Georgia Tech's Coaching Search: "As the Nerd Turns"

UPDATE -- I just read Tony Barnhart's article. He's got all the same info I do basically. I feel like a douche for typing all that up. Just read his story. It's shorter and better written. His sources are higher up than mine...but it's the same info more or less.


To me, the most interesting coaching search in the country right now involves the rumors swirling around Georgia Tech. Sure, the Arkansas and Michigan searches are entertaining and drama packed, but you can't beat the dysfunction coming from North Avenue now.

I'd compare their search at this point to driving a car load of 5th graders around town while they argue about where they want to eat dinner.

Here's how things to this point (per sources):

1. Tech's Athletic Director wanted Will Muschamp.

2. Tech's athletic Board didn't want a Bulldog as coach because of fears that it would further "divide the fan base."

3. Some of Tech's former lettermen apparently pushed UConn's Randy Edsall. Randy Edsall didn't want the job for a variety of reasons including the fact that he wasn't pursued aggressively by Tech's AD. Plus, the Syracuse job will likely open up next year. Edsall is a Syracuse grad.

4. No one involved in the hiring process thinks that Chris Hatcher from GSU is experienced enough for the job. I find that interesting given that he's Will Muschamp's former boss at Valdosta State.

5. Tech's Board is terrified of hiring Rick Neuheisel and his baggage.

6. Because Tech's AD, Board and Former Lettermen can't agree on a candidate, they may pick the guy none of the really want. Paul Johnson.

7. Paul Johnson already makes approximately $1.5 million per year. Chan Gailey only made $1 million per year. (That's PJ in the image above)

8. SMU is aggressively pursing Johnson, and they are fully prepared to get into a bidding war with a Tech program saddled with debt and a $4 million buyout to Gailey. Duke is also pursuing Johnson which won't affect his final destination, but it may affect his asking price. SMU's war chest for this hire now exceeds $10 million according to the Dallas Morning News.

9. John Tenuta may get the job if the Johnson deal falls through. In fact the AJC says that Charlie Strong and Chris Hatcher are no longer viable candidates as neither has gotten a second interview.

If I were to take my red and black glasses off for a minute, I would make the following observations....First, if you don't trust your Athletic Director to make a quality hire, then you've got the wrong athletic director. I expect that DRad will leave at the first available opportunity in the wake of not being able to hire his man.

Secondly, how on earth is Will Muschamp a more qualified candidate than Charlie Strong? Compare their resumes. Both have national titles, and Charlie has been a DC for longer under a more diverse and interesting collection of head coaches including Urban Meyer, Steve Spurrier and Lou Holtz. Strong also has more SEC titles.

If I put my Bulldog Glasses back on, I'd say "HIRE TENUTA NOW!" Best possible out come from all of this. Bonus: Tech hiring a coach with a mullet would be spectacular. Bring on Fighting Tenutas.

PWD

Tweet