UPDATED: Radakovich leaves Tech for Clemson
In early August, when he learned that Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips planned to retire, Dan Radakovich believed he could be the right man to replace him. He went home and told his wife Marcie that “there could be an incredible opportunity just a couple hours down the road,” Radakovich recounted Monday.
Monday, the Radakoviches made that drive up I-85 to officially seize that opportunity. Radakovich resigned as Georgia Tech athletic director, a position he held for 6 1/2 years, to accept the same job at Clemson.
“It’s going to take a while for me to get used to seeing him in that purple and orange,” Tech president G.P. “Bud” Peterson said.
It was a surprise conclusion to a tenure marked by the completion of numerous athletic facilities, financial stabilization, incessant work and, hardly least, an NCAA investigation that resulted in probation.
“I’ve never witnessed anyone that worked harder and longer and more passionately to advance a program,” said Paul Griffin, Tech’s senior associate athletic director who will serve as acting athletic director until a replacement is hired.
Peterson had known about Radakovich’s interest since shortly after the Tech-Clemson football game Oct. 6, when Clemson president James Barker called to inform him that he wanted to talk with Radakovich, a gesture made out of courtesy rather than contractual necessity.
Radakovich called Peterson soon after to alert him of the interest. The process was already well underway, though. Radakovich had initiated it by calling Phillips.
“I said, ‘Terry, I would really like an opportunity to sit down and talk with the decision-makers for this job,’ and Terry Don was very helpful and instrumental in making that happen,” Radakovich said Monday.
It was not the first time Radakovich, 54, had considered leaving Tech. His name had been linked with AD jobs at Miami, Tennessee and Texas A&M.
“He’s kept me apprised of what he’s doing,” said Peterson in response to a question about past openings. “I don’t think I want to go there today.”
Clemson may have been different. Speaking at the introductory news conference wearing an orange tie and blazer, Radakovich spoke of his first visit to a Clemson football game, as an athletic administrator at Long Beach State in 1990.
“I distinctly remember the feeling, the atmosphere, the hospitality and the passion and, yes, the rock,” he said, referring to Howard’s Rock, the stone that players rub upon entering the stadium. “I remember thinking, ‘This is a place that I want to be.’”
He’ll reportedly be paid $725,000 annually on a five-year contract. At Tech, he was in the third year of a five-year agreement that averaged out to $640,000 per year.
Radakovich’s time at Tech makes a compelling case for his ambitiousness. In a weakened economy, he led construction projects for an indoor football practice facility, a softball stadium, a tennis complex, a basketball practice facility and the renovation of Alexander Memorial Coliseum, which will open Nov. 9 as McCamish Pavilion. The projects increased the athletic department’s debt load from $126 million at the time of his arrival from LSU to $226 million.
But the decision to build at a time when interest rates and construction costs were low appears now to have been a savvy move. Due to low-interest loans and Radakovich’s fundraising and development of revenue streams, the debt service is projected to rise to 18 percent of the fiscal year 2014 budget, but ultimately return to 14 percent, the amount it had been when he was hired.
“I really think one of his legacies here is he got the financial house in order and not only did he get it in order, but he’s left us with facilities that should keep us on par with our peers for the next 30 years,” associate athletic director and chief financial officer Frank Hardymon said.
He instituted the TECH Fund, which requires a donation to the department in order to purchase prime football and men’s basketball season tickets. The added costs irritated some alumni and fans, but they have helped the department balance its budgets. For the 2012 fiscal year, TECH Fund donations accounted for about $4 million of the $59 million in revenues.
To most fans, his most visible imprints were the hires of football coach Paul Johnson (after firing Chan Gailey) after the 2007 season and men’s basketball coach Brian Gregory (after firing Paul Hewitt) following the 2010-11 season. On message boards and Twitter Monday, the disappointment of Johnson’s team this season and Radakovich’s move to an ACC rival school seemed to color many fans’ opinion of Radakovich and his departure.
“Could he take Paul Johnson with him???? I used to like him but after this season … he needs to go,” one commenter wrote on the ajc.com Georgia Tech blog.
Undeniably Radakovich’s albatross will be the NCAA investigation into improper benefits to two football players. Had Radakovich led Tech’s participation differently, the penalty could have been a wrist slap. Instead, the NCAA found in 2011 that the school failed to cooperate in the investigation and failed to meet the conditions and obligations of membership, which resulted in four years of probation and the vacating of its 2009 ACC football championship.
Barker said that he and the search committee were satisfied by Radakovich’s explanation on the matter.
“There were mistakes that were made that I can guarantee will not be made again,” Radakovich said.
Radakovich’s final day at Tech will be Nov. 15 and he will begin working at Clemson at the end of November. Peterson said that the school will interview search firms and assemble a search committee. He told department staff Monday that he expects the process to take two to three months.
“This is a great position,” Peterson said. “It has a lot of opportunity for somebody and we’re excited.”
Ken Sugiura, Georgia Tech blog
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443 comments Add your comment
Pete
October 29th, 2012
11:29 am
The “money” sports – football and basketball – at Georgia Tech are in sad shape, no question. But is Clemson that much better? This year they disbanded their swim team because they didn’t want the expense of a 50M pool, which Tech has courtesy of the 1996 Olympics. So, DR is not going to a particularly visionary institution, in my view.
Shepherd Brown
October 29th, 2012
11:31 am
So far as its sports programs go, GT needs to make creating a supportive environment for true student-athletes to flourish job number one. The focus should be on character and ethics first, classroom success second, and athletic achievement third. In an ideal world, GT would enroll good kids who will graduate and go on to become leaders as engineers, scientists, doctors, lawyers, CEOs, teachers, coaches, and so on, even if as a whole they prove to be only mediocre athletes when compared to the sports stables of other schools. GT doesn’t need a bunch of future want-to-be NFL or NBA stars who are just biding their time pretending to be students. And any GT alumni who just want winning teams, or even think athletics is equally important to character and academics, is dead wrong on their priorities.
TechRon
October 29th, 2012
11:31 am
Good riddance. Wish he could find a job up there for Paul Johnson.
Let’s hire Petrino, get him a motorcycle and a great looking assistant and stand back.
Turtle Man
October 29th, 2012
11:31 am
So does this mean Paul Johnson is on his way out too? Sure hope so.
NFL-caliber players don’t want to play for a gimmicky offense that doesn’t translate to the NFL. They need a Pro Style offense and a 4-3 defense.
www
October 29th, 2012
11:33 am
maybe radakovich can get clemson stripped of last year’s acc title like he did with georgia tech’s 2009 acc title?
he won’t be missed.
George Stein
October 29th, 2012
11:33 am
My politics are not your business, Devil’s advocate. I don’t understand why nationality is something you’d even being up, though, to say nothing of the fact that people who may not look like you are still American.
George Stein
October 29th, 2012
11:33 am
My politics are not your business, Devil’s advocate. I don’t understand why nationality is something you’d even being up, though, to say nothing of the fact that people who may not look like you are still American.
USMC DAWG
October 29th, 2012
11:33 am
I don’t think anyone is worried about UGA becoming an Engineering powerhouse and overtaking Tech, Lance. LOL!
Guys, Tech has so much upside and I know it is easy to overlook because you are having a down season, but This could be the turning point that takes Tech to the next level. Who knows? Drad might have been handicapping CPJ’s ability to coach/recruit.
I don’t know what it is/was, but I never liked DRad. Why did he leave LSU anyway??
Bright Future for Tech! (look past this Football season)
lovetravel
October 29th, 2012
11:33 am
how can he get hiring so fast when there hard for other. I don’t believe this at all. This was not right for him to leave Tech and turn it around to go to Clemson and know there lots of kids in college need job as well. he didn’t need to leave and the reason for leave is $$$$ was in my stomach and i hope that he get little disappoint in Clemson, I hate to see someone leave for a good job. wait until he arrive in clemson he going to stay something negative about TECH and TECH better watch out
GB's Hamburgers
October 29th, 2012
11:34 am
I think the new AD needs to push to get Tech back into the SEC. That would solve every one of the current problems over time. Tech was the lynchpin of the old SEC, and needs to be back home. That they left and why should be consigned to the past. If I were the new AD, I would make the trip to Athens and sit down with McGarity and work out a deal to get him to sponsor Tech as the 15th SEC team. If Clemson came along, it would give the SEC two teams each from SC, GA, ALA, TN and MISS. Talk about stadium filling games …..
GT Fan (in limbo)
October 29th, 2012
11:34 am
“I’m getting in a car to go up there right now,” he said Monday morning, hurrying out of Georgia Tech’s athletic administration offices shortly before 11 a.m.
——————————-
Odd behavior. Question …. what’s the deal with Clemson’s AD situation that DRad is suddenly their guy? Does CU’s AD even know he’s been replaced?
ATLer
October 29th, 2012
11:34 am
Can’t say I blame ole Dan for getting out.
5150 UOAD
October 29th, 2012
11:35 am
Roddy Jones for AD…..LOL well maybe in a few more years.
USMC DAWG
October 29th, 2012
11:37 am
“Radakovich headed for Clemson”
The grass isn’t greener on the other side, Drad!
The money might look a little better, but be carefule what you ask for.
Georgia Tech is better off WITHOUT Drad! Watch!
Buzzed
October 29th, 2012
11:38 am
Now you guys are claiming a national championship in golf under Rad’s reins? (’Someone smart’ at 7:28 am) What year? What planet?
Mike
October 29th, 2012
11:39 am
How about Bobby Cremins for AD. You’d have a bball guy at a bb school
GT Fan (in limbo)
October 29th, 2012
11:40 am
USMC Dawg …
I believe DRad left LSU to become an AD. At LSU he was the Asst AD.
Looks like he’s gotten his “feet wet” at GT, now want to get back to an Atheletic-Heavy University.
bad time
October 29th, 2012
11:41 am
CPJ can get another job somewhere else, just because GT fans are unhappy doesn’t mean another school will not hire him. Some can blame that GT needs a basketweaving degree to get the 5 stars in there but that is part of the problem.
Dwyer, Thomas, Morgan, Nesbitt and Burnett got it done. GT needs better recruiting and lately better coaching.
When I do see players like Jamal Golden playing their hearts out, I do have hope but I do indeed believe the current staff thinks GT is suppose to be a DIVIAA school. Now it is up to the alumni if they are going to let that happen. I
Buzz
October 29th, 2012
11:43 am
Probation due to mismanagement, a Hewitt like contract for CPJ and debt from building campaigns. Quite a legacy there Dan, see ya!
GT Fan (in limbo)
October 29th, 2012
11:44 am
Mike,
That’s the first thing that came to my mind this AM when I saw the link…even before I read the article.
Justpassingthru
October 29th, 2012
11:44 am
Drad was a good hire at the time. He under took the process of building the indoor practice facility,womens softball field as well as the new McCamish Pavilion. Two bad things,gave PJ a contract extension and raise in ‘08 after he beat Ugay, then went and ran his mouth to PJ after the NCAA told him not to say anything re: the investigation. The Tech Fund, I have no feelings about it,I just pay it. I believe Drad has seen that the “cash cow” which runs most college AD’s,football, is not contributing what it should.
lance manion
October 29th, 2012
11:45 am
Good comments USMC Dawg. Great Win Saturday. Now go win the SEC!
USMC DAWG
October 29th, 2012
11:50 am
I am saying it right now……. Georgia Tech needs to get back into the SEC! Yeah, I said it!
It will be interesting to see if Paul Johnson rights the ship for next year and onward. May be Drad was a hindrance.
USMC DAWG
October 29th, 2012
11:53 am
“I believe DRad left LSU to become an AD. At LSU he was the Asst AD.
Looks like he’s gotten his “feet wet” at GT, now want to get back to an Atheletic-Heavy University.”–GT fan in limbo
Okay, that makes a little more sense. I still never liked Drad.
I think McGarrity at UGA is MUCH better; but then again I’m a Dawg fan.
George Stein
October 29th, 2012
11:53 am
Johnson’s contract doesn’t renew every year, Buzz; it is nothing like Hewitt’s.
November 24th
October 29th, 2012
11:55 am
Growl all you want “Dogs” , but come November 24th if you lose to Tech in our current state as a football team and Athletic organization then you will be the laughing stock of the South. Ill see you in Athens Milkbones in hand, bark if you want one.
observer
October 29th, 2012
11:55 am
DRAD is a pompous ass and we can only hope that he is gone. He was always about padding his resume as an AD and really didn’t care whether Tech major sports were any good or not. If he is gone, and they hire a decent AD, Paul Johnson won’t be far behind. This coach has made a shambles of the football program, but it can recover with the right leadership.
collegeballfan
October 29th, 2012
11:57 am
Recruiting facts for you GT people who are interested. I pulled the data from Scout and Rivals.
National Ranking
Gailey
Year….Scout….Rivals
2002 …..51………63
2003……34………50
2004……35………79
2005……48………62
2006……49………57
2007……15………18
Johnson
Year…..Scout….Rivals
2008……37………49
2009……32………49
2010……41………43
2011……44………41
2012……59………56
2013……50………50
It is what it is.
GTDude
October 29th, 2012
11:57 am
Dan Rad did help us straighten out the financial situation that he inherited, but I don’t like the idea of his leaving at this time. Too many open issues to complete, but he has the right to follow the all mighty buck just like anyone of us
USMC DAWG
October 29th, 2012
12:01 pm
“Growl all you want “Dogs” , but come November 24th if you lose to Tech in our current state as a football team and Athletic organization then you will be the laughing stock of the South. Ill see you in Athens Milkbones in hand, bark if you want one.”–Nov 24th
Boy, ain’t that the truth!
But did you see that undisciplined, unruly, NASTY bunch of …”talent” on UGA’s defense Saturday?
It drove me crazy watching it, but when they “click”, they can shut down any offense in the country. And oh, by the way, we play GSU the week before Tech, so we get a great preparation for playing the Triple Option.
Having said all of that, That’s why they play the game. ANYTHING can happen!
Go Dawgs!
4th and Long Gone
October 29th, 2012
12:01 pm
I think all conferences should put a rule in place against hiring from another school for the same position. I don’t think it is right when one school in a conference hires another team’s (in the same conference) coach. They should either go outside the conference or hire a coordinator or associate coach from within the conference. Same goes for AD. Should be similar to a “Do Not Compete” clause in a normal employment contract.
@eidsonb
October 29th, 2012
12:03 pm
I see the trolls are out in force today. If you want to write the 10 Million Dollar Check to buy out CPJ then by all means please do but you will be wasting your money. Lets say for one minute I dont think he is the right man and write that check…you would be committing suicide of the program. we have a ton of young talent and many redshirts coming up. If we can add some depth and get a defense we will be fine. One of the trolls wanted to take the red shirt of the Moore Kid and let him play QB the rest of the year,,,with 4 games left. Stay on the Sofa.
I wish the AD good luck and thank him for his service to the Institute and we will find another…life will go on…he did leave the facilites in a whole lot better state of being…
I said that I thought we would win a NC in 5 years under CPJ…I still believe that but I may have to adjust my time line….
Mr BUG
October 29th, 2012
12:04 pm
I think it would be prudent to give cpj a couple of more years to right the ship, or at least until we finally payoff Hewitt’s contract. That would at least free up some money to buy off cpj current contract if he shows no sign of improvement. But lets face it, if we clean house now and start from the ground up it will take at least 2 to 3 years for the new system (presuming it is not based on the TO) to start being efficient. At the same time trying to payoff two former coaches. That would severely burden the athletic dept. financially. I think the new AD will realize this.
Mr. Riley
October 29th, 2012
12:04 pm
Man, how desperate is clemson?
Flak Jacket
October 29th, 2012
12:04 pm
Can`t wait to see the Yellow Jackets run out on Grant Field behind the rambling wreck instead of the honey bees.
Chuck
October 29th, 2012
12:05 pm
Tech’s Managemenent majors do not take Calculus, they take “Survey of Calculus” – which is not transferrable as a Calculus credit anywhere.
1 4 GT
October 29th, 2012
12:06 pm
Can he take Supersize with him?
JoeFan
October 29th, 2012
12:07 pm
DRad certainly has aggravated memebers of the fan base and likely saw the writing on the wall.
Jmonty
October 29th, 2012
12:08 pm
D Rad is leaving before he got fired. Plain and simple. Way to leave a wreck in progress. He can go and F*CK up the Clempson program. What a loser and quitter.
www
October 29th, 2012
12:08 pm
ken, any truth to the rumor that Waddell at USC is on the GT short list of replacements?
dawg-n-pikecounty
October 29th, 2012
12:09 pm
The AD leaving means one thing…Paul Johnson is G-O-N-E….next guy in there is not hitching his wagon to those coaches.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
Obviously, the name thief is back again, posing as 1 4 GT at 12:06PM
bad time
October 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
I had wished DRAD would have tried to put GT back in the SEC but he replied that GT belongs in the ACC (this was when it was announced Pitt was joining the conference). Now I guarantee you DRAD will push for Clemson to get in the SEC. Just a matter of time. He did GT in.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
So close to pulling the trigger on firing Coach Paul Johnson. Is Waddell related to Don Waddell from the Thrashers? That guy had moxie.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:12 pm
@ pikecounty……ANY NEW AD at any school would not come in and clean house immediately. That would be just plain stupid on his part. He may well clean house in the administrative areas, but he won’t touch the coaching staffs in any of the sports.
JoeFan
October 29th, 2012
12:12 pm
The Tech Athletic Association can secure the financial means to buy out CPJ. The $10 million is not due in a lump sum but over the remaining four years. A letter of credit, alumni donations etc. will get the job done if the new AD has the desire to move in a different direction. Lets hope the incoming AD has a solid blueprint ot move the football program forward.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:14 pm
Name thief at 12:10PM
1 4 GT
October 29th, 2012
12:15 pm
SS….just playing with you. Call me.
headley lamar
October 29th, 2012
12:17 pm
Supersize you finally showed back up.
How is the season going so far? Would you like me to post your predictions game by game again.
LOL.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:18 pm
@ 1 4 GT. I can’t call right now, but I will in the next 30 minutes or so