Georgia Tech’s defense has shown flashes of greatness mixed with phases of malfunction. In coach Paul Johnson’s opinion, the Yellow Jackets have done enough to merit bringing back defensive coordinator Al Groh for a third season.
“I see nothing to lead me to believe he’s slowing down or anything,” Johnson said.
After his dismissal from Virginia following the 2009 season, Groh signed a two-year contract with Tech in January last year, with the school holding an option for a third season. Groh replaced Dave Wommack, Johnson’s defensive coordinator for his first two seasons. Asked about Groh’s status on Wednesday, Johnson said he hadn’t thought about it, but said he would sit down with Groh and handle it “at an appropriate time.”
Asked if he planned to retain Groh, Johnson replied, “If he wants to come back, yeah.” His plan to bring his defensive coordinator back is not unexpected.
Groh was unavailable for comment.
Two high school senior defensive players committed to Tech have said Groh has indicated he has plans to stay.
When Gulf Shores (Ala.) High linebacker Tyler Stargel visited campus in June, Groh “talked about the defense and the future of the defense like he was going to be around for awhile,” Stargel said Thursday.
Roderick Chungong, a defensive end from Good Counsel High in Olney, Md., said his understanding from conversations with Groh is that “he’ll be there for a long time.” The opportunity to play for Groh, who coached 13 years in the NFL, was a draw for both players.
After struggling with learning Groh’s 3-4 scheme last year, players and coaches said they expected to improve this season because of their increased familiarity with the defense. The Tech defense is statistically similar to last year’s defensive numbers after 11 games. Tech allows 25.3 points per game, compared to 24.7 last year. Yards per play is 5.4 this season compared to 5.6 last year. The third-down conversion rate is 44.1 this season, up from 40.1 percent last year. The pass-completion rate is 55.9 percent, compared to 60.4 percent last year. Sacks are up19-16, and takeaways are the same, 19.
Johnson said the defense has “been like everything else; been some positives and some negatives.”
Tech’s defensive highlight has been its 31-17 win over then-No. 5 Clemson. The point total was the lowest of the season to that point for the high-powered Tigers, who had four turnovers. After a stretch in which the run defense was getting mashed before stabilizing, the Jackets’ pass rush and pass defense have struggled in recent games.
The play of linebackers Jeremiah Attaochu and Julian Burnett and the secondary has been promising. Tech will return eight starters next year.
“It’s kind of been a roller-coaster ride,” Johnson said. “The team in some ways has been that way a little bit, as much roller coaster as you can have when you’re 8-3.”
Groh has received $150,000 annually for the first two years. If Tech chooses to exercise the third-year option and not renegotiate a new contract, he is scheduled to receive a minimum of $344,000.
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