Radakovich’s message from Greensboro
GREENSBORO, NC – For those who haven’t seen it posted on Tech’s website or received it by e-mail, I thought I’d share these comments from athletic director Dan Radakovich about Tech basketball today. To me, it’s similar to what he said in response to a query from two reporters on Tuesday, including my colleague Mark Bradley, that he wouldn’t evaluate the basketball program while there are still “signifiant games to be played and goals to be met” and encouraging fans to rally around the Yellow Jackets. Tech needs to beat North Carolina in the first round of the ACC tournament tonight to keep NCAA tourney hopes alive and deflect some of the pressure on Tech coach Paul Hewitt.
My presumption is that if Tech makes the NCAA tournament, Hewitt’s job is safe and there’s a good chance it’s safe anyway, in part because of the $7.1 million required to buy Hewitt out of his contract. Radakovich alluded to the financial side of things, and took his comments a little further than the e-mail he released to reporters Tuesday, at least in what I read between the lines when Radakovich wrote: “There are many parts to any discussion, issues which are visible and not so visible. By now I’m sure you know that there are factors which make our men’s basketball situation unique.”
But I’ll let you read it in full and make your own interpretation.
From Dan Radakovich’s “GOOD WORD” posted today, March 11
Men’s Basketball Discussion
“I want to take a moment in this week’s Good Word to comment on the increasing discussion on men’s basketball. As has always been the case since I came to Georgia Tech, I will not get into a discussion regarding the evaluation of a program while there are still significant games to be played and goals to be reached. As you read this, I am in Greensboro preparing to cheer like crazy for our basketball team to advance in the ACC Tournament. I will do likewise for as long as we are competing this season. I would encourage all of our fans who care about Georgia Tech to rally around these student-athletes and their coaches and to encourage their efforts throughout post-season play. There is still much to be gained. Any discussion beyond that will take place after the season concludes.”“Please understand that I hear all of the comments and opinions about our men’s basketball program just as I do with all of our 17 sports. Believe me, people are passionate about their particular area of interest and are not shy about expressing an opinion. There are many parts to any discussion, issues which are visible and not so visible. By now I’m sure you know that there are factors which make our men’s basketball situation unique. However one thing is clear, the student athletes and coaches who represent Georgia Tech are doing the best that they can. There is not a fiber of quit in them. It is imperative that we continue to support them and the school they represent!”
OK, analyze away. Your turn to read through the lines.
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65 comments Add your comment
nickj0321
March 11th, 2010
4:23 pm
yeah got this earlier…blah
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2010
4:34 pm
Poop poo-pee-dee poop.
True Believer
March 11th, 2010
4:40 pm
Enter your comments here
True Believer
March 11th, 2010
4:41 pm
Jackets 2010 ACC Tournament Champs. Favors Tournament MVP.
ramblinwreck
March 11th, 2010
4:43 pm
I think we all know the issue here….but for the time being, we’re all Ga Tech fans. I think that Dan has heard and seen the opions, criticism, etc…and if something needs to change, it will. We need to rally around these guys and as we always hope for the program and all Tech sports is that they succeed…there is a lot that could still happen with this team – I say ‘could’ – and why not cheer for them to reclaim their season. At the end of it, monetarily it doesn’t make a difference if he gets sacked this year or next year. its still 7+ million.
Wrecked
March 11th, 2010
5:00 pm
ramblinwreck – You’re right that the buyout is 7M+ this year or next. The question is cash flow. If we’re still paying off Gailey at $1M per, and if donations are down, we just may not have the cash to move right now. We might (and I hope we do), but it’s doesn’t look good.
Another consideration: The state legislature is looking at cutting $300-600M from the universities next year, which could lead to major layoffs and other cuts. How would it look to be “wasting” $7M to swap basketball coaches? I’m not saying it’s right, but don’t think that the perception won’t play a role in DRad’s decision.
T3
March 11th, 2010
5:00 pm
CPH’s contract requires the GTAA to notify CPH 30 days in advance of the
contract date (April15th) if the GTAA plans to NOT EXTEND the relationship.
D-Rad has until Monday, March 15th to make a decision.
dpj98
March 11th, 2010
5:03 pm
Didn’t sound like a ringing endorsement to keep Blewitt around. I’m sure DRad would love to kick DBraineless in the nuts for that contract.
AshevilleJacket
March 11th, 2010
5:12 pm
Fire Paul Hewitt. Hire Jay Bilas.
ramblinwreck
March 11th, 2010
5:21 pm
Wrecked – I like what you bring up about the state legislature is looking at cutting $300-600M from the universities next year…I think that alone could put a halt to any intention of firing CPH. I can see the morning papers already blasting tech for such ‘wasting’
NCJacketeer
March 11th, 2010
5:24 pm
Dan did exactly what he should do at this point. Since my responsibilities as a fan differ considerably from his as AD, I will say:
Go Jackets!!!! Win the ACC AND Fire Hewitt!!!!
FullMetalJacket
March 11th, 2010
5:27 pm
Wrecked, ramblinwreck, et al. There might be some PR problems among the ignorant but anyone who is important, including the Board of Regents and the State Legislature, knows that CPH’s salary is not paid by taxpayer money, either directly or indirectly. Tech alums, supporters, and ticket/product sales pay the coaches’ salaries.
Tim Tebow's Tears
March 11th, 2010
5:30 pm
UNC 78 GT 72 NIT
FullMetalJacket
March 11th, 2010
5:30 pm
Firing Hewitt now is the financially responsible thing to do. It will only continue to cost more (due to automatic annual raises) the longer we put off the inevitable. More importantly, especially in a bad economy, DRad can not expect disgruntled fans to spend their money on game tickets and season tickets in the upcoming seasons when all we get is disappointment, embarrassment, excuses, and the occasionally harsh tweet.
Dan Radakovich
March 11th, 2010
5:31 pm
I just want to say that GT fans are losers. Coach Paul Hewitt and Coach Johnson can’t beat UGA in their respective sports. We can’t even fill our football stadium with our 4 free hotdogs and cokes campaign.
We get no support from you fans. Therefore, your opinion on how I do my job doesn’t matter.
Sincerely,
Dan “the man”
Go Dawgs! I mean Tech!
Keynote
March 11th, 2010
5:32 pm
The goings-on in the state legislature will impact all athletic departments, but indirectly. The state does not forward one penny to collegiate athletics. Pending education budget cuts will not then subtract any money from the GT Athletic Association’s war chest.
However, when tuition fees rise (and they’re going to, quite likely in significant fashion), that means the AA will have to pay the Institute that much more for each scholarship.
Some may think a scholarship is merely a waiver of fees for the student-athlete. Not so. The scholarship is money the AA awards the student-athlete, or rather pays the Institute on his/her behalf.
Might this pending change in finances also be a consideration for Radakovich with regards to the prospect of buying out a coach? I would think absolutely.
However,
FullMetalJacket
March 11th, 2010
5:34 pm
With all due respect, I think the perception that DRad and Georgia Tech encourages incompetence and unaccountability by continuing to pay Hewitt to “coach” the team and giving him automatic raises is more problematic than the perception of a largely disinterested general population who isn’t financially involved.
No, Really, I'm D-Rad
March 11th, 2010
5:45 pm
This is what I really want to say but can’t: Hewitt is a friend of mine so it is painful but necessary to fire him. He knows this too, which is why he has been lashing out recently. Paul doesn’t represent the best interests of the program anymore and his reliance on athletes with no academic commitment is inconsistent with the message and philosophy of Georgia Tech and the GTAA. I am well aware that many fans and alumni want Paul to be fired now, at the end of this season. I will consider that option. Everyone knows the financial situation regarding Paul’s contract (tendered by my predecessor, I might add) but that is just one of many factors I must consider. Much of this is about timing, with our continued payouts for football staff and upcoming renovations. In the end analysis I will probably come to the same conclusion of many (but perhaps not most) of our fans and terminate Paul Hewitt’s employment as head basketball coach. I know it is frustrating for everyone involved, but we have to move forward deliberately and with purpose. Georgia Tech is bigger than me, bigger than Paul Hewitt, and certainly bigger than any one tournament. And the right thing for Georgia Tech is to re-establish our commitment to student-athletes and university athletics by making a change in the leadership of our basketball program.
No, Really, I'm D-Rad
March 11th, 2010
5:47 pm
I think I need a cigarette.
FullMetalJacket
March 11th, 2010
5:50 pm
Now, that’s what I want to hear. It’s bad enough to be outmanned by UGA on the gridiron, but to lose on the basketball court…and more importantly, to lose the “moral” high ground in the academics argument is too much to bear. Hewiit doesn’t recruit student-athletes, doesn’t graduate student-athletes, and still can’t beat UGA consistently or compete in the ACC. THAT IS A BIG PROBLEM.
sc jacket
March 11th, 2010
6:31 pm
Finances being what they are Blewitt is not going anywhere, at least not this year. However, the Tit is not selling out and there is a lot of negative energy towards the program. Those are not good signs, if nothing is done, it will get much worse if nothing is done…. I think DRad will do something, don’t know what it is, but he will do something to satisfy the fans and renew the interest and allow Hewitt to continue to recruit well. Hewitt can succeed.. he’s done it once, he can do it again.
Paul in RDU
March 11th, 2010
6:40 pm
BTW – There is an “Armageddon Way” to get out of Hewitt’s contract – have the GTAA go C11 and then have it cancelled in court. Not going to happen, thankfully.
AtlBuzz
March 11th, 2010
7:51 pm
fire Hewitt now….this is pathetic….he is a terrible coach.
HG_GT
March 11th, 2010
7:57 pm
I hope someone is making arrangements for Paul Hewitt not to return to Atlanta if they lose this game…one half to play…
The Truth
March 11th, 2010
8:14 pm
Balls, balls, balls!
The Truth
March 11th, 2010
8:18 pm
D-Rad. How can you say that garbage? The GT faithful have been doing what you suggest for over a decade with great patience. It’s insulting that you have not noticed and you discount our collective efforts to continue to donate and HOPE.
Fire him at halftime and let’s begin the next era of GT Bball…it can’t get any worse that what we just saw…wait a minute, yes it can…
I'mBuzzed
March 11th, 2010
9:10 pm
Well we won the game but what I just saw was Shumpert keeps shooting threes from near half court, the guards continue to try a fast break when its 1 vs 4, complete breakdowns in focus at times when on defense, yet finally somehow Hewlett got his message across to get the ball down low, but even then he can’t draw an inbounds play up when needed. I believe we will get to the NCAA’s and then get knocked out in Round 1 vs someone like Richmond. I hope our AD will void his contract the day after and hire someone like Mark Price who can recruit, instill discipline, and return the tradition of winning Tech Basketball.
Let It Rain
March 11th, 2010
9:11 pm
Tech won tonight barely, a 20 win season. Lord knows it wasn’t Hewitt’s coaching that got them the win, it was just Tech’s athleticism that got the best of Carolina. They should still fire Hewitt, I don’t care that they’ve 20.
Jamaica
March 11th, 2010
9:36 pm
Be careful for what you wish for people. GT will surprise you in the field of 64, but first they have to dismantle Maryland tomorrow. Close game, and GT by 1
MorningJacket
March 11th, 2010
9:47 pm
Can someone explain this sentence from D-Rad? “By now I’m sure you know that there are factors which make our men’s basketball situation unique.” What the heck does that mean? If that’s a reference to academic standards; that’s nonsense. Duke seems to have pretty high standards and they seem to be able to handle academic issues. Oh wait, they have a real coach…
FTFool
March 11th, 2010
9:51 pm
All you Hewitt Haters….you got yours!!!! Ten more years for Paul Hewitt to continue his reign as a fine head coach and one of our best black role models. Don’t gag on all that crow you haters and racists will be eating now….
FullMetalJacket
March 11th, 2010
9:52 pm
MJ, I think he is referring to Hewitt’s unique contract and Tech’s problematic financial obligations to him.
FullMetalJacket
March 11th, 2010
9:56 pm
I have oonsistently said that Hewitt should be fired whether or not Georgia Tech makes the field of 65. The problem with Hewitt is not one that is solved with one win, or even one season. He should have been gone after last year, and I am hopeful that with his characteristic class and discretion DRad did put Hewitt on notice after last season. Still, I have a sinking feeling that he’ll be back.
Techman78
March 11th, 2010
10:32 pm
FTFool, why you want bring the race card into this discussion? This has nothing to do with the color of the man’s skin. It has everything to do with wins and losses. Sounds to me like your the fool and the racist, under Hewitt we have been consistenly near the bottom of the league in free throw shooting, turnovers, and almost all offensive categories. The only thing that Hewitts teams have been good at was FG% defense which has also been very misleading at times due to mental breakdowns. This all goes back to coaching. Being a role model is good but I dont know that Hewitt is that great of a role model either. A good role model would take accountability for his shortcomings but with Hewitt he always blames someone other than himself. Its a shame that you want to come on here and try to play the race card because if you had any idea what was going on in this program you would be angry about the way this guy wastes talent just like so many others that want the best for this program. It is truly time for a change in leadership. I bet you were one of the people trying to run Chan Gailey out of town after his underacheiving because he was white, yet Chan took Tech to a bowl game all 6 years he was at Tech, Hewitt hasnt taken Tech to 6 NCAA tournaments in 10 years. Hewitt makes Gailey look like Vince Lombardi!
Lil' Barry Bailout
March 11th, 2010
10:44 pm
If I’m not mistaken, from a financial perspective the state of Georgia has no financial interest in who coaches the men’s basketball team or how much they are paid. The athletic department is a separate financial entity. Georgia’s budget cuts have nothing to do with a decision on dumping Tech’s underachieving failure of a coach.
Tech Forever
March 11th, 2010
11:17 pm
O.k. so Tech has made the NCAAs….got that one wrong. New predictions time:
- Tech will lose to Maryland
- Tech will lose in the NCAA 1st Round
- Hewitt will be back (although this is not a new prediction, I’ve been saying it all along)
- Favors is NBA bound
- Lawal is NBA bound
- One of Shumpert, Udofa, or Miller will transfer out of the program
- Tech will win 6 or fewer in ACC play next year
what goes around
March 11th, 2010
11:26 pm
Don’t care if the next coach is black or white-just one that will recruit kids that will help BUILD a program instead of using it for a year to catapult them to the NBA. Nothing wrong with a guy leaving early if is best for him but at Tech it is becoming too common. Furthermore, we are not winning when these guys are here-so they are really not contributing to the success of the program. If we are going to sign guys who will only stay one or two years, it needs to be at least beneficial to both the program and the player. You would think the coach would see that and look for true student athletes-it may save his job. The cupboard always seems bare and hope of a successful season always seems to be dependant on freshman recruits.
Techman78
March 11th, 2010
11:27 pm
Good predictions Tech Forever. I say if Hewitt is around next year we win 3 ACC games 15 games overall and attendance for home games decrease by 20%. It is so hard to have pride in a team and watch there games when you have a coach that has no fire, inspiration, or valid coaching skills. Really good predictions but I sure do wish that 3rd one is wrong. we REALLY need a new coach and this program is not going to improve until we get one. Hewitt SUCKS!!!
EEJacket
March 12th, 2010
12:03 am
We are the definition of stuck. This is the most talented team in the nation and Hewitt has turned it into one of the most mediocre. But even if we lose tomorrow, there’s just NO way we can afford to fire. All I can say is that Dave Braine is an idiot…….pray that some big wig grows tired of this and kicks 4 mil our way so we can get this horrid series of events over with before we have to deal with Hewitt for another awful season.
techster
March 12th, 2010
12:49 am
well the bright side is thank GOD we got rid of Gailey before the state budget cuts or we would be stuck with him too..YOu know there is a thing as filing chapter 11 you know and telling Hewitt, we don’t have it like the airlines do. It is not like he hasn’t been generously paid for his efforts. Anyone who receiveds 1.25 million and went 2 and 14 last season should be thankful with that and shutup. Anyway, glad they won tonight and hope they play SUNDAY.
curt moore
March 12th, 2010
6:00 am
I’ve got a solution to our dilemma, let’s shift men’s coach to ladies and ladies coach over to the men’s team.
Gerald Leonard
March 12th, 2010
7:42 am
I still say if we had Bob Knight we would have lost maybe 3 games and been a 1 seed and ACC champs. We have 2 Lottery picks in the draft and cant get them the ball hey we can’t inbound the ball against pressure and oh my we still play man on out of bound plays. Tech almost lost to Carolina and still are not a lock for the tournament. What a shame a chance to be National Champs and no decent coach to lead them or teach fundamentals.
VT Yellow Jacket
March 12th, 2010
7:47 am
I think that in reality, there will be a lot of GT ass’t coaches looking for jobs after the NCAA tourney. Thanks to the win over UNC and the number of at-large spots available, I now believe Tech makes it. So, to add to his inability to coach a team, PH will be breaking in a new staff. Couple that with losing his best 3 big men, and things don’t look too good next year.
I wonder if it’s possible to tell PH that his contract won’t renew, then let him coach out the next 5 years with a “normal” closed-ended contract. Sure, it’ll be an embarrassment to him, but it can’t affect his performance negatively. It’ll crimp recruiting, but it gets around the $7MM payout. I have no idea if this is possible, I’m just brainstorming. If this happened, I’d be keeping a calendar and crossing off the days until March, 2015.
Joe Fan
March 12th, 2010
8:09 am
DRAD has to much pressure coming from the fan base not to make a change in coaches. The fans/ paying customers and alumni contributors will be right back demanding change when the team regresses next season. Not changing coaches is putting off the enevitable and in the mean time costing Tech goodwill and reducing cash flow.
had enough
March 12th, 2010
8:25 am
I’ll add my name to those who have said ‘for the first time since I started pulling for GT in the 60’s, I actually was rooting for NC last night’. I never reached that point with Gaily or B… L…. but I’ve had it with Hewitt. How in the world can this bozo claim “we’re playing well” when everybody else can see a team that’s struggling big time, like we have for a long time. I will not renew my season tix until he’s gone.
Techman78
March 12th, 2010
8:26 am
I sure wish that Hewitt would swallow his pride, admit what a failure of a coach he is and just resign. How great would that be? Problem is he is much too arrogant to ever do anything like that. If he was a real man and cared anything about the school and his players he would do the right thing and just resign. When Tech FINALLY gets rid of him he will not coach another D1 program after everyone has seen the mediocre results that he has gotten out of so much talent.
Techman78
March 12th, 2010
8:29 am
Had enough im with you, I was actually kind of pissed when we beat the heels last night because it was almost like that game just bought this idiot another season. We will be lucky to win 15 games overall next year. What a waste!
Cracker Jacket
March 12th, 2010
8:38 am
FTFool….Race has nothing to do with the Hewitt” Haters”…The so-called haters…just hate SORRY basketball coaching! Doesn’t matter if Hewitt was green or blue!
Coach Hewitt..
March 12th, 2010
8:41 am
Ha Ha… that win last nite earned me $1.5 million more I Run This School….Give me a reach around flagboy… $7.1 million or STFU D. Rad……… LMFAO…Paul.
VT Yellow Jacket
March 12th, 2010
8:44 am
Techman78, you need to wrap your head around the fact that PH will never resign, unless he works out a secret deal with the administration. He’s not stupid. Not effective, sure, but not stupid, either. Would YOU just walk away from $7MM? Add that to the fact that he looks at an overall record of 20-11 as successful, and he’ll be back as long as we’ll have him.
As the Allman’s say, “ain’t but one way out”, and for PH, that’s through the $7,000,000 portal.