Georgia Tech president G.P. “Bud” Peterson reached Paul Griffin Wednesday at a location entirely predictable for a man in his retirement — en route to see his grandchildren in Florida.
Peterson sought Griffin's assistance (again) to serve as Tech's interim athletic director following the resignation of Mike Bobinski to take the same position at Purdue on Tuesday. Griffin said he was "equally surprised and pleased" to receive Peterson's request and didn't need to consider it long.
“It was quick in the sense that I’ve got a great appreciation and respect for Georgia Tech,” Griffin told the AJC on Thursday. “My relationship with the institution and the people there — if I can be of any help and guidance in the fall semester, that’s what I’ll do.”
He is known for his efficiency and a direct, no-nonsense style. Griffin served as senior associate athletic director from 2002-12, first for Dave Braine and then Dan Radakovich. For the latter, among other projects, Griffin oversaw the renovation of Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Following Radakovich's departure for Clemson in October 2012, he was interim AD until Bobinski arrived in April 2013.
It was a rather eventful watch. Tech opened McCamish Pavilion, sought (and gained) a waiver to play in a bowl game at 6-7 (after losing the ACC championship to Florida State) and also had to put out rumors that it was leaving for the Big Ten. Griffin was heavily involved in all three.
He stayed on staff until June 2013, shortly after Bobinski’s arrival, and did contract work for the department until this past December. Peterson said he was “really, really pleased” that Griffin agreed to return.
“He’s been the interim before, he knows Georgia Tech, he knows what’s going on,” Peterson said Thursday. “He’s a seasoned veteran.”
There's a few items that Griffin will have to tend to during his time. At the end of his first week back on the job, he'll travel with the football team to Ireland and represent the school in various functions in Dublin. He will help guide the execution of the department's strategic plan, which was completed in June. Peterson particularly noted that Griffin can help guide new basketball coach Josh Pastner into his first season. The two already have an appointment set up to meet.
His official start date is Aug. 29. Peterson has told him he’s hopeful that Griffin will be on the job for about four months.
“That’ll be great,” coach Paul Johnson said. “I know Paul well; he was here the whole time pretty much I’ve been here, and he was the interim in between. I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”
