As news of Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson’s decision to step down spread Wednesday, the reactions from team members, former team members and colleagues spread quickly on Twitter. Many were poignant salutes of respect and admiration. A sampling:
.@GTPaulJohnson isn’t just #GaTech’s winningest coach since the man our stadium is named after, he is also an incredible leader of men. We will miss him here on The Flats but I’m glad that he and Susan will have the opportunity to catch up after 40 years! #ThanksPaul https://t.co/3hbzvMeaTm
— Todd Stansbury (@GTToddStansbury) November 28, 2018
Thank you @GTPaulJohnson. For what you have done for Georgia Tech and what you have done for me personally.
— Roddy Jones (@RoddyJones20) November 28, 2018
Georgia Tech Football is in a better place than when you arrived and I am better for having played for you. Enjoy the next step!
Bittersweet Day on the flats today. Thank you @GTPaulJohnson for taking a chance on me and many others! You’ve changed my life forever and I’m forever grateful! Enjoy retirement❗️🐝 #Legendary pic.twitter.com/TjTSqM8MMw
— Demond Smith (@Honchox10) November 29, 2018
Today one of the greatest coaches in the history of college football retired! He changed the game and he changed lives. I’m just one of many whose life he changed! Love you, Coach Johnson!
— Ken Niumatalolo (@NAVYCoachKen) November 28, 2018
Blessed to say I was able to play under a legend and a future Hall of Fame coach. Thank you for taking a gamble on a JUCO guy. pic.twitter.com/m5h4QMFVUc
— Desmond Branch (@D_Branch79) November 29, 2018
Thanks for being there for me not only on the field but off the field. When I was an 18 year old kid and my mother passed you were at her funeral to support my family. This is much bigger than football. I have nothing but respect/love for u @GTPaulJohnson
— Jamal Golden (@jgolden325) November 29, 2018
Congrats Coach on a hell of a career. I’ll be forever grateful for you honoring my commitment to GT and giving me a chance to play for my hometown school.… https://t.co/ZNZ4ek04zO
— Steven Sylvester (@s_sylvest34) November 28, 2018
@GTPaulJohnson thank you for believing in a kid that prolly wouldn’t be where he is today without the help of you! pic.twitter.com/Jqw3NlmlGS
— Corey Griffin (@coreygriffin14) November 28, 2018
Thank you @GTPaulJohnson for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to play this game on this stage. Thank you for believing in me when many others didn’t. It has truly been an honor #togetherweswarm🐝 pic.twitter.com/LchNPzwR6J
— Jalen Camp (@JalenCamp__) November 28, 2018
It has been a pleasure playing and cheering for you these past 10 years. While there were some rough moments, we can honestly say we have been thoroughly entertained every time the team has hit the field. Thank you for everything, CPJ#TogetherWeSwarm #ThanksPaul pic.twitter.com/js0AcRh17s
— Georgia Tech Band (@GeorgiaTechBand) November 29, 2018
Congratulations to my mentor and friend @GTPaulJohnson on an amazing career. Great coach & fearless competitor. Remarkable legacy with three different programs. Win just #OneMoreTime with @GeorgiaTechFB in the bowl game. Well done, CPJ! #ToHellWithGeorgia & #BEATnavy!
— Jeff Monken (@CoachJeffMonken) November 28, 2018
Thank you @GTPaulJohnson for taking a shot and giving me a second chance when no one else would. You gave me the opportunity to learn and grow from my mistakes when no one else did. Single-handedly changed my life and possibly saved it. I couldn’t be more grateful 🙏🏾 https://t.co/le0y4h0Mqv
— Shaun Kagawa (@LordKagz) November 28, 2018
Can’t thank this man enough for being there during the darkest moments of my life... He truly is a legend, Thank you for all you have done. #TogetherWeSwarm pic.twitter.com/lRILEe5dZa
— Jerry Howard Jr. (@iamjerryhoward) November 28, 2018
Thank you for giving a kid from Marietta a opportunity of a lifetime to play football at Georgia Tech.
— Synjyn Days (@sdays10) November 28, 2018
Thank you for the numerous lesson you have given everyone you coached on and off the field.
@GTPaulJohnson #ThankYouCPJ pic.twitter.com/ZGpFTMTkv2
Gave a lot of people a chance when others didn’t. Had my back through some tough times. Thank you coach for everything!! @GTPaulJohnson https://t.co/N6VpioZVgP
— Jalen Johnson (@jjbballin4) November 28, 2018
Happy for my friend @GTPaulJohnson as he moves to retirement after bowl game. Certain Hall of Fame career with @GSAthletics_FB @NavyFB & @GeorgiaTechFB and his impact on the game is more than Saturday’s in the fall.
— Wes Durham (@WesDurham) November 28, 2018
Congratulations to my mentor and friend @GTPaulJohnson on an amazing career. Great coach & fearless competitor. Remarkable legacy with three different programs. Win just #OneMoreTime with @GeorgiaTechFB in the bowl game. Well done, CPJ! #ToHellWithGeorgia & #BEATnavy!
— Jeff Monken (@CoachJeffMonken) November 28, 2018
What @GTPaulJohnson accomplished in his tenure at Georgia Tech is nothing short of amazing. Most people don’t realize how difficult that job is.
— Dean Buchan (@DeanBuchan) November 28, 2018
About the Author
Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.
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