ajcsportstalk

By Waldo

June 11, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Well, at least it isn’t an ultra-racist Affirmative Action hire.

Go Get ‘Em, Coach Curry!

By Jason

June 11, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Great move! With the huge tv market that is Atlanta, as long as GSU does ok during its first few years, expect to see the Big East extend them an invitation to the big league. Just like South Florida, it’s all about the tv market these days, and GSU is in the middle of one of the largest.

I doubt that Bill Curry will be with GSU more than six or seven years. All he has to do is make them competitive in I-AA/playoff division and guide them through the process of moving up to the bowl division, and he’ll forever be considered a legend at GSU.

By jason

June 11, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Another Georgia Tech reject working at Ga. State. What are the chances?

By PTC DAWG

June 11, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Great move, especially for anyone who enjoys watching College Football on Espn. No more of Curry’s commentating.

By Matt

June 11, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

By 2011, the headline will read Panthers 31 Yellow Jackets 14

Go Dawgs

By Sam

June 11, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

As a student of Georgia State, I have been very skeptical of the football program since the idea was first announced. However, Bill Curry is a great hire for the program and has me excited now. He had success locally in Atlanta and is one of the few analysts on ESPN that knows what he is talking about.

By Staci

June 11, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

he’s too old.

By dumdumdum

June 11, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Your moms too old

By brent

June 11, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Hope that’s not the case, Matt. By 2011 there is a much better chance of the headline reading Yellow Jackets 31 Bulldogs 14

Go Jackets

By Jim

June 11, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

What’s next, Pepper Rodgers as assistant head coach?

By larry

June 11, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

class man good luck bill a dawg fan

By Barbara Bailey

June 11, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

As an alum of GSU, I’m thrilled with this hire. Coach Curry is a class act as an individual and he knows how to influence positively the student-athlete. I think it’s a great hiring decision for those of us who enjoy college football and have high hopes for the GSU panther team. I’ve watched the success that Shorter College has experienced by starting a football team; it’s time for GSU, also!

By realdawg 2

June 11, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

i’m sure curry will bring all of gsu opponents to their knees

By Gene

June 11, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Basketball was a big, expensive flop that left students picking up the tab. Expect football to flop, leaving a bigger tab.

By Bama Grad

June 11, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

I hated him while he and I were at Bama. Like Fulmer, he can’t win the big games. Yeah, yeah Fulmer has a NC gift from Arkansas but has only 3 SECs since, what, 92. Curry has never beaten Auburn while coaching at GT, Bama or Kentucky. Like 0-10 or something.

He will deliver enough wins to keep them happy though.

By TD

June 11, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

WHY!!!

By Jamar

June 11, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

How are there only TWO Div I-A programs in the state?

Georgia Southern and/or Valdosta St. could do well as a Div I-A team.

By G-State

June 11, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

This is an awesome higher! We needed someone with name recognition to help continue the hype, get people to games, and players on the field!

Highering two former National Coach of the Year winners in the last year and a half(Barnes and Curry) is pretty impressive if you ask me!!!

Watch out!!!

GO PANTHERS!!!

By panther fan

June 11, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait for State to beat Tech!!!

By dd

June 11, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

I’m a DAWG and I think this is a good hire.

New program. Get someone with experience. If the guy still has the passion, why not?

I’m sure he’s forgotten more about football than the people on here that bash him will ever know.

Grow up people!!!

By John

June 11, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

As a GSU grad, I’m embarrassed by G-State’s misuse of the word “higher.” Please tell me you didn’t go there. Surely you couldn’t gone to college and mistake “higher” for “hire.”

/slaps forehead

By B_K

June 11, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Now I will not have to watch some ESPN games on mute anymore. If he would only hire Mark May as offensive line coach………..

By scott

June 11, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

No more Bill Curry on ESPN! Can he hire Mark May as an assistant coach?

By hop

June 11, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

a great and huge hire for GSU, AND HE WILL BE BUILD A GREAT FOUNDATION FOR THE SCHOOL.

With as many great high school football players in the of georgia, GSU will be a power in a few short years.

there are not enough georgia colleges playing football and GEORGIA SOUTHERN needs to take the next step and play with the big boys.

By Goodmove

June 11, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

This is a great move. Look for Glen Spencer, who played for Curry, and won big time as head coach at West Georgia to come in as a high level assistant. Spencer built an amazing winning record at West Georgia and it was done with fantastic recruiting…something that will have to be done to get GA State going. Spencer was in a system at West Georgia that recruited and developed a very large number of All Americans in just a limited amount of time.

Spencer will return to recruit in an area where he can beat everybody at that level, and even a few times above that level.

Look for a great combination with Curry and Glen Spencer.

By guy

June 11, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

A glutton for punishment!!Good luck to a very fine man!

By I Bleed White and Gold

June 11, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Great! Go BC!!!

By Go Panthers

June 11, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Coach Curry is a good guy and a great coach to get the program going for the first couple of years. Football is not cheap! It will take a lot more than Coach Curry to bring success to the Ga State. It will take fans and $$$$$. I have seen college teams play in pro stadiums with only 8,000 people. Tulane, Florida Atlantic and Houston are established small programs with recent bowl wins. They still play to crowds that are smaller than Roswell High School. Good luck coach Curry I will be pulling for you. You are going to need it.

By C Dog

June 11, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Think it’s a great hire to get the program going.

By Jason

June 11, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

For the past six months I’ve heard lots of rumors about Georgia State having a deal with the creditors of Morris Brown College to take over their campus should Morris Brown default on their already large loans. This new “West Campus” didn’t make sense to me until today. Morris Brown has the perfect sized football stadium for Georgia State. Playing in an oversized stadium like the Georgia Dome, especially one that everyone knows is someone else’s home, doesn’t do much for building the necessary spirit and energy.

I certainly don’t want to wish anything bad on Morris Brown College. They’ve struggled hard to come back from the misdeeds of a untrustworthy few but more and more it is looking like they’re not going to make it. The rumors that keep swirling around makes me wonder if it is already a done deal between GSU and MBC’s creditors.

By rotomeister

June 11, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Great fit for a start up program, especially. He’s a good coach but probably a better man. That and his name recognition will help the recruiting.

By Jason

June 11, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Better coaching hire than the Thrashers… or lack thereof should I say.

By The Big Bug

June 12, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Curry was a lousy coach at Tech. He’ll be a lousy coach at GSU. He is what we referred to as a “face man”.You dogs on this blog won’t live long enough to see GSU beat Tech but you will see Tech beat UGA and it will not be long coming.

By Concerned

June 12, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

What a joke…but I will thank the good Lord above that my Saturdays will not be ruined by the most sanctimonious and incompetent announcer the game has ever seen.

By No Moore

June 12, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this

Not at GSU fan by any means, but if it takes Curry’s big goofy mouth off of game telecasts, I am for it.

By femhawkfan

June 12, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this

I guess the idea of the Panthers hiring Dan Reeves was just wishful thinking. Oh well, as an alumna of GSU, I will try to support the football team anyway I can.

By snellville jacket

June 12, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this

The program will be strating with class. Despite what anyone may say, Mr. Curry will bring this with him. He has always tried to do the correct thing.

Look at every where he has been. Other than a won/lost record there have not been any problems.

A new program needs his stability.

By DawgCrappy

June 12, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this

Curry better visit with Richt to learn how to buy a few big name players. I sure hope Bill doesn’t run away from the GA State job to UGAy, when he inevitably discovers this massive undertaking, as he did from Bama to UK.

By Dave Michaels

June 12, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this

Very pleased to see my old friend Bill Curry taking the GSU coaching job. I wish you great success!

By eagle

June 12, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this

The program will have a long way to go before they can compete with the real GSU. Contrary to what Jason says, it takes a lot more than being competitive in the playoffs to move to Div. I.

By marko

June 12, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

If I was the father of a gifted young football player, I could send my son to GSU confident that he’d be in good hands. The Panthers have hired a fine football coach, and an even better man.

By Eric

June 12, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

Good… ANYTHING to get the boring, pompous, overated windbag from doing football commentary and being on my TV during the fall…

By Dan

June 12, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

Bill Curry is well-spoken, honorable, and obviously knows plenty about football. That said: Not a bold move by GSU, unless Curry hires an innovative offensive coordinator and allows that OC to implement something different than Curry’s painfully vanilla offensive schemes. Points, whether by ground or air, put fannies in the seats.

By jc

June 12, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

I think Kennesaw State University should start a team……

By bull-gator

June 12, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Excellent hire. Curry will build a good foundation for the program by hiring experienced, enthusiastic coaches. Curry himself will be a figure head with the bulk of his duties to generate financial support and provide goodwill and positive public relations. If Ga State follows the South Florida template, then they can and will build a program of which all alum’s can be proud.

By mayretter local

June 12, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

GSU didn’t need a football team, what a waste of time, space, and money… typical of today’s “gotta have it” mentality.

at least curry won’t be announcing amymore - yippee.

By HomeDawg

June 12, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

A good man. Hope all you GSU alums will back the program to give Atlanta one team that will fill the stadium. I will consider going - when not in Athens.

By ugabecky

June 12, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

I was thrilled to hear UGA fans won’t have to put up with his ridiculous commentary next season…or hopefully EVER again. Good luck to Ga State!

By Curry... really?

June 12, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Let’s look at Curry’s track record. Tech: 31-43-4 Alabama: 26-10 (0-3 v Auburn) Kentucky: 26-52 Lifetime: 83-105-4 (57-95-4 without Bama’s built-in talent base)

I’ve got no dog (er, panther) in this fight, but is he really the best State could do?

By Ben

June 12, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

As I recall, Curry had only two good teams in 16 years of coaching at GT, Bama & UK, & his offenses and tactics were unimaginative. He might bring some credibility & “image” to the program as a “good man”, but his teams will be mediocre at best. It can work if he steps aside after a few years for a head coach w/ real talent at building winning teams. To Jason, Curry was not a “GT reject”; he jilted Tech for Bama. At least Tech got the better end of the deal by hiring Bobby Ross. Good memory by realdawg 2 & I hope we don’t hear more such sanctimonious talk. I won’t miss him on ESPN either.

By azcat225

June 12, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

I wonder how many more different names the “I hate Curry as an announcer” nimrod is going to use to post his tripe? At least try to make your multiple posts sound different…

Bill Curry has always been a class act, unlike a few of the posters here, and will bring more than enough drive and enthusiasm to his new job. You don’t make All Pro in the NFL as an undersized center without a big heart and a fighting spirit, and that doesn’t leave a man just because he’s not 23 any more.

Good luck, Coach!!

By Eagle Chris

June 12, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Erk was GSU’s first coach

By GoPanthers

June 12, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Lets see… A losing record at GT, Fired from Kentucky. Nobody expects us to have winning records but not wild about the choice.

By Phildo

June 12, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Curry is a perfect fit for GSU, a proven loser starting off what will be a guaranteed losing situation. I cannot understand why so many people like this hypocrite.

By dogHater

June 12, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

You stupid dogs are a bunch of morons. It didn’t take you very long to jump on a class guy like BC. But I bet you add GSU to your “toughest schedule in the nation” (ha) before they have any seniors on the team. Go back to work cleaning my gutters!!!

By Old Dawg

June 12, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Hey, G-State. Bill Curry has been hired by the university, not highered. If that’s an indication of the quality of education offered at Georgia State, I can only wait for similar quality of football.

Back to reality, I’ve always admired Bill Curry and will never forgive Alabama fans for their treatment of him, even though he won an SEC title quicker than Bear Bryant did.

Additionally, having another university with football will only showcase the talent available in Georgia. I hope Tech doesn’t wimp out like it does with Georgia Southern and plays their crosstown rivals on an annual basis.

Let’s hope a great rivalry with Georgia Southern is in our future!

By Charlie Christian

June 12, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

I have known Bill since he was a youngster. Wherever he has been during his career he has brought a style of class to the sports world. I am a fan of GA and GA Tech but I wish him well if he plays Tech. GA, well maybe. Go get ‘em Bill!

By Old Jacket

June 12, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

I was at Tech when he arrived….He was instrumental in the transition of Ga Tech from an academic institution to a “Jock School”. We still lose games, but now a degree from Tech is just like everybody else, thanks to Curry.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Yawn… great hire Georgia State. Hire a three time loser to be the guiding light of your program. He left Tech high and dry, and was fired at Bama and Kentucky. That doesn’t even include his awful work at ESPN. College football fans everywhere are happy they won’t have to listen to Bill while watching CFB games.

By Just a question...

June 12, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Has there ever been a former Tech coach that their fans did not hate with every fiber of their being? All you hear is constant whining out of the Techies about how awful coach X was or how coach X left them high and dry. I’ve even heard some of them with the gall to knock Bobby Ross, the guy who brought them the first shred of respectability they had seen in decades. Its as if toiling away in irrelevant mediocrity is the exception and not the rule. These clowns are flat out delusional. Get a grip.

By dogHater

June 12, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Hey Goldtimer, I remember when Bill Curry came back to Tech and turned our pathetic program around and put us back on the path to a national power. Do you even support the atheletic programs or do you just sit on you couch, watch the games on TV and b*** about them? Thanks for fueling the mutts fire. Bill Curry will start to build a good base for future of GSU football.

By Michael

June 12, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Great move it gets his anti UGA rants off of ESPN!

By SKBruce

June 12, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Bill Curry is a cousin by marriage. Our family has always been proud of him since his days as an NFL player and throughout his coaching career. I am thrilled by his new job at GSU. He will be a great addition to the GSU family and will do a great job for my alma mater!

By MDawg

June 12, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Similar hire to Erk Russell to start GS? WHAT? He’ s not in Erk’s league! This hire wouldn’t be much different if they hired Ray Goff or Jim Donnan! Curry is a decent coach, his connection to players was always questioned & he never was a great x & o’s guy. His best shot is to be CEO style coach & leave the strategy to his coordinators. GSU can be successful in football by recruiting GA players that are over looked by D1 team or need to be coached up & running systems that will attract them. If they run a spread option (like Appalachian St. & GA Southern) but PJ sticks with the triple option at GT you could see players going to GS instead. UGA will continue to excel but this could cause problems in recruiting for GT & GS which would eventually affect the results on the field.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach there nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach there nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Goldtimer

June 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey dogHater, I donate a lot of money and here’s a novel idea - I actually go to the games unlike most who don’t go save the big games. Curry is Bobby Petrino of his era. What ever good he did at Tech left the second he left for Tuscaloser. There is a reason he hasn’t worked since 1996. Maybe Georgia State can hire Dick Vitale to coach their nothing basketball program also.

By Kay

June 12, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Congratulations GA State and Bill Curry. I’ll pay more attention with Bill at the helm. Good luck!

By DawgCrappy

June 12, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Goldtimer- stay off the Viagra, you ignorant fool you.

By poster

June 12, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Goldtimer,

Learn how to post. You can’t read directions. Where did you go to school, UGA?

By Big Daddy

June 12, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

I was friends with Bill Curry’s son growing up and spent a lot of time with that family. I can tell you from first hand experience that Coach Curry is every bit the “good man” and “class act” that some of you posters are suggesting. Perhaps to an even larger degree than you think. If GSU is looking for a coach to start their program who knows the Xs and Os, is an excellent man who leads by example and who is also adept at recruiting, they have found the right man.

I’m a UGA grad and rabid dawg fan, but it’s always bothered me that many dawgfans, who have never met the man, hold Coach Curry in such contempt. He’s about as well rounded a man as I’ve ever met.

I have always had great admiration for Coach Curry and I wish him and the new GSU program nothing but the best.

By Honky

June 12, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Thanks to everyone for pointing out what a dumbass g-state is. Don’t enter any spelling B’s.

Yes, Curry is a great HIRE!

By Spinx

June 12, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Can’t wait to see the GEORGIA SOUTHERN vs GEORGIA STATE game

By Incredulous

June 12, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

I am a big fan of Bill Curry, and respect him tremendously. However, just the idea of GSU instituting a football program is PATENTLY ABSURD. It is inconceivable that the idea of a football program at a commuter school like GSU. Who are the numbskulls that even thought this ridicualous idea up? Besides, don’t we already have enough Women’s Studies, Art History, and Fashion Merchandising majors coming out of Athens anyway ?

By Florida Dawg

June 12, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Curry is a great hire. Mature and experience is what is needed to put together a start-up team. Anyone remember Erk Russell? I think he did quite well at Georgia Southern and he was not exactly what I would call young.

By DawgCrappy

June 12, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Honky- it’s actually “spelling bee”. And yes, Bill Curry has tremendous character but he can’t coach a lick. He must learn to coach like Richt and pay top dollar for talent.

By eaglefan

June 12, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

i also can’t wait for the georgia southern vs. georgia state game.

eagles 45 panthers 7

By seriously?

June 12, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

comparing curry to erk russell is absolutely ridiculous. curry can’t hold erk’s jock.

By Mr. T

June 12, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

How in the world could anyone who actually cares about this program complain about hiring Bill Curry? As a GSU athletic donor and future season ticket holder, I am 100% behind hiring a coach that is highly recognizable and has unquestionable character. He may not produce tons of wins but he will set a solid foundation for the program and could ultimately pass it off to former West Georgia Coach Glen Spencer, who was adept at winning with the players that I-A schools wouldn’t sign. We need to be realistic about the amount of time it takes to build a successful program. But let’s be enthusiastic about the chance to finally support a football team at our alma mater. I can’t wait until 2010.

By azcat225

June 12, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Go back and look at “G-State“‘s post. Other than the misspelling of hire, the post has no grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.

Like hungry bass, some of you took the bait…

By Rog

June 12, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

No coach at any level is as good as his/her staff. I believe Bill will select a great staff at GSU and will be a great inspiration, motivator and leader for an upstart team. Fans and alumni alike will have to be patient through the first couple of years until the program can get off the ground. I’m an ATL transplant and a 100% f’ball fan…I’ll be there to cheer them on.

By Dave

June 12, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

I’m a Georgia alum, and I absolutely see the comparison between Erk beginning the GA Southern program and Curry beginning the State program. Each school smartly got an in-state college coach that was/is well-known and well-respected to help jump start recruiting.

I also agree that State will be D-1 / Bowl in a few years due to the Atlanta market and playing in the Georgia Dome - worst case in the scenario in C-USA, best case in the Big East. (GA Southern missed the boat by not riding Erk to D-1. Now the program seems stuck in neutral.)

Considering the local resources and everything to be gained on a national level, this is a slam dunk idea and should’ve be done years ago.

By 82DAWG

June 12, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

You are correct, Curry has big-name recognition. They don’t need someone who can actually come in and win, because they likely won’t for a while, but they do need someone who give the program instant credibility which he will do.

By Johnnybravo

June 12, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I am sure there are a lot of backup Tech players happy to know that they can transfer and not have to major in toilet paper engineering.

By Andy G

June 12, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I think this is another great way for Georgia to keep its top football players in the state. I am glad to see they were able to attract the right kind of coach. I must say that having Dan Reeves to develop this program has helped steer this program in the right direction. To truly exist as a top school in Georgia, you MUST have a football team. There is only one thing that the Bible Belt loves more than God, and IT’S FOOTBALL. GO Panthers!

By Cool Whitey

June 12, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

We are excited to finally have a team. Who knows where they’ll practice. .maybe in the parking lot? LOL!

By GoBraves21

June 12, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

As a Kentucky fan, I hope GSU fans are prepared to see their team run the option every play…

By GT

June 12, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

“Great move, especially for anyone who enjoys watching College Football on Espn. No more of Curry’s commentating” My feelings exactly and I’m a Tech guy. How old was Erk when he took over Georgia Southern surely not 65? Curry says all the right things looks like a model but is dumb as a fence post and boring, none of those traits were found in Erk. Ga. State’s athletic director was a Navy grad. which are impressed by Curry types, but when you start spinning the big bucks alumni tired of the bull… real quick.

By Haywood Jablowme

June 12, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Bill Curry??!! The school he graduated from sh1t-canned him, as well as Bama and Kentucky, didn’t they? ….How about asking those 3 schools what they think about Curry’s alleged “coaching”, and see what answers you get.

Oh, well…at least we won’t have to put up with him on ESPN doing UGA games anymore, so that’s a positive right there.

By Ken

June 12, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

How can you make a “racist Affirmative Action hire” when real racism doesn’t even allow for black coaches to be in position to be considered for college coaching jobs.

Waldo: You’re another example of what in-breeding does to the mind of offspring.

By Timmy Turner

June 12, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

I wish Georgia State with coach Bill Curry would win every game they play!

By Wreck'EmTech

June 12, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

As a current Georgia Tech student and all-around college football fan. I agree with the earlier comment that more schools in our state need to get teams and start playing. Having lived in Marietta, I think Kennesaw State needs one (they need a traditional on-campus population first…), State needs one, and I’d like to see Southern move up to the bigtime even if takes being in a lame conference. This, of course, is putting all the money details aside. I think State vs. Tech could become a great rivarly (though UGA would probably remain the common enemy we’d both agree on). Think of what more college football in this state would do to the markets here. One important thing is that so many people here like teams from surrounding states (maybe just for lack of more teams that command their respect locally). I think State’s team will give the Tech athletic department the challenge it needs to start caring more about the Atlanta market while taking bandwagon fans away from the inflated Bulldog fanbase (not that it will ever cease to be the biggest fan base in the state…just that it would shrink a little). And thoughts like Southern vs. Tech, State vs. Kennesaw, Southern vs. UGA (in a legit D-1A matchup), and all the other schools that could jump in (Valdosta State, West Georgia, others?) makes me wonder if Georgia could be like Texas or Florida…football culture with options! Of course, for me it’s the Jackets all day long. Here’s hoping CPJ surprises us!

By Jimmy Neutron

June 12, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Timmy, with my cool new Wineverything ray, I can make your wish come true!

By Ed, Edd and Eddy

June 12, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Cool it, guys. This is a Cartoon Network town!

By tech-hater

June 12, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Brent….Laughing like he11 at your 6-11-08 809 PM post. Keep dreaming, buddy!! Of course, it may be that long (2011) or longer before Tech makes this game a rivalry again, but who knows? You may win a few here and there, but it’s doubtful that it would be by 2 or more TDs. If anything, the games will become a close rivalry, not some blow-out by either team.

By GSU-Lee

June 12, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

**Hey, didn’t you guys read? THIS IS A BLOG ABOUT GEORGIA STATE FOOTBALL. Go talk about the Georgia Tech Nerdy Jackets or the Georgia Bullfrogs somewhere else!

By GSU-Lee

June 12, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Hey, didn’t you guys read? THIS IS A BLOG ABOUT GEORGIA STATE FOOTBALL. Go talk about the Georgia Tech Nerdy Jackets or the Georgia Bullfrogs somewhere else!

By Concerned

June 12, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I wonder how long it will take for Curry to be on the brink of getting fired so he makes up lies like “a brick was thrown through my window,” even though there was no glass on the inside of his office and it would take a shot-putter to reach that window…or “my family received a death threat” when he was the head FOOTBALL coach, not basketball, at Kentucky.

Remember what Pepper Rodgers said after he was fired and replaced by that coaching genious Bill Curry…”It is like having your wife leave you and run off with Don Knotts.”

By Larry

June 12, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

I’ve always been on the opposing side from Curry: Headland High vs. College Park High, Georgia vs. Ga. Tech, and Chicago/Atlanta vs. Green Bay. Curry, however, has always been a true sportsman, a champion and an extremely classy guy. Regardless of game records, Bill Curry is a winner and Georgia State couldn’t have made a better choice!

By SR. CITIZEN DAWG

June 12, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Bill Curry is, always has been and always will be a CLASS act and an assett for anybodys football program. This is a brilliant move on GSU’S part.

By Realist

June 12, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Bill Curry is a pompous charlatan. All style and no substance. To compare this hire to the Georgia Southern Erk Russell hire is without a doubt the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard. Bill will be great on the cocktail/fundraising circuit but he is one of the worst X and Os guys of all time. He cares only about perception of class and is actually a person that uses his do gooder image as an excuse and a crutch for his lack of coaching ability.

By tech-hater

June 12, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee,

State won’t be PLAYING football until 2010….THEN we can talk about them.

Now….about other bloggers suggesting that Curry try the Spread-option offense….I’m not even sure Curry knows what that offense is. All I remember him running during his coaching days at Bama and UK was the old “run to the corner” option.

By GT

June 12, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Bill Curry is exactly what is wrong with American today. He is a politician. He could be the biggest bigot, egotistical jerk in the world but as long as he can talk down to everybody and take the attention off himself, think every comment out towards its political correctness, and blame his failures on the evil and stupidity of others leaving himself out of the equation, unless it is a beauty contest we the idiot public vote for these guy, confusing them somehow with our religious beliefs. The press aids guys like this to stay alive by ignoring the hypocrisy and lambasting a Spurrier who is many times more honest and straight forward, plus actually earns his money by making a positive difference with his teams, not looking ,much like Gailey, for a position of entitlement. Curry tried to run his road show back to Tech as an athletic director ,with no success; the very people who he abandoned for never having a chance to win the National Championship, he felt was only possible for him if he left Tech,giving way to a real coach and person in Bobby Ross with his beat up nose and Spurrier type observations. Ross immediately set off putting together the 1990 National Championship team at Tech while Curry is run out of Alabama on a stick. America can’t get enough of these kind of guys.

By Gus

June 12, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Coach,

What would the caption of picture 13 of 15 be?

By JP

June 12, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

This could be a good hire. There are very very few coaches that are willing to take on the start up of a program. The ‘hot property’ college assistants out there are waiting for their opportunity at an established program. Nobody wants to take a chance and crash and burn at GSU. Jim Leavitt at USF is one of the few exceptions.

At age 65, I think this is more about getting the program up and running with a recognizeable coach than anything else. Look at what Howard Schnellenberger has done at Florida Atlantic. They made it to a bowl game this year and won it. That should be the goal. Beyond that, the program will have enough momentum to hire an up and coming young coach to carry it further.

By GatorGuy

June 12, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

A politician is exactly what GSU needs. They also need a salesman. There is a lot more to starting a program than X’s and O’s. I suggest Coach Curry go down to Tampa and learn as much as he can from Jim Lovett.

By JeremiahWright

June 12, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

So cool. Can’t wait to cheer on Tech and State in 2010. IE degree from one, and MBA from the other.

By Dude

June 12, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

They could have always done worse. They could have hired Bobby Petrino.

By Houckster

June 12, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Bill Curry is a class act. He will be a major asset to the program. Whatever rustiness he may have will be overshadowed by a team that will have to be built from scratch. He’ll be up to speed a lot sooner than the team will be.

By KDS

June 12, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

So, is this why the class I needed to take at GSU this Summer was cancelled…go figure!

By Daid

June 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Now the in state players who aren’t good enough to play for the Dawgs have a better option than settling for the Jackets - hopefully, the Panthers can get on Georgia’s schedule since we have a lot of time finding intrastate competition

By William Ray

June 12, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Take it from a Bulldog fan, GSU got it right. Georgia Tech did not. Curry is a great mentor and will be a wonderful coach to start a new tradition at GSU

By golt73

June 12, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

It’s an extremely good move. Curry brings name recognition and respect, despite his share of struggles at the D1 Level.

I heartly second the thought of Glenn Spencer coming ‘home.’ He would be the perfect man to take over the head job in 2-3 years after the team gets established. It’s too bad West Georgia let him get loose. Otherwise, the Braves … er the Wolves (yuck), would be heading toward D1-AA status or already be there.

Think of the possibilities of a D1-AA conference in Georgia. Georgia State, Kennesaw, UWG, Ft. Valley, Albany and Valdosta State and Southern of course. Add in some S.C. schools, Furman and Wofford and maybe even Jacksonville State (Ala.) and you’ve got a heck of a league.

A man can dream can’t he..

By Alabama Jack

June 12, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

I went to school with Bill at Tech and know he is a class guy. While he may not win all the games, he will make winners out of the young men who play for him. That is his priority.

By Ookie

June 12, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

good guy, probably still a good coach. total dead-end job though - GSU will never be able to support a football program. Have you even been to a GSU basketball game - pathetic attendence.

It’s a commuter college. Focus those $ on making it a better university instead.

By MrWrestling#2

June 12, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Is this the best they could do? Honestly Erk Russell’s corpse would be better than Bill Curry.

By itsmeagain

June 12, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

I swear, everytime there is a blog about football, all you get is Ga and Tech kids bad mouthing each other. THE ARTICLE ISN’T ABOUT YOU SO SHUT UP.

Fortunately, GSU is rapidly becoming a traditional campus, with all the new student housing being built, frat houses under construction, and yes, even this football team will help it become more traditional. You can’t say that the program won’t work because of lack of support because the program is being put in place to help centralize what is already the second largest university in Ga.

By Go you hairy Panthers

June 12, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

WOW! Bill Curry coaching football in Atlanta will be exciting! In 1967, Coach Curry came to speak at East Atlanta High School during a school assembly and pep rally. I hung on every word he said because he was everything I wanted to be as an East Atlanta Wildcat football player, then and in the future. I played four years of varsity football in high school at Murphy and EAHS, but alas, my football playing days ended there although my father had fed me many egg milkshakes every morning for years trying to make me the next Ray Nitchke of the Green Bay Packers. I went on to spend 34+ years in state law enforcement and at one time was the Commander of the Presidential Drug Task Force in Atlanta. At an OCDETF meeting in Alabama the speaker at a federal, state and local law enforcement luncheon was none other than Coach Bill Curry. His words were just as impressive to me then as those many years ago at high school. The highest compliment I can pay Coach Curry is that from these two occasions, I would follow him through any door! The families that send their sons to play football for Coach Curry will not be disappointed in my opinion. He is a class act and now that I am retired, I would love to get back into doing something with football and I’d work for the man in any position he would hire me in. This is from someone who bleeds red and black…Go Dawgs! Now…Go Panthers!

By Curry

June 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Many of us are still waiting for Holier Than Thou Bill to “bring the cheaters to their knees”.

By DP

June 12, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I guess Bill Lewis wasn’t available. Sports Illustrated made a persuasive case near the end of Curry’s debacle at Kentucky that he had done the worst job of coaching in the history of the SEC.

But I’m for anything that will take Curry and his sanctimony off the ESPN telecasts.

By Jason

June 12, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Ookie, have you ever seen the attendence at a UGA basketball game? They’re not exactly packing them in. This is football country so you can’t use GSU’s basketball attendence as a sign of anything other than which sport is king in the Deep South.

By Auburn3020

June 12, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Bill Curry was and is a joke as a head coach. He’s one of the biggest frauds out there; the guy’s only had 6 winning seasons in his entire career. He’s a pompous windbag who looked the other way when thugs on his team wreaked havoc off the field.

But hey, try and schedule Auburn, Bill. We’d love to beat your sanctimonious butt for the 13th time.

By m

June 12, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

GSU should not have a football program. Bad, bad, bad idea.

By bill

June 12, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Coach Curry is a wonderful guy, but I think he is out of touch with the new athlete.

By C from Marietta

June 12, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Go GSU. Sign me up for season tickets. As a side note, do you GT fans ever stop whinning? I went to the VT-GT game a couple of years ago. The whole game the tech fans cried and whined. Looking forward to another Dawgs whipping over Tech. It never gets old.