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Congrats to a man’s man! All the UGA nation just had a cold chill go down their collective backs!

By GARY LEMON

December 18, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Its a shame to have wasted any type of income on Gomer Gailey for 6 years and all he had to do was beat UGA and not be intimadated by Richt.

By Jason

December 18, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

To everyone blaming rising tuition, and costs on Johnson’s new salary, go do some reading on how his salary is funded. Its funded by TV, radio, endorsement’s etc. in part. Its also funded by the GT Athletic Department, which is run seperately from the school. The athletic department gets its money from ticket sales, alumni donations, etc. Its not taking any money out of the pocket of taxpayers, students, or anyone else that doesn’t want to pay for it.

By Just wait

December 18, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

If you like 300 yards rushing and 30 ppg (and I do) wait until Johnson gets his passing plays in. I was at Georgia Southern when Johnson was and in addition to running bombs, Tracy Ham and Raymond Gross were throwing them, too.

It’ll be fun Jacket fans. Just wait.

By MB

December 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Lost my job to Mexico,

It’s called global economics. Someone could produce your good or service for cheaper so they have the opportunity to provide it. Some at the Medical College of Georgia make millions because that is what they are worth. Coach Johnson contract is in line with his peers; what’s the complaint?

Rene, Sorry you have been a Tech fan for 7 long years. Did you buy a hat also?? I can’t believe with all your long hours of watching Tech on TV and the few arguments you have participated in that D-Rad didnt call and ask your opinion on how he should spend the Athletic Funds. I’m stunned.

I think the UGA blog would be a more appropriate place for you both.

By Old Fashioned Ray

December 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

To the socialists/communists on this blog who think PJ’s salary is too much,should be shared with minimum wage people,should be based on some nebulous “contribution to society” (who decides ?)—-I say let the Free Market Decide ! Long Live Capitalism and Individual Liberty! (I was an Engineering Professor for 40 years and NEVER felt underpaid!)

By Harmon

December 18, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Jason, maybe you didn’t go to Tech or if you did then you never looked at your bill. But students by fees to the Athletic department to be able to attend games. Those fees go up every year so next year Students will pay more to go to the games.

By Ramblin Wrecker

December 18, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Awesome, a thousand times awesome!!!!

Now let’s give Dan Rad a raise too. He’s the guy who fired Chan and hired CPJ. That’s a job well done.

By BigTimeGaTechFan

December 18, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

oh wow! cool!

By Less Concerned Jacket

December 18, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t have done it after just one season. These coaches are too unpredictable and more often than not lack loyalty. CPJ may be different, but we’ll see after year three. If the success continues, huge names will come calling, and as we have seen many times over, buyouts are nothing more than paper formalities.

By great work if you "have" it

December 18, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Most coaches spend years at normally low paying positions as assistants.

The “good” ones rise to the top.

Read it and weep dogs!

By Supply and Demand

December 18, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

What PJ does for society has nothing to do with his (or other people’s) salary.

In a free market society based on supply and demand, this is the analogy I have always heard: Intrinsically, water (which can be equated to teachers, police, armed forces) is obviously more “valuable” to life on earth than precious stones and metals (which we can equate to athletes and coaches), but because water is more plentiful and easier to mass produce, the “price” is reflected far differently in the open market.

Value does not equal price. Not saying its wrong or right, it just is what it is…

By JIm

December 18, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

CPJ will be our Spurrier for the next 7 years - great!! This investment is like selling short the Dow in 2008 - Tech fans be prepared for much happiness in the years to come!!

By So what's Left?

December 18, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Kudos to D-Rad for getting the raise and contract in place for CPJ … clearly it is well deserved.

So what’s left for UGA after losing to TECH in the only sport they really love? Smart guys aren’t supposed to be good at sports! (at least that’s the mentality clung to by those who never matured beyond Jr. High). The Dawgs are sickened by the reality that for the next year (and maybe more) they have to stomach a loss to a bunch of NERDS (their common term) in Football. Smile, smile, smile :)

By GTBuzz

December 18, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Well deserved raise for CPJ and his staff. Congratulations on a great year…finish strong.

By jacketnation

December 18, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Glad to have Paul for the long term. I think it’s way too much money. WE didn’t win the national championship but we did have a very good year. Hope better things will come. CPJ is a smart man who wins everywhere he coaches. After Knowshon and Stafford jump to the NFL, Athens will be screaming “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE” next year. Tech will continue to get better if we can recruit great in state and out of state ball players.

By Jason

December 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Actually Harmon, I did attend Tech, and I did pay tuition and notice the student activity fees part of my bill when I was there. It include, among other things student tickets to all athletic events, health center memberships, etc. Maybe some of it went to purchase deeply dicsounted football tickets for me as a student ticket, I am not really sure. My point is, that fee doesn’t pay Johnson’s salary, the things I said above do.

By surfrider

December 18, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Coach Johnson is what College Football was meant to be….play student/athletes who want to win football games but if don’t they try the next game and they try to graduate at some point. As far as the money yes it’s a lot but when looked at in terms of how many jobs are available in this particularly field 120 (college Div. 1 HC jobs) out of a country of 300 million people when college sports has turned into a big time business then it seems reasonable. I’m also hoping history now has proven it’s better to stay at Tech longer than say many did over the last 40 years. The examples of Curry, Ross, and O’leary may help reinforce why this was in both parties best interests.

By USNA73

December 18, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

PJ is a great coach and takes care of his assistants. But he ain’t cheap. His favorite color IMO is green. He shook every nickle he could out of us at Navy, and we smiled while he did it. Results, not excuses.

By Timbo

December 18, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

MJ. Are you spell checking posts? How lame! There is an unwritten rule in the message board community that grammer nazi’s, spell check nazi’s, sentence structure nazi’s, etc. are a bunch of LOSERS’S. You offer nothing to the conversation. As for the people who are offended by PJ’s salary, remember this is America, not China. PJ IS WORTH EVERY PENNY BECAUSE GTECH IS WILLING TO PAY THE SALARY! That’s how it works in America. What a great hire for TECH, and what a great day for the fan base! THWG!

By Ryan

December 18, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Like I’ve said many times… GT has pockets deeper than you might think. D-Rad and the AA didn’t even break a sweat giving Johnson this raise - he didn’t even ask for it. Many alum and boosters have been waiting for a long time to support the team and that time has come. And they’re still paying for the 2+m/yr Gailey mistake. In a few years, with continued success, I fully expect CPJ to be outgaining CMR. THWGA!

By Historian

December 18, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Just remember, Notre Dame gave their coach a long term contract base on the first year, and look what happened to them. Let’s hope this isn’t the case, and PJohnson is the real McCoy.

By DAWG FAN

December 18, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

LSU 45 NERDS O (GO TIGERS) #1 DAWG FAN

By Liebs

December 18, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen people (not here) who’ve said that it was premature to give him a raise after one year or that it was a knee-jerk reaction to the rumor about Auburn. The truth is we need to show this guy that we will do what it takes to keep him early before a much better job than Auburn come around and with the success CPJ has been having they will look at him. If they aren’t trying now they will soon.

By Timbo

December 18, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I really don’t understand the Charlie Weiss, Paul Johnson comparison’s. You people obviously have not been paying attention. Charlie Weiss had never been a head coach before going to Notre Dame. He has been trading on Bill Belichik’s and Tom Brady’s name for years now and has finally been exposed. CPJ proved himself to be successful as a head coach at GSU and NAVY which IMO has to be tougher to win at those institutions then at TECH. Apples & Oranges IMO.

By V8 Cat

December 18, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Today, you either lock PJ up as best you can (D-RAD has done that) or let the rest of the football teams that need coaches take a shot at him. I’m not too happy about the amount of money invloved, but this is just what YOU HAVE TO DO TODAY if you want to play with the big boys. My opinion is that D-RAD and PJ can play with the big boys and this shows that we are a first-class program that can compete with the heavy hitters. Now it is up to you fans that have wanted this type of program to financially support it. I have been a Tech fan through thick and thin - I have done my part having season tickets, giving to the AT and Tech funds so I urge you do do the same so we can continue to make progress and NEVER go through another drought like we did with UGA.

By Wyld Byll

December 18, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

charlie weiss

By TechCrybaby

December 18, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Good job, Mr. Radakovich! You appear to keep your eye on your bailiwick as well as Paul Johnson does on his. Let’s keep on employing him.

That media-repeated, “3 ten-win seasons in 52 years,” is true, although Bill Curry came up with nine wins in 1985. But the long drought with few ten-win seasons tells a story. Lose a good coach, and fail to replace him immediately with a good coach, and you’ll rue the day.

For Bobby Dodd, big years came in clusters, like, 1947 - 10-1-0; 1951 - 11-0-1; 1952 - 12-0-0; 1953 - 9-2-1; 1955 - 9-1-1; 1956 - 10-1-0. It seems as if we may be on the verge of some more Tech clusters.

By blue cole

December 18, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Heisman Dodd Johnson

CPJ is more than worth it.

B.

By Sautee Dawg

December 18, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

op

Gawgs already considered themselves 2nd best team in the state. Everybody knows the Gymdawgs are 1st.

By bo

December 18, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

odd headlines today: UGA receives 18 mill from Gates Foundation for medical research and Georgia Tech gives 17 mill to jock to coach football team

By Dawgonit

December 18, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

My god, what would they have given him if he actually led them to a conference championship or a top tier bowl? Or a win over Virginia (7 losses)?

By MikeGA

December 18, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Is anyone really surprised, considering Johnson interviewed for the Auburn job after one year at Tech, how else are you going to keep a coach at tech? Answer: Pay him off to stay.

By Tokyo jacket

December 18, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

I hope someone comments on this:

Difference between CPJ and Weis - CPJ has already won the coach of the year award in 2004. He has already won two national championships as a head coach. He is a motivator as much as a tactician; Weiss is simply a tactician. He was UNDERPAID when he came to Tech because of the fear of Gailey. He performed and got paid; nuff said.

As for anyone who complains about unemployment, don’t blame the employed for what they do with their money. Life is a series of choices. If you had picked to be a college coach and had been the absolute best at it, you too could have made $3M instead of being unemployed. You simply made the wrong choice. It’s not mine, nor GT’s, nor the government’s responsibility to bail you out. It’s called free market, which means competition and money for the performers. I don’t wish unemployment on anyone. But don’t berate CPJ or D-Rad for doing their jobs. If you’re unemployed, you ought to be out searching for a job, not posting on blogs!!!

By GT

December 18, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

obviously you’re too stupid to know what actually has happened. (of course thats to be expected if you receive an education from u(sic)ga): paul johnson NEVER interviewed for the auburn job.

ps it must be really terrible to know that the only bright spots of your team, knowshow and staph infection, are gonna be gone after this year.

get it together you toothless redneck.

By Mike

December 18, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Paul Johnson was a proven Div. 1-A winner, and something of a miracle worker, before coming to Tech. He’s in the Top 5 of Div. 1 coaches ALL TIME in wins at this point of his career. This is just acknowledging that he’s worth what we thought he was worth, but were too scared to pay him because he doesn’t run a conventional offense.

A sound, sound investment.

By Gt52

December 18, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

To all Jackets: A ramble and wreck has just been rewarded at GEORGIA TECH for many years to come. THANK THE LORD AND D RAD!!!!!!!!!!!It looks like doom and gloom down in Athens. I can’t even get a whimper from my puppy friends. Oh yeah; show your pride on your vehicles and in your yards. The Jackets need our support in every way possible. I live in Greensboro Ga. I know Josh personally as a friend. Friday, before the Tech-Ga game,a Uga friend of mine told Josh at his mothers house,that the dogs were going to run all the JACKETS. Josh looked at him and smiled and said,we will see. Josh told me that the dogs don’t have a clue about what they are preparing for.. Every time I see my old dog friend,I ask him. How’s the weather? He says he hasn’t heard. I reply. Sunny,High of 45 low of 42. When he finally figures it out,he is really shamed. So I ask him how the weather is every day!! Thanks Coach and D RAD. YOU LIFT THE JACKET NATION. WE WILL STAY #1 IN GEORGIA FOR A LONG TIME… GO MIGHTY JACKETS!!!!!!!!!! THWGEORGIA

By Mike

December 18, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Oh, and as for recruiting, Johnson’s projected 2009 class is ranked in the Top 25. Chan Gailey did that ONCE in six years.

By MikeGa

December 18, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Ok nerds, dont try and talk about things you dont know anything about…. namely sports.

Johnson DID interview for the Auburn job…..as reported in SI. You Dumba##es.

http://www.fannation.com/siblogs/thesweep/posts/32221-chizik-hiring-no-upgrade-for-auburn?eref=fromSI

By Gt52

December 18, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

MikeGa: Hurts, don’t it? Thank the Lord. Suffer all year pups!!!! Ha-Ha

By Dawgonit

December 18, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Mike,

Div IA is much different from Div I. Also, Tech’s recruiting class is ranked behind every SEC school besides Vanderbilt. They are also behind almost every ACC school (Rivals.com)

By Tokyo jacket

December 18, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Dawgonit,

When was the last time UGA ranked behind GT in the recruiting rankings? Didn’t GT beat UGA in Athens this year? So tell me again what those rankings mean…

By Tokyo jacket

December 18, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Or, when was the last time Tech had a class ahead of Michigan, Auburn, USC, Texas, or even Ohio State. Why is it that Tech’s bowl streak is longer? So, tell me again what those rankings mean…

By Tbone

December 18, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Boynerds, This 17.17 sure is gonna look big after two or three 6-6 seasons. At the end of the 7 year contract, how is a 1-6 record against CMR going to feel? I’ve never seen any athletic program get so giddy-whipped over a “one year wonder”! This very astute college football genius says you get zero….goose-egg….nada-one ACC championships for your money. But you will likely fill up the high school stadium for a couple of years before reality sets in. A reasonable goal for Tech is to try and go 3-3 versus Bill Curry at GSU. Best wishes…and Merry Christmas!

By Dawgonit

December 18, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Tokyo,

I guess they didn’t mean anything this year. But they do explain the 7 of the last 8. 14 of the last 16. 24 of the last 31.

Explains the consistent top 10s and BCS bowls. Explains the blue turf and emerald city bowls.

By Lee Smith

December 18, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Congrats Paul Johnson - - you deserve it!!! Congrats to the assistants - they also desreve it!!!

By Dawgonit

December 18, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

One year wonder! The biggest win this year is over a three loss UGA team. All techs other wins came against teams with four or more losses. Tech’s losses came to two teams with 4 losses and one team with 7 losses.

And that gets you a 7 year 17.17 million dollar contract! I can’t imagine the last couple of decades that have driven this hysteria.

By Tampa Wreck

December 18, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Sounds like a lot of dawg fans are really worried. Better call the suicide hot line. Looks like they’re all lining up to jump off their trailers.

Congratulations CPJ. Hope you’re with us a long time!!

By John

December 18, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

As a GSU alum and life long Tech fan Tbone and these dog fans have no clue. All Paul Johnson does is win wherever he goes. He took a team of players who the majority of had never run the triple option or anything close to what his offense does. I thought it was funny that people thought this team would go 3-9 at the start of the season. I thought 7 wins minimum. This man can flat out coach. The players all bought in to his system because you can tell by the way he talks about it, the belief he has in it. He instills great confidence in his players. He instills an attitude that you expect to win every game. This is a swagger that GT has sorely needed for a long time. This is only the start. We probably only ran a handful of different pass plays this season. And by the Miami game all the option plays were being run with good precision and it will only get more crisp with almost everyone coming back on offense. If the D-Line can perform next year and our LB’s and DB’s can continue to grow and improve Tech will score enough points to be able to in every ballgame. The fun has only begun….

By Jason

December 19, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

As a Tech student, this might sound harsh - but this pay raise is terrible and a slap in the face. Georgia Tech as a school is in a budget crisis. Professors are taking pay cuts and using their own personal funds to make up for school shortfalls. Students are being forced to pay an additional $100 “temporary budget fee” to help make up the budget shortfall. Job cuts are being implemented. Graduate student funding is being cut. And now I see that a football coach, who already makes $1M per year, has to receive a 53% raIse in the midst of this?

Are people really this narrow-sighted that they view the salary of a football coach above the academics and professors of a world-class university? I for one am upset about this - I am essentially paying for part of a pay raise and suffering in the classroom and in research. Unbelieveable. I now seer the priorities.

By 1smartjacket

December 19, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

GT gets nothing ($250K increase in buyout) FOOLS!!! “Notre Dame has signed Weis to a new 10-year deal, the school announced Saturday.” ESPN 10/30/2005

By truth

December 19, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

Wow I wonder if this many people will blog if Doug was asking for money to feed the hungrey. I have been in Atlanta all of my life and I don’t care what coach you hire or fire the all of the Atlanta teams suck.By the way folks, I hope our new president does something about all of these players making all of this money. It does not make since when so many people are starving and broke. Over payed amd over rated.

By Kyle

December 19, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

Jason- CPJ is not paid out of pocket by the Institute. He is paid by the GTAA, which is funded by donations, revenue, and the student athletic fee, so if your student athletic fee goes up, that would be a point to argue. D-Rad might also be looking at this as an investment. CPJ will continue to coach as well as he has and GT will be filling Bobby Dodd and making more $$.

By ls

December 19, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

did anyone happen to see the bit just below the headline for this ridiculous salary for a COACH? record unemployment in GA. Come on, how can anyone justify paying a football coach or any player either when people are losing their jobs and losing their homes….it bogles the mind….

By ACC

December 19, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Jason, you are an idiot. How did you ever get into Tech. And by the way Jason, Tech is an Institute not a University.

By Calvin

December 19, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Why do you writers think you have to make coaches’ salaries known? And furthermore, why do you think you have to compare them to other coaches’ salaries? How would you like it if this was done to you? Some ‘news’ is not news; it’s just writers thinking whatever they do is all right because they are the press.

By field

December 19, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

There is no comparison to Weiss. Weiss won 10 games his first year and nine his second. Only Tech would go nuts over one year like this.

By hedge puller

December 19, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

DRad is the best. We have to keep him too. Coach Johnson is first rate. We beat Georgia in CPJ’s first year, but do not look for a streak of our own. It is still going to be tough to beat them each year but at least we won’t be out coached. Johnson is a class guy and a solid man and it is great to know that Tech has an AD who knows what he’s doing. Bobby Ross was the last great coach Tech had and the AD and Tech folks should’ve given him the keys to the vault to keep him. Johnson is really something and Tech is lucky to have him and lucky to have DRad, too. I can remember (barely) playing on a Tech team that was 9-3 and ranked higher nationally than this year’s team and a year later Tech fired the coach. I think that we are on much, much more solid ground. “I’d tell ‘em the Regency Hyatt was the freshman dorm.” Jerry Glanville while recruiting for Georgia Tech

By gtne80

December 19, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Johnson is a class act. He wouldn’t have skipped this year. He said during an interview a couple of days ago that jumping that quickly would send the wrong message about what he’s about. However, I believe the man has a long memory. If we hadn’t done something after this season, he’d have tucked that fact away in his memory banks for future reference.

Speaking of memory (a little off topic), when they asked CPJ after the UNC game about how he felt about UNC throwing the ball downfield and into the end zone when the game was clearly out of hand, he simply replied, “We’ll see them again. They play in our division.” It’ll be interesting to see what he has in store for the Heels when they arrive in Atlanta next year.

By jd

December 19, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Sadly, education comes in 2nd (or 9th) again.

By demwit

December 19, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

No worries. If he fails.., the government will bail us out with billions!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

December 19, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

This ridiculous contract is a disgrace! The coaches get paid tremendous amounts of money, the schools rake in millions from season games and lots more from bowl games and the players? Well, they are amateurs and don’t get paid. If college football is not a professional sport, why are the coaches paid so much money? The answer is obvious, college football is professional and it’s big business! Pay the players, above the table, and stop the hypocrisy! This contract speaks volumes about what is really valued and it turns out to be something of total insignificance!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

December 19, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

By Calvin December 19, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this Why do you writers think you have to make coaches’ salaries known? And furthermore, why do you think you have to compare them to other coaches’ salaries? How would you like it if this was done to you? Some ‘news’ is not news; it’s just writers thinking whatever they do is all right because they are the press.

Calvin, do you think the fact that Tech released details of the contract could have anything to do with the reporting of the specifics of it? Get a clue Calvin!

By John Galt

December 19, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

People tend to get paid in proportion to the value that they add. In the market of college football, it’s about TV revenues, bowl games, and fannies in the seats.

If Tech can realize more income (more than off-setting the increase in his compensation) by fielding a competitive team that is on TV more often, is going to high dollar bowl games and is selling more tickets, then the additional investment in Coach Johnson’s salary is a sound business decision.

If, however, in the face of the declining economy, we find that the product doesn’t improve, or even if the product improves and the increased revenues are not realized, then it was a bad business decision.

Whining about teachers’ pay is beside the point. If people are not spending their dollars to come to football games or advertisers aren’t buying the TV time to sponsor the broadcasts, do you think that they would automatically start giving that money to teachers?

Yes, our society has a strange and twisted value system, but don’t make the foolish assumption that paying the football coach more is a direct cause of paying teachers less.