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
the truth
October 29th, 2012
12:19 pm
Supersize is an idiot Headley.
headley lamar
October 29th, 2012
12:19 pm
Just so everyone is perfectly clear. When you listen to Supersize and the nonsense that comes out of his mouth. This is what you are getting.
Below was his prediction for the Tech 2012 season.
The guy really knows his football doesn’t he.
@ Headless…..that was actually a fairly intelligent post for you. I don’t agree with your results, but that’s beside the point; it’s still a decent assessment. This, however, is my rundown on the season —
Va Tech (toss-up, but very likely GT win)
Blue Hose (Win)
UVA (Win)
Miami (DEFINITE WIN)
MTSU (Win)
Clemson (probable loss, but Tech does have their number)
BC (Win)
BYU (Win)
Maryland (Win)
UNC (Probably win by Tech, but I will never forget 1990)
Duke (Win)
UGA (WIN, but close)
Bowl (Depends on the opponent—hopefully a win)
GThoschton
October 29th, 2012
12:19 pm
Sorry to see DRAD leave and most of you will be to when you realize what we had– people dont get hired away because they suck at thier jobs! the questions that needs to be asked is why would DRAD leave???
THWG
October 29th, 2012
12:20 pm
Excuses are Easy has a point in one important area. Stanford doesn’t make excuses and PJ is a crappy coach. As for “UGA Engineering” keep dreaming. You will NEVER be on par with GT….EVER. Just like Tech will never rival you in housing, interior decorating, home economics and playground management degrees. You have your specialty, we have ours. The Board of Regents is stacked to give you a medical school but you’ll be in Tech’s wake for anything remotely related to Engineering forever. DRad’s tenure has been a trainwreck and it isn’t news to any fan that he needed to go. No surprise that he leaves a disaster behind – he is an SEC guy. Good luck to Clemson. They’ll need it. I hope that I’m reading the same news story about PJ today. The team won’t be any worse for wear and interim coaching will make no difference in how the season finishes. I don’t see another win until at least next season. Too bad for the players, they work hard. Props to UGA for wanting to win. It’s more than I can say for the current coaching at Tech.
1 4 GT
October 29th, 2012
12:20 pm
SS ok. Crawl back in your hole Headless Lamar.
One down, one to go
October 29th, 2012
12:21 pm
Trade Paul Johnson for a sick horse and SHOOT the horse!!
stinger
October 29th, 2012
12:21 pm
Take CPJ with you…oh that’s right..that would be insane…nevermind
headley lamar
October 29th, 2012
12:22 pm
Supersize is an idiot Headley.
I know.
Ive had to put up with the lies and garbage he spews about UGA for years now.
I’m glad he finally is being exposed for what he is. A blind homer fanboy who cant see things objectively.
The very thing he would vilify UGA fans for being …. he is himself.
Good Job
October 29th, 2012
12:23 pm
Good job Supersize. You pick games about as well as Beano picks Heisman winners.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:24 pm
Alright, headley, maybe I was being a prick, but that’s you on a normal day. Good for you.
One down, one to go
October 29th, 2012
12:25 pm
Yep, Ole super size is a little more humble these days as is 5150…….
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:25 pm
@ Headless…..all I can say is that nobody is right all the time, and I admit that I was wrong. Do you have the ballz to admit when you are wrong?
ignition
October 29th, 2012
12:26 pm
Maybe Tech can go after Chuck Norris or Gus Malzahn ??
I mean they could work with the offensive talent there and it wouldn’t be as dramatic a change in systems…
doc
October 29th, 2012
12:27 pm
well the competition just got weaker. good news.
www
October 29th, 2012
12:28 pm
not sure about anyone else, but i’m ok with radakovich moving on.
i hope his emphasis on building facilities pays off in the near future, so thanks to him for that, but he made his share of mistakes and i think we can do better.
i’d like to see GT hire an AD with a strong enough personality to hire a good young defensive coordinator AND an offensive coordinator, both of whom have a reputation as good recruiters.
i like cpj but … 1) the recruiting must improve 2) the defense needs major help, including a move back to a 4-3 base defense 3) the offensive playcalling needs to be opened up, with more short passes and fewer runs up the middle
also, i hope the players WAKE UP and finish the season strong.
Buddy Landel
October 29th, 2012
12:29 pm
I understand some of the angst directed at the CPJ hire, but don’t quite understand the same reaction toward Brian Gregory. I think GT hoops is on an upswing and also think we will surprise a lot of teams this year.
Jmonty
October 29th, 2012
12:31 pm
As a tech fan, I almost just want to stick my head in the sand. The AD quit during the season to go to a rival team. I mean, seriously??? Who does that? D Rad has no honor within him. I almost wonder if he purposely tried to derail Tech, with the knowledge he was moving to Clemson? I really hope he drives off the road on his way there… and is never found. All the issues the UGA had doesn’t even come close to the turmoil that GT is in. What an embarrassment. It’s a sad time to be a tech fan.
Tim From Toccoa
October 29th, 2012
12:31 pm
I find it a little weird that Supersize and his butt buddies spend all day trading emails and phone calls.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:31 pm
Laugh it up, fizz balls. Tech will roll your butts this season, and Coach Paul Johnson will end his Tech career on a high note.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:31 pm
Laugh it up, fuzz balls. Tech will roll your butts this season, and Coach Paul Johnson will end his Tech career on a high note.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
@ Tim…..some of us have friends. Do you have any?
Name thief at 12:31
strong finish
October 29th, 2012
12:34 pm
Enter your comments here
db
October 29th, 2012
12:36 pm
He’s done a good job of upgrading our facilities. But the teams are currently not where they need to be.
And lastly, he’s spending money like Obama. So let’s do to O what Dan did to himself – relieved of duties.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:37 pm
Name thief at 12:25 too. What a sad soul.
HappyTechFan
October 29th, 2012
12:38 pm
I couldn’t be happier. DR was never Tech quality. . . wanted to change everything Tech, and on top of that was directly responsible for the NCAA sanctions. What surprises me is that anyone else wanted him…especially Clemson with its current success. He won’t stay there long because they won’t tolerate for we have.
Buzz2011
October 29th, 2012
12:38 pm
Good luck in Dabo, Dabo , Doo land. We could have done worse than Rads ( aka Dooley)
We will be fine and continue to beat Clemson on average and get an AD that will help us
in taking out the Dawgs regularly.. Go Jackets!!
Straight Jacket
October 29th, 2012
12:38 pm
Recruits are not coming to Tech because of academics…they don’t come because of Johnson’s game!
doc
October 29th, 2012
12:39 pm
where is the old guard now that was complaining back in about 2005 and 2006 about the former ad and head coach? reap what you sew, karmic proportions.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 29th, 2012
12:39 pm
And now the name thief is calling ME a name thief. How sad to be such a child.
JANICE
October 29th, 2012
12:40 pm
Could he take Paul Johnson with him???? I used to like him but after this season…..he needs to go. Do not think Clemson will want him, but GT needs someone else NOW!!!!!
jacket22
October 29th, 2012
12:41 pm
As a lifelong GT fan I am glad to see D-Rad leave, I was excited about the CPJ hire at first but anyone with any sense at all can see he was most successful with Chan’s players as they were better all around players as evident by their play in the NFL. CPJ will never be successful at Tech with his offense and it’s time for Bud to replace him after the season and hire a coach that will run a pro style offense and will be able to get better players as a result of it. Any idiot can see that the only high schools that run the option are smaller schools with small talent pools, the high schools that produce the most talent run pro style offenses and because of that there is a huge talent pool available and since the top tier teams can’t sign every player available some of them there are players available for schools like GT. These players may not be the top 20 at their position but even I can throw a football better than Tevin Washington so anything would be an upgrade.
George Stein
October 29th, 2012
12:41 pm
My biggest concern with this is that Radakovich knows something we all don’t.
Phil
October 29th, 2012
12:43 pm
How many Tech football players graduate with engineering degrees?……none!! For that matter…few even graduate!!
Don't Kid Yourselves
October 29th, 2012
12:43 pm
You ARE NOT REPEAT you ARE NOT the Tech fan base. The comments that are written on this blog IS NOT from the fan base. They are made by unknowing dumb azzez who are either 1) UGA trolls or 2) just plain ignorant hicks. Looking into the future just know and remember you read it here that Coach Paul Johnson IS NOT going anywhere unless he chooses to do so. He will remain the head coach at Tech regardless of who is hired as the new AD. The REAL tech fan base are the graduates of GA TECH who buy the tickets not you homers.
Name Thief
October 29th, 2012
12:45 pm
Hi I’m a pathetic name thief. I have no life. I am about as bright as a burned out light bulb. Since I don’t have a job. I walk to the library and use the public computers all day. I’m too lazy and stupid to get a real job, so I get on the blog and use SS’s name on the blog. I’m a loser.. I am too much of a puzzy to actually say who I am, because I am afraid of being beat up. I am weak and no girls like me. I live with my mom and I am 45 years old. She still changes my diapers for me. Yep, that’s me name thief.
GT Bob
October 29th, 2012
12:46 pm
D-Rat is leaving? Some body better check the checking account now!
Jacket Dad
October 29th, 2012
12:46 pm
Don’t know what to think of this…… I’m sure there are all kinds of behind-the-scenes details none of us bloggers know about. At first glance, I say don’t let the door hit ya on the way out. Second, Johnson will be feeling lots more heat now. That may be a good thing.
Several of DRad’s moves and decisions seemed sketchy. Bye.
Technically Correct
October 29th, 2012
12:47 pm
Is this just another shrewd move by D-Rad to draw our attention away from the dismal state of our football program?
A concerned citizen
October 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
D Rad saw the handwriting on the wall. He’d take the fall for Captain Arrogance (Paul Johnson).
Name Thief
October 29th, 2012
12:49 pm
Shady… plain shady.. There has to be more to the story. D Rad leaving is only the start. CPJ may not have such a friend in his corner now. The only thing saving CPJ is that huge contract.
Jmonty
October 29th, 2012
12:51 pm
CPJ has got to wonder about the state of the football program at GT. D Rad left before he got fired. I just hate he jumped ship during the season.
Phil is right
October 29th, 2012
12:52 pm
Very few athletes at Tech graduate with Engineering degrees, it’s just too damned hard even if you aren’t in athletics. There’s a reason Tech is in the top 5 in most programs. It ain’t easy. The wonderful Mr. Crecine gave us an academic diversion though in Science, Technology and Culture, Public Policy, just about anything in Ivan Allen, so there are ways to get around competitive SAT scores and GPA’s. Leadership is the issue. Greatness in anything comes from leadership and the expectations from those who lead. UGA fans sing this song more than anyone. Tech doesn’t have the fan base UGA has because to so many of our students, football is foreign. They take their degrees and head back to Korea, India and China. At least they’re employable. People don’t understand what it’s like to earn a degree from Tech unless you’ve lived it. It’s a special place where we see life outside of the stadium. That’s a tough pill to swallow UGA fans. God bless them.
Technically Correct
October 29th, 2012
12:54 pm
Maybe D-Rad knows something about that 5th string QB that will get his first start this week for Maryland…
Empty Seats
October 29th, 2012
12:55 pm
Congratulations Clemson!
Now can we hire an AD with an vested interest in Tech. Out of all the Management grads who are athletes is there one that can manage our A Department with a vested interest in Tech?
John Sally, Mark Price, etc, etc. Bobby Cremins interim AD, grooming the permanent selection.
Then let’s build that winning program we know is possible in Atlanta with a very valuable and versatile Management degree available (we are not all engineers or rocket scientists) and a strong, disciplined, winning football program.
This is the start, it will take a while, but at least it has began.
old dog
October 29th, 2012
12:57 pm
@ Supersize, and some of my other Tech buddies;
Y’all are true believers/supporters of your program….I admire that, truly. However, Rad is going to a place with one of the strongest fan bases in the country, and one with tons of resources. I am not a Clemson fan, but IPTAY is super-strong, and they double ya’lls fan count at every game. It is kinda like ya’ll wanna win, but you don’t want to pay the price. And no, I am not talking about bringing in thugs, etc. I’m just talking about making GT a destination for top tier players. I know I am opening myself up, but ya’ll as an entire program (football, mainly) can do better……………………..and have previously proved it.
Dawghater
October 29th, 2012
12:57 pm
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. D Rad’s been disconnected all season. It was clear he was on his way out. Now look at the mess he’s left. Maybe he should kick in some on CPJ;s $10.4M buyout. All the more reason to hate Clemson now
5150 UOAD
October 29th, 2012
1:02 pm
Too Bad More TECH fans don’t express themselves the way the players do.
Anthony Chris Williams
….Going through some tough times…but a family that prays together..stays together! Praying for Brighter Days ! At the end of the day im still a Yellow Jacket !
Dawgone Dan
October 29th, 2012
1:03 pm
First
LOL
October 29th, 2012
1:05 pm
Wow Okie dawg, act like you have some class at least. Douche. And I am a dawg fan too dude.
Dumbo
October 29th, 2012
1:06 pm
smart man…now let the Techies hire 1 of the their ilk