AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 16 > Entry
Why Chan hasn’t won more
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Do you really want to judge Chan Gailey’s tenure at Georgia Tech knowing that Reggie Ball has been his quarterback 4 out of the 5 seasons?
Here’s an exercise: think of the best 5 or 10 teams in football — college or pro. Who’s their quarterback? I bet he’s pretty good. My list includes Troy Smith, Chris Leak, JaMarcus Russell, John David Booty, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. I’m sure you get my drift. The quarterback can make or break a team and a coach.
So you ask why didn’t Gailey play anyone else at QB — especially those last few games? I have the same question and I don’t think there’s an answer coming anytime soon. This is a disservice to the fans and I believe we deserve a good answer. After all, we’re the ones who paid to watch that nonsense.
The play of Reggie Ball contributed to Gailey’s biggest problem: he can’t beat UGA. Nobody likes to lose to a rival, much less five years in row. I thought the AJC poll question about choosing between beating UGA and winning the ACC was right on. Simply put, some Tech fans would trade conference titles, bowl wins, and rankings just to beat UGA. Chan would have more fans if he had a couple of wins against UGA.
I know Chan is an exceptional human being who genuinely cares about his players, his team, and his coaches. You hear the same rhetoric coming from players and coaches about how he has created a football family at Tech — an environment of respect, understanding, and trust. (You hear the same thing from recruits, so don’t undercut how important that is to a player).
If Chan stays, I’ll give him another chance. I want to move forward and forget about the Reggie Ball era. Let’s see what Gailey can do with a fresh quarterback, a solid offensive line, a seasoned running back, an experienced secondary, a favorable schedule, and one helluva recruiting class.





DEL.ICIO.US
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Jesse
January 17, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Don’t care. Beat UGA and all things are better
By Michael
January 17, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
I have met Chan, he is a class guy. He knows the game of football and he knows his players and coaches. I think that he has built and outstanding program at Georgia Tech and it is improving with the recruits he has building upon in 2007. Only Chan can answer the question why he allowed Reggie to be the starting QB for four years. I think we have alot to look forward to in 2007 with the returning starters and new recruits. I wish you the best Chan Gailey in your decision for yourself and your family.
By Calvin21
January 17, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this
Chan has held the Institute hostage during this process. He has proven that he is not the loyal, classy guy we all have thought he was. It is time for him to go! He does not want to be at Tech, so DRad should give him his walking papers. His inability to beat UGA, the upset losses, his lack of the private part necessary to bench Reggie and now this. Please Lord Please let him get the Dolphins job!!
By Dan Mayfield
January 17, 2007 6:52 AM | Link to this
We have more talent now than when Chan took over the job. Don’t understand the Reggie deal, but loyality is not worse thing in the world for a coach to have. What he needs to do now is stop the interviews or stay, he will lose what little fan base he has. May be to late!
By m
January 17, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this
Chan Gailey is the worst coach I have ever seen in my life. He has underachieved every year since he has been at Tech. You Gailey suckups make me sick. He should be fired today.
By GeorgeBurdell
January 17, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this
Chan has had some success at Georgia Tech in five years, but has not won the big games. The Georgia Tech fans are down on him. I think he will be an excellent coach in the professional ranks. He will make the playoffs every year. If Chan decides to go, a lot of his staff will go with him. The Athletic Director at Georgia Tech should be preparing for this eventuality. The ACC will be a lot tougher in 2007. Virgina Tech, North Carolina, Miami, North Carolina State and Florida State will be much stronger. Clemson and Wake Forest will not drop down. The next few days will determine the future of Georgia Tech football.
By 2D
January 17, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this
m… If you think Chan Gailey is the worst football coach you’ve seen in your life, then you never watched a Tech team coached by Bill Lewis.
I’m as frustrated as most with the upset losses, the near misses against Georgia and second tier bowl games. But… I have to ask myself, is this program in better shape now than when he took over and the answer is a resounding YES!
Some folks win quick (i.e. Stoops, Tressel, Meyer) but they are at top five programs and already had top five talent. Others take time (i.e. Beamer, Ferentz, Scianno) and early on, those guys lost a lot. Now they have some of the most stable programs in the country.
Progress is the key, and Tech has made it. This team broke the nine win barrier, collected a top recruiting class and has potentially the highest number of NFL draft picks in quite some time, with a probably top five selection. If this isn’t progress, I’m not sure what is. The only thing missing is winning our fair share of games with Georgia. That will come.
By artc
January 17, 2007 7:16 AM | Link to this
If beating UGA is a benchmark at Tech, no coach will ever last or make the “faithful” happy. Historically Tech has had little success against UGA, and in the modern era it becomes less and less likely that Tech will ever chage that trend. Tech fans need to set realistic goals and expectations. Winning a division or ACC title is much more likely than beating UGA ever will be.
By Mike
January 17, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this
The institute cut its own throat and bled itself out when it cut and ran from the SEC. That one act is why Tech is in the dysfunctional condition that it is today. The SEC is tougher and more attractive to the coaches and players that want to experience the best competition in the land. Tech will never consistently run with the big boys.
By Doug
January 17, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
Beating the trade school is never an upset gnats.
By GT81
January 17, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this
That damn dog over in Athens is more well known in the world of college football than we are. Even George O’Leary had a losing record against UGA.
By Robert
January 17, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this
“Cut and ran from the SEC?” The SEC may (or may not) be more attractive to coaches and players but I sure would prefer a better class of instituions from the academic point of view. Upon broadening the perspective to actually include “instituional quality” and national reputation, the SEC doesn’t do so well.
By moc
January 17, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
By Robert
January 17, 2007 07:33 AM | Link to this
“Cut and ran from the SEC?” The SEC may (or may not) be more attractive to coaches and players but I sure would prefer a better class of instituions from the academic point of view. Upon broadening the perspective to actually include “instituional quality” and national reputation, the SEC doesn’t do so well.
Here we go again. Your academics suck. You are on PROBATION for academic misconduct. You are the cespool of the ACC. Furthermore you don’t hold a candle academically to several of the other schools in the ACC with more diverse academic programs. Tech is no more than a glorified trade school. You puzzies need to quit making excuses for being the losers that you are.
By Lazybee
January 17, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
I would rather see Tech as the consistent contender for the academically oriented ACC title than to see it become another SEC football factory. If we get good enough to represent a real threat to VPI, Miami, Clemson, BC and Maryland or Virginia every year then the wins over UGAG will come at the appropriate times. But I do not think that Gailey is the answer. He may be a great NFL level coach but he has shown very little as a Division 1 head coach. In fact I would be distressed if Tech beat the dog feces out of UGAG every year because that would put us in the same class as the butt sniffers.
By GT81
January 17, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
Then why don’t we as fans just STFU and accept the fact that we are not ever going to be top tier in football? Why don’t we just accept it and not whine incessently about academics and scapegoat them for losing. Come out and say it “faithful”! We accept our place as second fiddle. That is much more flattering than crying about not beating UGA and then out of the other side of our mouths crying about academics. And while you’re at it “faithful.” Buy a few tickets and go to the games! Quit being losers! When you make excuses that is exactly what you are. It is what it is “faithful.”
By snellville
January 17, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
It is interesting the “Georgia Fan Base” can only comment about the probation. There is not a university or college which can with stand a NCAA investigation.
A big mistake was made in sticking with one QB, Taylor had shown what he could do with limited playing time.
An honest apology should be made that we screwed up in not playing him more. Evidenced the mid field passes with a QB which could see. I do not think you can blame Nix for the fact he had to call for sideline passes as Regiie was the head coaches choice to play.
When it comes down to it, there is oinly one came that really matters each year. To lose it each year is the root of the disatisfaction. At the very least he should have changed QB for a series or two. Relief pitchers in baseball is a prime example.
By BigEd
January 17, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
I like Chan Gailey as a person. I don’t respect his coaching ability. He has made some really dumb coaching decisions. Leaving Reggie Ball to run the team despite the fact that no one (especially his teamates)had any faith in his ability to get the job done was just plain stupid. Downing the ball against Georgia on fourth down with the clock running out to stop the clock. Punting in the forth quarter with two minutes on the clock and behind by three points. This is dumb football. Chan by interviewing for NFL jobs has sent a clear message that he wants to be elsewhere. Even if he doesn’t get selected by Miami (and I hope he is selected)he needs to go ASAP.
By moc
January 17, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
Based upon your sordid academic history of late, that excuse is null and void dumbazz! For 7 years you played how many academic ner do wells that had about 2 years progress toward a degree at the end of their eligibility? You gave up all right to your sanctimonious academic excuses with that scam you were running at the trade school! Can you spell PROBATION little girl?
By beachside bulldawg
January 17, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this
Play the classic “academic” card. Face it people, Tech sucks. Every so often they have a good football team or basketball team. They even go to the college world series. Tech is not committed to excellence (productivity) on the field. I wish Tech and Georgia were undefeated every year when we beat them. I’d like to see Tech do better as the rivalry means way more to them than us. We will never win or lose an SEC championship based on that game! You never hear Vandy play the “academic” card. Vandy recruits and gets players who want the SEC and MBA, so quit whining on the flats about your academics and maybe you’ll be able to add seats to your stadium instead of removing them.
By Jim O
January 17, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
Taylor played a great game in Jax, but Pat Nix/Chan put together an even better offensive game plan.
I liked what I saw in TB in that game, but not what I saw in the Duke game. We had max protection for most of the game - you can get away with that once when the other team isn’t prepared for it, but not sure you can for an entire season.
Like most other Tech fans, I wasn’t a big reggie supporter the last two/three years, but I still have to admit that Chan knows a hell-u-va lot more about football than most of us bloggers. If he thought RB gave us the best chance to win over TB, then he is probably correct.
He has some excellent qb prospects coming in to judge against TB - and this fan doesn’t want to see another coaching change.
By moc
January 17, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Well stated beachside bulldawg. You just stepped on their heads with a hobnailed boot. But they will keep crying woulda should coulda…if it weren’t for our academics we could kick some azz! LMAO!!
By Joshua Barlowe
January 17, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
Hey UGAG fans - have you checked your attendance at men’s basketball games this season? If you want to talk about shameful, let’s discuss that.
Let’s also discuss your ONE national championship to Tech’s FOUR.
By rambleR
January 17, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
The comment that the program is better off now than when Chan took over is not correct. At best we are equal now after several years of not being as good as the Seattle Bowl team.
Gailey took over a team that beat a number 12 Stanford team, using an interim coach. He just lost to a #12 team in a bowl. The win totals have been about the same.
He wallows in mediocrity and takes all of the fans into mediocrity with him. I hope he is gone by later on today, but will probably not be.
By GTA
January 17, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
I agree with you on this one, but think about it this way: The New Orleans’ Saints qb last season was Aaron Brooks. A player who was inaccurate, made stupid throws, made stupid decisions and worst of all, turned the ball over a lot. In comes Drew Brees and the Saints are in the NFC Cship, sure it’s not JUST the quarterback who is responsible, but he put up MVP numbers. Maybe TB will do the same judging by his performance at the Gator Bowl.
By smitty
January 17, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
2D, just where do all you tech fans that talk about progress with your man chan get your blinders, cause i need a pair to survive another year with chan……granted, this year was a slight improvement over last year, but the ACC was way down in quality; (we made the ACCCG, whoohoo) we got to play a couple of extra games (troy and samford come to mind) and we made it to nine wins, whoohoo, but it is apparent to nearly everyone that GT should have achieved so much more this season…..it’s coaching, plain and simple, and chan stinks at coaching the GAME of football…..how you can make a statement that the program is in better shape than when he took over is beyond me and so typical of the chan apologists…(unless of course, your starting point is after chan’s first year when he took us low enough that the only way left to go was up)….if you say it enough times, then it must be true…..how’s this for progress…..before chan came we ranked in the top 25 consistently and had our share of wins against GA….since, we’ve had record setting losses, no top 25 rankings, no wins against ga……progress?……
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
Hey Beachside, you say “I’d like to see Tech do better as the rivalry means way more to them than us. We will never win or lose an SEC championship based on that game!” but yet, we were in the ACC championship, and in the end, the UGA game had no bearing on our season. And I’ll bet that this rivalry means more to you than it does to us when you lose the game. Come on. Give us a little credit. I know UGA fans aren’t the ignorant morons that most Tech fans think, and I know that Tech fans aren’t the blind whiners that most UGA fans think.
By Ron
January 17, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
PLEASE, GOD, let Gailey get another job! PLEASE. I bet ANYONE could do better than he did with the talent we had. ANY decent coach would have seen that Reggie was no QB. Most people with a 60 IQ can tell when a ship is sinking, but old Chan sits there, sipping his tea and acting like all is well when everyone else knows better. He is a blockhead. Bye, Chan.
By Ron
January 17, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
and one more thing: how can you possibly justify giving Chan a renewed contract two years ago? That was one of the stupidest decisions imaginable. Who let Dave Braine do this? Wasn’t there anyone overseeing the process? How about the President of the Institute? Doesn’t he care?
By Florida's impact on Georgia
January 17, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
From a Tech’s fan perspective, I think Georgia has had a great run the past 5 years.
Several things however are signaling tough time for Georgia:
Florida has proven itself top dog in the SEC East. It’s going to hurt UGA’s recruiting.
Increasing competition from South Carolina. Both on the field, and recruiting.
Reggie Balls departure.
Chan Gailey’s immenent departure
Mark Richts departure in the next 2-3 years.
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Ron, I definitely agree with you, but I’m pretty sure Wayne G has more important things on his plate than the status of Chan’s contract. Such as improving our position as the #8 public university in the nation.
By tom johnson
January 17, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
KEEP CHAN GAILEY! Dr. Thomas Johnson UGA Class of 74
By reality check
January 17, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Gailey had some misfortune early on with the academic fiascos and probation. The program hasn’t recovered yet. Tech is a relatively young team.
Also, 7 win seasons with an occasional 9 win season thrown in are perfectly satisfactory to Tech’s president.
I’m really weary of Tech’s “academic difficulty” BS. And that is what it is, a whiney, BS excuse. Tech is a good school and always has been. That wasn’t a problem for Bobby Dodd and Tech didn’t have the liberal arts college back then. Notre Dame, Michigan, and Southern Cal are all harder to get into than Tech and they have big time programs. The difference is their fans, alums, and administration all expect results. That isn’t true at Tech. Tech’s administration doesn’t care about football and nobody is holding them accountable.
By GT Fan Jeff
January 17, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
I have been a LOYAL GT fan for almost 50 years, so I can safely say I have seen the “good, the bad and the ugly” regarding our football program. I have always supported the HC, no matter who he was (yes, even Bill Lewis), and I have defended Gailey on many occasions since he arrived at GT. Believe me, that has not always been easy. However, the coaching (or lack there of) in four of the final five games of the 2006 season (even Chan and Reggie can beat Duke), and Chan’s current infatuation with the NFL again have exhausted even my ability to continue to provide support. The main concerns many people have with Gailey leaving is the possible negative impact on an outstanding recruiting class, and the normal “bumnps in the road” you have with any HC change. I realize these are both very real concerns and even likely to happen. On the other hand, every HC since Dodd (with the obvious exception of Bill Lewis) has had some success and gone to bowl games, and I am CONFIDENT that whoever replaces Chan will do so as well and will occasionally beat UGA. Chan is no longer the man at GT, and I am ready for this “journey” to end. Here’s hoping GT gets a break and the Dolphins hire Gailey.
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
reality check, honestly, football is an afterthought to most Tech students and alumni. If we are good, terrific. If we aren’t, we don’t really care. We love our school for different reasons. And that’s A-OK by me. I’m not out there whining about not winning because I KNOW we can’t recruit like Southern Cal or Michigan, and I go to the games to have fun. Sure, it sucks to lose to UGA. But it’s not the end of my life. And I’m STILL proud of my school.
By reality check
January 17, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
INcredibility, thanks for the input. I believe you when you say Tech alums, students, faculty and administration don’t really care about the football team.
It is interesting you say you KNOW Tech can’t recruit like Notre Dame or Michigan. Why is that? And how do you explain this year Tech’s class is rated about like those two schools?
By 85Dawg
January 17, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
From a UGA grad as well as fan (and intelligent people know the difference):
INcredibility - well said re: fans of each school, and how the game “means less to us” as long as we’re on a winning streak. Very true.
GTA - To the point of the original article, Drew Brees had some help in New Orleans - a new coach who put together the pieces to give him the chance for success. Funny how everyone in these Tech threads is so quick to condemn Reggie Ball for his failures while seeming to blame Gailey only for continuing to play Ball. Maybe Ball would have had more success with a different coach…?
By jabster
January 17, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Where do I start…
1) It will be interesting and educational to see Chan coach a Ball-less team. That will be the litmus test to the quality of his coaching.
2) If Tech is such a rotten school (and don’t go off on me “playing the academics card like a Tech geek”-you started it), ‘splain this from USNews:
—Tech is ranked NINTH IN THE NATION in public universities. —In the ACC, the only publics ahead of Tech are UVA (which may go private) and UNC, both much bigger and diverse schools. —In the top 50, the only SEC schools are Vandy (natch) and Florida. Gator bait in the classroom too, huh? —UGA is #60 and behind the following ACC schools: Duke, UNC, UVA, Wake, BC, GT, Miami, and Maryland. That’s 2/3 of the ACC. All but Miami and Maryland are in the top 50.
3) UNC, NCSU, BC, and Miami won’t be ready for prime time next year. It always takes a year or two at least to digest a coaching change. We won’t play FSU or Wake unless we make it to the ACCCG again. We will need to focus on Clemson and VT.
4) We can explain what got us in NCAA trouble (a registrar who was nearing retirement and mailing it in). Can you explain Harrick Jr.? What about Jan Kemp? Remember, you have to have standards to begin with in order to not meet them.
All of these UGA fans sound like Democrats tut-tutting the Republicans for their moral failings…which is ridiculous considering that the Dems don’t consider these acts to be moral failings to begin with.
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
reality, I said Sothern Cal or Michigan, not Michigan or ND. And I am very excited about our recruits. I hope that we can contend nationally. BUT (and since you are indeed the “reality check,”) I don’t EXPECT us to be USC or Michigan. I’m not an idiot. We are in the south. We compete for recruits with the really strong southern football schools. I get that. And again, it’s not the end of the world. It’s football.
By m
January 17, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
**Chan is apparently counting on the stupidity of Tech fans to blame Reggie for everything. Ask yourself his question….Who is responsible for starting Reggie 49 TIMES??? It is the worst coach in the history of college football….Chan Gailey. He should be fired today!!
By Tift Dawg
January 17, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Robert- Let’s talk academics- Medical School, Pharmacy School, Vet School, Law School-None of which are part of your school. You lose!
By jabster
January 17, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
…and I will sit down and shut up when you show me five players from this year’s team who are majoring in pre-med, pharmacy (street pharmacy or Steroids 101 doesn’t count), pre-vet, or pre-law.
By techaholic
January 17, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Chan Gailey is the HC at GT. It’s his responsibility to make the right decisions concerning his team from all aspects.
Respect for a coach comes with his leadership, decision making and overall management of the program. Coaches make mistakes but good ones CHANGE that which is wrong. Chan just downright REFUSED to even try a new QB!
Chan came to GT with that kind of mentality - he got fired by the Cowboys because of it.
Chan Gailey came to GT with a very average resume over more than 20 yrs of coaching. NOTHING he has done here has changed that resume … very average and definitely less than stellar.
The GTAA talked about Chan coming in and getting us to the NEXT LEVEL … BCS, that supposedly Coach O’Leary could not do. Who is kidding who here??? The only level Chan has got us to isn’t even as good as GOL, but it’s also steps backwards!
I’m praying that some team, any team wants Chan. His 5 year stay at GT was 4 years too long!
By reality check
January 17, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
INcredibility, there was a time Tech not only could but did compare favorably to Southern Cal, Michigan, and Notre Dame. In fact, Tech was one of the schools that proved academic and athletic excellence were not mutually exclusive. Tech has since abdicated that position.
Clearly the model is there. There is no reason Tech can’t have that kind of frequent top ten success again except, as you say, the students and administration really don’t care. I can’t understand why anybody would support a clear embrace of mediocrity.
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
reality,
It’s not a “clear embrace of mediocrity.” It’s a clear understanding of the fact that, yes, we compete in D-1 athletics, and we compete well in my opinion. But that’s not the reason I went to Tech, and I’m pretty sure it’s not the reason 99% of the students and alumni went to Tech. Just as MOST students don’t go to ND or USC or Michigan for football. There will be a time when we are again a top team, but I’m not sitting on the edge of my seat chewing my nails over when that will be.
By george p burdell
January 17, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Chan, The only think worse than being a quitter (like Bill Curry) is threatening to be a quitter. Take off. Adios. Vamoose. You want to get an NFL job, take off. We don’t need you and don’t want you. Cannot make ends meet on ony a $million a year? If you stay at Tech, I hope that every player on the team contacts other schools to see if they can transfer. You are a gutless phony and you make me want to puke. Hell, you didn’t even go to Tech. Go back to U. Fla and see if you can fetch the coffee for Urban Meyer.
By crs
January 17, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Lets have a reality check, given the facilities, academics, and the fact UGA now owns the state in recruiting, I think it is pretty incredible what Chan has done, you win more than your share of big games and go to a bowl every year. That is the most realistic Tech fans should expect. In football, in the acc, the flordia schools year in and year out because of the talent in FL will be very good, this year was an exception and I would venture, both FL schools will not be bad in the same year again for some time. Clemson and VT are and will be more talented most years when playing GT. The rest of the conference is on somewhat equal footing though if North Carolina ever makes a real commitment to football, I suspect they could be very good year in and year out. This makes Tech a middle of the pack team with very few if any chalk up the victory type games. In the SEC, Tech would a bottom tier team, in the same league with Miss St. and Vandy. I don’t see it possible for Tech to realistically ever win 9 or 10 games a year.
By Robert
January 17, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Tift Dawg: Does MIT, CalTech, etal have Medical, Pharmacy, Vet, and Law Schools? What’s wrong with you lad?
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
MIT and CalTech have football teams? Where have I been?
By Techie
January 17, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Hey Tift Dawg- it doesn’t really matter that UGA has those colleges, since they still suck. GT could create a law program next year- it doesn’t really count for anything if it’s not a quality program. By the way, how’s your college of engineering working out for you?
By Valerie
January 17, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
Yes after I talk to Chan last Fri at his aunt memorial service, I told him I want him back and yes I agree with the writer. I want him back not cause I know him personally but with another quarterback next year, we will do well. Now that Reggie is gone, get over it Tech fans and quit whinning. It take time to rebuild program. Gee, this is college kids who trying to go to school as well as have fun playing sports. I know I have one who play 4 years of college sports and you have to make good on your academic. We not a football factory anyway.
By m
January 17, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Tech should never have hired this mediocre PE major from Florida. He should be fired today.
By Pitbull
January 17, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
The question on the table is why hasn’t Chan won more? The answer is that he is not a good football coach.
Why do you think UGA passed over CG to hire MR, who has won 61 games in 6 years and has one six straight and never lost against GT?
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Ahh, Pitbull, you admit that the Tech game IS important to you! Thank you for being honest.
By Ol' Dawg
January 17, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
To ALL my fellow Georgians, regardless! Those of you that are either immature or lack intelligence will never solve anything with the venom you spew for each other, and that includes my Dawg fans. Tech is a credit to our state, and as such, and because of the standards and lack of interest in “winning”, will always be more academic than sports oriented. UGA has progressed dramatically in the last 20 years, thanks primarily to Dr. Charles Knapp who set the tone and laid the foundation, and all Georgians can be proud of the fine educational, yes, educational institution it has become. It continues to improve. I truly believe that Tech would have a better football team while maintaining its academic standing, if it had remained in the SEC. The powers that be of that era, chose not to. The ACC has some very fine schools, and almost all are second tier football schools. Therefore, I beg the question - Why not accept the fact that Vandy and Duke realize their fate in athletics, and perhaps change your (Tech fans) thinking and accept what a terrific institution you have academically and quit trying to be both, including a football power? As a loyal bulldog, an admirer of my state engineering school, and a somewhat intelligent individual, I wish things were different and more competitive, but they aren’t and from time to time may be, but it will not anytime soon be equal on the field. Accept it Tech fans, embrace what you have including a fine individual as a football coach that instills good values for the more important things ahead in life, and be content to win a few and lose a few.
By Valerie
January 17, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Get over it M You a troublemakerasking for trouble. Sounded like you not a true Tech fan. Chan is a good man and glad we have him as a coach. I will contact some of his cousins and have them to look at this blog.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 17, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Reggie Ball is not lacking in talent. Gailey just wasn’t able to develop him into a reliable QB.
I still don’t think that you fire Gailey unless you have someone else in mind who a) has the name recognition to continue recruiting players as well as Gailey and b) is a better coach on the field. In the Falcons’ case, firing Jim Mora was an obvious decision because there were 4 or 5 better candidates waiting to be hired. In Gailey’s case, I’m not sure that finding a quality replacement will be that easy.
By Pitbull
January 17, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Oh, I am honest. I would rather beat Tech and watch them weep and knash their teeth than have sex with a cute little Falcon’s cheerleader. And I would love to have sex with a cute little Falcon’s cheerleader.
By nerdboy
January 17, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
You know, no matter how many blogs I read it in, I still find it funny how UGA fans bash Tech academics. Go look up the majors for your UGA players and find: Child Care, Home Economics, Pre-Business (?? Pre-Business, what the heck is that), etc. Do any of those majors require calculus? Or computer science? Unless they do, dont bash the management program.
As for academics being a joke, anyone remember how many points a 3-pointer is worth? How about a tough one: How many halves are in a basketball game?
Hows this for an idea: don’t bash academics unless you have something to back it up.
By Pitbull
January 17, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
Oh, I am honest. I would rather beat Tech and watch them weep and knash their teeth than have sex with a cute little Falcon’s cheerleader. And I would love to have sex with a cute little Falcon’s cheerleader.
By JustMe
January 17, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Chan is an NFL coach. He approaches the game with the mindset that the players are mature athletes as opposed to college kids. This is why he doesn’t have more success at the college level.
For example, in the pros, you can usually take a 14 point lead and let your defense control the game and make conservative offensive play calling. In college games, you simply cannot count on kids to be as disciplined or mature enough to do this - they will relax and prematurely celebrate, thus losing the game.
Chan has never really learned the difference between the pro game and the college game. How many times has Chan gone conservative with a lead only for Tech to lose the game? Too many times!!!!
Chan must realize that college kids cannot stop until the clock reaches 0:00!!!!!
By JohnROSS
January 17, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
gEORGIA IS A BUNCH OF THUG’S WHON WILL SPEND MOST OF THERE LIVE’S IN THE STATE PEN.tHE ONE’S THAT DON’T WILL BE WORKING FOR G.T GRADUATE’S.
By GoldRush
January 17, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Andy, from the way he’s conducting his business it appears that Chan doesn’t want to come back to Georgia Tech. An unmotivated coach is an unsuccessful coach. Time to part ways. To discuss Tech football further join us at: http://www.bbuzzoff.com
By Spanky
January 17, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
Andy,….that’s 6 wins in a row,..not 5.
JohnRoss,….Was that a sentence?
By Bubba Birdman
January 17, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Hey JohnROSS, by your lack of proper English, it is obvious that you did not attend G.T. or any other institution of higher learning.
By GTman
January 17, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Gailey and Nix both need to leave. As a coach, how could you allow ability like Bennett’s to sit on the bench while you make the fans, our defense, and CJ suffer with the play of Reggie Ball. It is the total incompetence of these two that led us to lose the last three games. In addition, how can a coach let his starting QB and starting safety get to a point that they become academically ineligible? With all the academic support available to our athletes, there is no excuse for this to happen.
I am excited about next year with the returning talent and the incoming class.
Go Jackets!
By JustMe
January 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
I am soooooo excited about the way the recruits are sticking with Tech, regardless of Chan. This speaks volumes about the institution and even more about the character of the recruits!
Go Tech!!!
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
I agree with you, JustMe, but let’s see if they ACTUALLY stay when he leaves. It’s a whole lot easier to speculate than it is to actually decide.
By Cee G
January 17, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
The question about being able to compete is this. If GT had the same academic requirements as UGA, how then would they fare against each other in football? If Caleb King is a “five-star” athlete yet can’t get in @ GT, is it fare to compare the two schools? How many other “top-flight” players are on UGA’s roster who would be ineligible @ Tech? Could you compare, say, the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders if Tom Brady is ineligible to play for the Raiders!!
By Matt
January 17, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
My lord you Techies get dumber by the minute. Gee, who would be responsible for starting Reggie Ball at QB for 4 years? Can one of you plug that into your pocket calculator and get an answer for me?
LOL @ the stupidity.
By Matthew at the SLC
January 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Mr. Barlowe,
Sir, where did you get your numbers, because they are dead wrong. Did they not teach you the academic principle of research at your trade school? Mr. Barlowe, if you had bothered to do a little research, you would have found that the numbers you quoted have no basis in fact whatsoever. What else should I expect from the trade school which helped to make a mess out of Atlanta’s highway and interstate system?
Mr. Barlowe, Georgia has 2 outright National Championships and 4 shared titles. Tech has 4 shared titles, none of them are outright championships. Now, if you’re not following me, that means in those 4 years, another team, possibly more, have had claims to winning the National Title in that year.
So where does that leave us? That leaves UGA with the EXACT SAME NUMBER of shared National Championships as Georgia YECH, and oh yeah, two, count ‘em, TWO outright, no disputing it National Championships.
And what’s the difference between Georgia and Georgia YECH? We only celebrate the titles we won outright, and don’t have a flag at Sanford Stadium proclaiming out shared titles. YECH? They like to make people think they’ve won 4 outright titles, but much like their claims of academic excellence, they are FRAUDULENT.
Sorry, Trade Schoolers. You just don’t measure up in any way, shape, or form to the University of Georgia. You let athletes into your intstitution with just as many waivers as we do. You’re no different. In fact, you’re worse, because you created a school of business at a trade (engineering?) school just so you could actually try and grab better athletes from schools like UGA, or at least, grab the 2-star recruit scraps left over.
So, the minute YECH added a business school, and letting athletes in on the same kind of waivers we do at times, then you lost all right to make the academic superiority argument. And that goes doubly since it was found that your student athletic system was fradulent this whole time anyway.
I’m just waiting to hear the next great lie from YECH alumni on this board, about how you’re my boss, or our bosses, and how you drive nice cars and do all sorts of things, like NOT attending Star Wars conventions and the such. And how about you get laid all the time because you’re all so smart and girls really don’t care if you’re the nerdiest nerd, because you’re so smart.
Guys, if these are the best comebacks you have in the face of cold, hard facts, well, then I really do kind of pity you.
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Matt, I don’t think any of us are arguing that it wasn’t Chan’s fault?
By gdawginkalamazoo
January 17, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
INcredibility, I like your posts. Well said.
Andy, Well said. Reading some of the other blogs there seems to be a tad bit of animosity towards Chan. IMO you guys will probably be the front runner for ACC Cahmpionship next season. You have a lot of talent coming back. How foolish would most your fan base look if you did win the ACC?
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
gdawg, Thanks for the compliment (maybe?) but I seriously doubt Tech will be the frontrunner for the ACC next year. Unfortunately, Miami (even with the changes) and FSU (ditto) don’t stay down long. As I said, I’m not worried. I’m along for the ride, I love Tech sports, and I hope it works out for us!
By Matt
January 17, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Matt, I don’t think any of us are arguing that it wasn’t Chan’s fault?
I believe Mr. Fritchley is.
“Do you really want to judge Chan Gailey’s tenure at Georgia Tech knowing that Reggie Ball has been his quarterback 4 out of the 5 seasons?”
Yes sir I do. Here’s a little Football 101 for you. Chan Gailey, as head coach of the team, is responsible for player personell decisions. Criticism of Reggie Ball is criticism of Chan Gailey. Gailey chose to start Ball. Gailey coached Ball and made him the player that he is. This is very basic stuff about the game of football. My god.
Georgia Tech football fans=JOKE. Give it up.
By Ronny
January 17, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Southeastern Sports report on 680 says that Gailey and Mora may have fallen back a little in the Miami coaching search. Cam Cameron and Dom Capers may have advanced. Just for what it’s worth. Who knows? I think Chan’s a fine man and good recruiter. But his game management falls far short. I.e., keeping Reggie in, when he should have been pulled in favor of Bennett in several games, makes no sense. And I agree with the blogger who brought up the lack of intensity in the second half of several games. Notre Dame comes to mind. Tech could and should have won that game. .
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Matt … Did you read beyond the first paragraph? He goes on to say, “So you ask why didn’t Gailey play anyone else at QB — especially those last few games? I have the same question and I don’t think there’s an answer coming anytime soon. This is a disservice to the fans and I believe we deserve a good answer. After all, we’re the ones who paid to watch that nonsense.”
Jeez. Read before you post. “My god.”
By in the round 1980
January 17, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Whether or not Mr Gailey gets the Miami position, or any other for that matter, he has handled the situation appropriately. From what I’ve read he recruited future players by placing the Institute first and then offering the opportunity to participate in the football program. Understanding this explains a lot, including the loyality of the recruits to their commitment and Mr. Gailey’s position concerning the play of Mr. Ball. Honor, Respect, Humility, Perserverance: If Mr Gailey does not return to Georgia Tech, he has already made his mark in the sand and it will be up to the Institution to determine the future of the program.
By Matt
January 17, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Yes, I read the whole thing. He is relieving Chan Gailey of responsibility for not “winning more” and putting it on Reggie Ball. It is ludicrous and defies logic. The buck stops with the head coach. It’s nobodies fault but his. MY GOD.
By INcredibility
January 17, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Matt, I respectfully disagree with everything you just wrote. He isn’t “relieving Chan Gailey of his responsibility” and putting it on Reggie. He’s saying that a QB makes or breaks a team (true) and that Reggie was left in the game after proving his inability to lead (true) and that Chan is a respectable human being, if not the best HC (true.) He is also admitting that we, as Tech fans, may be stuck with Chan until at least 2011 so we better suck it up and work with him as best we can. Also true.
By Valerie
January 17, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Hey JohnRoss I think I know who you are and thank for your post too. I did contact Chan cousins here in town and told them to look at this blog. I wanted to tell you guys my husband got his recreation major at UGA and had classes with the football team and he told how they cheat and get away not going to classes. Anyway I am not planned to go to any Tech games next year if Chan not coming back. I had enough of this whinning and bickeringr among the Tech fans. I am so embrassed no wonder the UGA fans are making fun of us.
By Spike
January 17, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Sheesh!!! I wish you guys would make up your mind.
By gdawginkalamazoo
January 17, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
INcredibility, you might be right there regarding Miami and FSU. But didn’t Miami hire the old OC? Something about them wanting to take the program in a “new” direction but yet hiring someone from Coker’s staff. I might be wrong on that though. FSU would probably be a bigger worry. Jimbo (might want to get a grown up name) Fisher is the real deal and will probably take over for Bobby in the next year or so if things go well for them. So you might have a transition year for those guys. If you do get a new coach you will be in trouble unless it is a current assistant (which I would highly doubt) that keeps most everything intact. Anyhoo good luck. Did Schottenheimer get fired yet? He would be next inline at the Dolphins.
By Give Chan Another Chan-ce?
January 17, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
How ANYONE on Earth that claims to be a Tech Football Fan can print things like “This is a disservice to the fans and I believe we deserve a good answer. After all, we’re the ones who paid to watch that nonsense” in one paragraph…Then a paragraph or two later, “If Chan stays, I’ll give him another chance. I want to move forward and forget about the Reggie Ball era” shows just how committed you really are…What COMPLETE NONSENSE!
You obviously haven’t SUFFERED enough yet at the hands of this Coach…And it you think things are going to get better? Well…You must have had your EYES CLOSED during the Gator Bowl when this Reggie-less Coach PROVED that no matter HOW HARD his team plays, not matter HOW MANY points are put up on the board by the offense, no matter HOW EXCEPTIONAL the QB play is: THIS COACH WILL DO WHAT HE HAS ALWAYS DONE — SNATCH DEFEAT FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY!
Go back and re-read the post-game quotes from the WAKE game and the WVU game…He clearly said PUNT from the 54-yd line against WAKE, then he tried a RIDICULOUS 54-ys FG that had absolutely NO CHANCE on the same field, same wet conditions, same kicker to effectively END THE GAME WITH A LOSS against WVU…
The definition of INSANITY is: Doing the SAME things over and over and expecting DIFFERENT results…This coach PROVED he’s the MOST INSANE HEAD COACH in College Football by playing RB, playing RB, playing RB for 4 FREAKIN’ YEARS until WIKIPEDIA now grants the INFAMOUS REGGIE BALL the title of MOST INEFFECTIVE 4-YEAR STARTER IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL HISTORY!
So here’s what you have with this coach:
1) THE MOST INSANE COACH IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL
2) THE MOST INEFFECTIVE HEAD COACH IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL HISTORY, since he was so OBTUSE he refused to remove RB when he was a “worse than ineffective” 6-for-22, 42 YDS PASSING, 2 INT, 1 FUMBLE ret for TD against a UGAy team this coach had already lost to 4 TIMES IN A ROW!
3) THE ONLY COACH IN DIV 1-A WHO WOULD PUNT AWAY A CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP ON 4TH DOWN WITH 2 MINUTES TO PLAY
4) THE ONLY COACH STILL IN DIV 1-A WHO COULD FIND A WAY TO LOSE WHEN HIS QB PASSES FOR A SCHOOL BOWL RECORD 326 YDS, YET HE SQUANDERS AN 18-PT HALFTIME LEAD
5) THE COACH WHO COULD GO TO A BOWL GAME EVERY YEAR, BUT NEVER FINISH A SINGLE SEASON IN THE TOP 25
6) THE COACH WHO HAS SINGLE-HANDEDLY DESTROYED THE GA/GA TECH RIVALRY THAT SO MANY OF US GREW UP IN THE MIDDLE OF…IT IS NO LONGER A RIVALRY, BECAUSE THIS COACH DOESN’T EVEN WANT TO WIN IT
If you objectively evaluate this coach’s performance, or lack thereof, then you can’t POSSIBLY believe anything will change without RB. Even if RB was playing on another planet…This coach would STILL SUCK as a head coach because he can’t manage his personnel and games for WINS when they’re MUST WIN GAMES!
Chan Gailey OBVIOUSLY hates GT and doesn’t even want to be here anymore…Just ask his AGENT who’s trying to place him ANYWHERE ELSE! If after ALL OF THIS, you STILL say “Give Chan A Chan-ce!”…Well, you’ve been BRAINE DEAD for the past 5 years! (LIKE VALERIE)
By Russell
January 17, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Chan Gailey is a good human being. As a football coach he is an under acheiver who cannot win a big game because he coaches not to lose instead of coaching to win. Tech was very lucky to win the Maryland game and the red zone offense has been tentative not only this year but in every year he has been at Tech.
Chan made a decision to play Reggie for 4 years. Reggie did not improve in 4 years, in fact he regressed. I call that a coaching failure. Reggie ran his mouth on the field for 4 years to the detriment of his team in many cases. I call that a coaching faiure.
I hope Miami hires Chan, but if not he needs to be fired because he has been a coaching failure. At a time when he had his team, his recruits and when UGA was down and Wake Forest was his ACC opponent for the championship Chan Gailey could not win the big game. That is failure and the buck stops with him!
If he stays Tech and mediocraty will remain synonomous.
By joseph
January 17, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Uh..it has been six years . Just so ya’ll remember. Sic’ Em
By James
January 17, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
“The institute cut its own throat and bled itself out when it cut and ran from the SEC.”
Maybe so, but when Bear Bryant and Bobby Dodd patched up their differences, mainly because the NCAA set scholarship limits, it was Dooley and UGA that wouldn’t let Tech back in the conference. Go read the conference votes.
So you can’t fault Tech for not being in the SEC. At one time they wanted to come back. Now, I think its a different story.
By James
January 17, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
“You are on PROBATION for academic misconduct.” The school is on probation because the registrar’s office can’t follow the NCAA rules when converting classes from quarters to semesters. It was a stupid clerical error made by some idiotic clerk in an office that has nothing to do with academics or athletics.
By UGAG SUX
January 17, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
moc is an inbred idiot uga fan. Never went to school but bleeds red & black. All athletes must pass so many hours/credits toward a degree to be able to play sports. Most players that have played 4 years are a year or so away from graduating. Get your facts straight. Hey mutts, “GATORS ARE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND IT WILL SOON BE 15 OUT OF 17. CHOMP CHOMP
By James
January 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
“Let’s also discuss your ONE national championship to Tech’s FOUR.”
Let’s not also forget that uga would not have been in a position to win that game if Tech had not tied Notre Dame in 1980. It must really be sad for uga fans to know in the back of their mind that Tech played a roll in their only National Chanpionship.
By GET A CLUE!
January 17, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
joseph…Thanks for reminding all of us TECH FANS on this TECH BLOG that there’s ALWAYS A UGAy DAWG HIDING SOMEWHERE just waiting to jump out and show his IGNORANCE in front of everyone! Coach GAILEY has LOST 5 TIMES IN A ROW to UGAy. Get it?
This is a BLOG about coach GAILEY. The comment regarding 5 losses in a row was about GAILEY. Get it?
Uh, VALERIE…UGAy Fans are making fun of us BECAUSE THIS COACH HAS NO DESIRE TO WIN WHAT WAS FORMERLY ONE OF THE GREATEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL RIVALRIES IN THE SOUTH…We’ve LOST 6 times in a row! THAT’S why UGAy fans are laughing at us…Oh, that AND IGNORANT POSTS by Tech Fans who STILL WANT THIS COACH ON THE SIDELINES, or they WON’T go to any more games next year? WTF?!?!
Are you beyond your TEEN years yet? If you’d wake up from your deep funk, you’d see that HARDLY ANYONE IS GOING to Tech Games NOW…Except the opposing Fans. What…You want to talk about UGAy football players “cheating” like it’s something secret?
How about Coach GAILEY…Who has brought ACADEMIC DISGRACE once again to the Tech Campus (not long after the NCAA just packed up and left the LAST time), with 3 SENIORS academically ineligible for the Bowl…Specifically because this Coach is MENTALLY-INELIGIBLE!
“Let the Seniors be their own Guides”? PLLEEEAAAZZZZEEE!! Just how much FAILURE from this Coach Gailey is ENOUGH, before you Chan-Huggers cry UNCLE!??? Clearly, we haven’t sunk to that level …YET.
By Joseph
January 17, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Was Ken Swilling a mathematical Genius? What about Derrick Steagall? Or maybe Nat Dorsey? I think that Rueben Houston was a business major, of course he was too busy playing in the bowl game and attending court to graduate. In a couple of years this years recruiting class will be 0 for 2 against Georgia and ya’ll will still be nerds living in probably the worst city on the planet. GOOO Dawgs!!
By JustMe
January 17, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
My Dear Mathew at the SLC….
I believe that to compare National Championships to National Championships, we need to lool at one sport, and we talk football here. So the ugag NC in underwater basket weaving simply does not count.
Please repost your “numbers” comparing FOOTBALL National Championships between GA Tech and ugay. I betcha won’t because then you would eat crow!!!
As a matter of fact, GA Tech has more SEC conference championships than ugay!!!! How funny is that?
By Wally Butts
January 17, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
Gailey has done a good job. The team has definitely improved in his time. His peak has been his wins over Auburn. But he should have accomplished more this year. The end of season melt down is inexcusable. Leaving the SEC is the best move Tech has ever made. College sports is more than football (except in Athens). Our ACC basketball association alone has more than made up for leaving SEC football.
By Nono
January 17, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
I am one of a few how likes coach Gailey. Before he hired Patrick Nix, I was at oods with him. Same ‘ole three plays and a cloud of dust, but now things are a little different. The offense is a lot more unpredictable and exciting to watch. You have a few supporters Chan
By gtlinz
January 17, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
I believe one of the real reasons for Chan’s success is John Tenuta. Will Tech continue to improve? Not sure if that will happen once Tenuta gets another job. Chan has many pluses (solid individual and coach) but also has not handled the other rigors of being a college coach (how many years will kids keep being academically ineligble and HOW OH HOW do you not replace Reggie when he obviously could not handle the big game pressure??). I won’t be upset if he stays but want to see improvement. If he goes then Tenuta gets his wish and mine too. Hate to see another great assistant coach end up elsewhere like the Fridge (who was most of O’Leary’s success).
By Reggie
January 17, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Although it seems many Georgia Tech fans and supporters have forgotten about all of the good things Reggie Ball accomplished at Georgia Tech, Reggie still has some supporters who will miss him. Please note that UGA will officially retire Reggie Ball’s jersey at the first home game of the 2007 season, versus Oklahoma State, at half time.
By CMR
January 17, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
Although it seems many Georgia Tech fans and supporters have forgotten about all of the good things Reggie Ball accomplished at Georgia Tech, Reggie still has some supporters who will miss him. Please note that UGA will officially retire Reggie Ball’s jersey at the first home game of the 2007 season, versus Oklahoma State, at half time.
By boonedawg
January 17, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Why hasn’t Chan won more games?? It’s a very simple answer that even a Techie or a Geico caveman spokesman could understand…. Mark Richt.
Richt wins, Tech loses.