Coaches approve of Stansbury, who ‘understands what it’s about’

Georgia Tech football coach Paul Johnson and men’s basketball coach Josh Pastner both met with new athletic director Todd Stansbury last week before he returned to Oregon State, and both had favorable impressions.

“We’ve kind of known each other in passing,” Johnson said. “Excited about him coming. I’m sure that he shares Dr. (G.P. “Bud”) Peterson’s vision for what he wants. He’s been here at Georgia Tech, so he knows the place and I’m sure he’ll be excited to be here.”

Johnson called it a positive that Stansbury is not only a Tech graduate but also played football for the Yellow Jackets.

“At least he understands what it’s about,” Johnson said. “I look forward to having a chance to set down and spend some more time with him and visit with him when he gets here.”

Stansbury is expected to begin in late November or early December. Pastner met with Stansbury for about 45 minutes on Friday.

“I’m really excited about him,” said Pastner, who has mutual friends with Stansbury. “His reputation is at the highest level you can have in the business.”

Pastner said that Stansbury understood what Pastner is facing as he begins to rebuild a team that won 21 games and reached the NIT quarterfinals in coach Brian Gregory’s final year, but brings back only 22 percent of its scoring from last season and 33 percent of minutes played.

Pastner said that Stansbury “wants to support us and give us the resources necessary. He was here when Bobby Cremins had it rolling. He understands it will take time and it won’t be easy.”

Tech defensive coordinator Ted Roof was a teammate of Stansbury’s.

“He’s going to be great for our alums, but he’s going to be great for our student-athletes, too, while they’re here and after they leave, because he’s going to care about them,” Roof said.