Doesn’t anybody want to be Georgia’s defensive coordinator? (UPDATED)
Excuse Mark Richt if he's wondering what's going on.
(UPDATE BELOW)
At some point, Mark Richt will hire somebody as Georgia’s new defensive coordinator and he will assure the entire Bulldog Nation that he got the man he wanted all along, because that’s the way these things are done.
But it can’t be too comforting for Richt to know that all he really has accomplished so far is to get significant raises for coaches on other teams.
First, Virginia Tech’s Bud Foster turned down the job. As a reward, he was given an annuity worth up to $1 million. Now, it’s pretty apparent LSU’s John Chavis was offered the offered the job and turned it down because athletic director Joe Alleva said, “We did what we needed to do to keep him.”
That meant a significant raise: from $450,000 a year to a reported $600,000. And Chavis has been at LSU for only one season.
There is no telling where Richt turns now. Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Todd Grantham, who coached under Foster at Virginia Tech, remains a possibility. But Grantham, who also coached for three years at Michigan State, has been in the NFL since 1999 and it’s not known if he would want to come back to college. His only tenure as a coordinator came with the Cleveland Browns (2005-07) and had mixed results.
Regardless, it’s never a good sign when a program is turned down multiple times by job candidates, and Richt doesn’t seem any closer to hiring a defensive coordinator today than he was when he fired Willie Martinez.
(UPDATE: I thought you folks would chuckle at this. LSU put out a press release on Chavis but never referred to Georgia, only an unspecified SEC school. So Vanderbilt offered him a job?)
LSU SPORTS INFORMATION
For Immediate Release December 31, 2009CHAVIS TO REMAIN AT LSU
BATON ROUGE – John Chavis, who was pursued by another school in the Southeastern Conference, will remain at LSU as the defensive coordinator, head coach Les Miles announced on Thursday.
“John has done a great job and he’s a key member of this staff,” Miles said. “John is a man of great character and a tremendous football coach. We’re glad he’s staying.”
In his first year with the Tigers, Chavis coached an LSU defense that rated No. 3 in the SEC and No. 12 in the nation in scoring at 16.0 points per game. The Tigers have allowed just six rushing touchdowns all season, the second-lowest total in college football this year.
“I’m staying at LSU and I’m excited about remaining here,” Chavis said. “LSU is a great place. This is an outstanding football program and I’m happy and honored to be a part of it.”
Chavis joined LSU last January after spending the 14 years as the defensive coordinator at Tennessee.
“We think John Chavis is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country,” LSU Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva said. “We felt like it’s important for the future of the program that we make this investment.”
Chavis will receive an increase in compensation, which will be announced at a future date.
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935 comments Add your comment
Jay
January 1st, 2010
2:00 am
It seems pointless to post on this messageboard, since there do not seem to be many reasonable people here. Jeff’s job has clearly devolved to provocateur — write something that will create controversy and generate page views. Any effort to actually report what’s going on is beside the point these days and perhaps Jeff is not capable of uncovering any real facts. Does anyone remember the angst over the Alabama head coach search or the Florida head coach search? All the same insipid speculation and anxiety existed then as well. Those programs clearly found the right coaches. No one here really knows anything of substance about the search or the hiring process, but why let ignorance of any facts stop you from asserting your opinion about them.
Sartre
January 1st, 2010
2:10 am
Ergo, nuptum sangrus maxima. I think that says it all.
Why would anyone want to take an AJC Job?
January 1st, 2010
2:14 am
Did you go to journalism school? At least your writing makes Tech people feel good about themselves which isn’t an easy accomplishment. Chavis wasn’t offered the job.
Realist
January 1st, 2010
2:54 am
GatorComp,
Define “attended”. Do you mean you went for a day or two and dropped out? Or drove by the campus, or better yet, attended a game or 2 there.I mean your post was like reading dry humor, you get it, but not really that funny.
Reality
January 1st, 2010
3:03 am
UGA rules. Richt is the man. We will pick our d-coach when we want to. We haven’t talked to no one and no one can prove otherwise. People are lining up for the job. Athens is the best place on earth. The SEC is the best conference. The SEC will prove it is best when Alabama wins the NCG.
……..Um – can you say “dilusional?”
Friday 01Jan Links « Leather Helmet Blog
January 1st, 2010
4:43 am
[...] Chavis staying at LSU – AJC story – Jeff Schultz post [...]
'65 Dawg
January 1st, 2010
6:30 am
Having lived and worked in Athens most of my adult life… Why wouldn’t anyone want to come to UGA? You must be kidding. Bible study, prayer meetings, mandatory bowling nights with the guys, etc., etc., etc. And then there’s the big guy, the Prez.
santa cruz dawg
January 1st, 2010
8:25 am
I know Richt will make a great hire, but as I said in the begging of this coaching search. I really wish CMR would take a look at Tim DeRuyter; the DC at the Air Force. They really shut down Houston’s highly ranked offense. I am an Air Force vet and I keep up with their program. This guy would be a great hire!!!!
santa cruz dawg
January 1st, 2010
8:36 am
Ed, The Air Forces DC is Tim DeRuyter. Go to NCAA. com to check out the rankings for 2009 team defense. He is an AFA graduate, but he would get a tremendous pay raise at UGA.
YELLOW FUZZ
January 1st, 2010
8:56 am
I Had another rough night last night, was violated and abused. Looking forward to a GREAT New Year when we will take care of Iowa in our major bowl game. doggies go down next November.
B'wood Dawg
January 1st, 2010
9:00 am
Jeff,
What a lame update on a tired subject! Please! UGA is one of the top schools in the country. Chavis and Foster didn’t “turn UGA down” they simply benefited from Richt’s pursuit of them and chose to stay at the school they are currently at. CMR will get a top notch DC and everyone will be happy. None of these schools want to lose their DC if he is a good one so they are willing to pay him great $ to keep him. And they sure don’t want UGA to get their man either cause they know with a great DC, Georgia is one step away from National Championship contention.
mgdawg
January 1st, 2010
9:31 am
I graduated college last spring and went on many interviews. At all the interviews I was told “we like what you have to offer” or something to that extent and at all of them I was asked “what would it take to get you here” or “what is the salary you are looking for.” However, I wasn’t offered all the jobs that I interviewed for. There is a difference in talking to someone about a job and being offered a job. I’m not that worried right now, if it gets closer to signing day without a DC then I’ll start getting worried.
YELLOW FUZZ
January 1st, 2010
9:45 am
Enter your comments here
pdawg
January 1st, 2010
9:46 am
Jeff I think the problem is not that you are biased against UGA. Its that this really isnt a story. You did what media do which is take something small and make it big. You said “lots” and then backed it up with 2 examples. You ignore how much agents are involved. Also, it was stated that Foster turned down UF too. Heck, Nix turned down UF. How is that not a huge story. This paper tried so hard to suck up to Meyer and now that he isnt the prettiest girl on the block his negative stories are glossed over.
The fact is Richt will get someone that will in all likelyhood be better than Martinez. That is unless he gets the loser from Tech or Ted Roof. My big concern here is that Tech hires Martinez which would be a significan upgrade from that pathetic defense they have now.
harsh reality
January 1st, 2010
9:47 am
Hey increase the talent pool, save your lame racist comment for Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. They’re the only one’s who care to listen to crap like that these days.
jerry
January 1st, 2010
9:53 am
I just hope the next guy is hired on his merits, not “faith based” as in Willie and Bozo.
RF Dawg
January 1st, 2010
9:55 am
There is no proof UGA offered . Looks like Chavis’ agent got in touch them just to have leverage to get him a raise
bamadawg
January 1st, 2010
10:04 am
LOOK! Every high profile program moves to a defensive position when they think thier staff could be recruited by someone else…Texas Tech needs a HC and other programs will sweeten the pot for their HC if they think TTech may be interested…Kapish, you homeys?…or you can do what Auburn did a few years back and not tell Tubby that you are looking for a replacement and secretly take the fallen Colonial Bank Lowder Jet to Louisville to offer Petrino and then be the laughing stock of the nation…and get fired to boot…MR is doing it right, we don’t want anyone who isn’t full in to be a Dawg…and why move your family anyway if everything is equal…who dat, I like sucking crawfish heads in Bayou town
BULLDOG MOM
January 1st, 2010
10:08 am
Just wait and you will be excited about Georgia’s new DC. Many (supposed Georgia fans) but really the opposition ranted and raved about Coach Richt and now we know all is well in Athens and he will find the exact coach he wants for Georgia’s program. GEORGIA IS A TOUGH PROGRAM TO HAVE TO GO AGAINST ESPECIALLY WITH A MAN LIKE COACH RICHT AT THE HELM.
how2fish
January 1st, 2010
10:12 am
Well Jeff its a new year…Happy New Year everyone , but sadly I still have no “source” to give me the inside skinny on who the next UGA D.C will be..I have to say I’m glad it not Chavis..I think we need a younger guy who will be around for a while. I trust CMR will get a good man for the job, and I’m leaning…NO I have no “source” just my thoughts that it may very well be a NFL guy..Smart would be great but I fear a short term fix…anyone thinking he would come to be a “HC coach in waiting” needs to remember how young CMR is…it could be a long wait. Anyway we will all have to be patient I’m thinking till next week.
Gilda the Gatorette Gatorade Drinker
January 1st, 2010
10:20 am
I’m not rreally sure what’s goin on in Gainesville right now, our Coach left the building for a while. but he promised to come back. That’s what worries us. He ain’t all that great at keeping promises. Oh well, Gator Nations will rule, no matter who we get to lead the trups. Goes Gators, Chompy Chomp Chomp!!!!!
DSGD
January 1st, 2010
10:26 am
To all you dog fans who over react to every article the guy Schultz write i got 2 words, “Just Chill”. You are giving him more power than he deserves. He only writes this stupid crap in order to make you talk about him. Mr. Richt is a good coach and i believe he already knows who he is going to hire and it wasn’t Chavis no way. RELAX like us real dogs fans are and you will sleep much better.
1eyedJack
January 1st, 2010
10:27 am
Schultzie, get a hair-hat. Whatcha gonna do after the AJC folds this year?
Doesn't anybody want to be Meyer's DC?
January 1st, 2010
10:28 am
According to ESPN’s crack reporter, the Florida Gators are experiencing an end of an era. I agree with his expert analysis, right on the money.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls09/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=4784908
gary
January 1st, 2010
10:33 am
Why this obsession with getting a “proven” coach? Even Vince Lombardi was unknown at one time. Get somebody hungry and passionate and smart and young.
SEC East Headlines – 1/1/10 | MrSEC.com
January 1st, 2010
10:39 am
[...] now looks like the top candidate to replace Strong as UF’s defensive coordinator.7. Why doesn’t anyone want the defensive coordinator’s job at Georgia? (Could be that the fanbase complained an awful lot after just one bad year and has [...]
Salty Dawg
January 1st, 2010
10:42 am
Reality-”……..Um – can you say ‘dilusional?’”
Not only can I say it, I can spell it correctly. Delusional.
harshest reality
January 1st, 2010
10:42 am
Look people, it’s over for Meyer, one way or another, that’s why the dude quit this time for the 7th time in his career. No one wants to accept this truth, even objective reports like Forde at ESPN are stating the obvious. Meyer is done. End of era. Goodbye–adios amigos.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls09/news/story?id=4785603
Vangorder knows Georgia sux
January 1st, 2010
10:43 am
The whole country knows UGA Football program is a sinking ship..except those dumb redneck UGA fans.
santa cuz dawg
January 1st, 2010
10:45 am
Here’s all you need to know:
Coach Mark Richt is the ONE AND ONLY SEC COACH to have compiled an UNBELIEVABLE SEC RECORD OF 90 SEC WINS IN 9 SEASONS.
Gilda the Gatorette Gatorade Drinker
January 1st, 2010
10:48 am
Coach Meyer said his “gut tells him he will be back next year”.
Is this the same gut that told Meyer to leave Bowling Green, Utah, and to quit beong the Gator’s Coach last week? Not good. I am worried for Gastors Nations. The Chompy Chomp might be turining into a Dawg Bite.
Van Gorder Thinks Every Job stinks
January 1st, 2010
10:50 am
Van Gorder? Nice one there clown. BVG has quit every job he has taken, he thinks they all stink clueless. Please post his resume starting with the last year he coached at Georgia or shut up.
Vangorder knows Georgia sux
January 1st, 2010
10:54 am
90 wins in 9 season but still has not played in a nc title game. now that really sucks.
coach smith
January 1st, 2010
10:54 am
Was it a “bad sign” for Alabama that they were rejected by Jim Grobe in favor of WAKE FOREST or Rich Rodriquez in favor of WV?
Just remember how that ended up, Schultz as you try to assert that UGA is not a good job becuase so and so did not take it….
Douglas
January 1st, 2010
10:55 am
First of all, I don’t understand why Richt went for Chavis — he has only been at LSU for a year — if he wanted him, he should have hired him last year — I think that was a stupid move by Richt — talking to Foster was a good move. To all you LSU fans: I still think Les Miles is overrated as a coach — you will eventually fire him because he will not be able to beat Saban — he won with the talent Saban left him. I think Ginger is right: we need to go out and do what UT did last year — hire a DC and pay him top money in the $800,000 range or higher if we need to. There are other good young DC’s out there — we just need to be patient.
Van Gorder Thinks Every Job stinks
January 1st, 2010
10:57 am
Guess which place and position Van Gorder stayed at the LONGEST? Georgia. Guess how many times Van Gorder has moved in the last 19 years? 10 times, worse than anyone except Urban Meyer, who has moved 8.
1989-1991 Grand Valley State
1992-1994 Wayne State
1994-1996 Central Florida (LBs/ST)
1996-1997 Central Florida (DC)
1998-1999 Central Michigan (DC)
2000 Western Illinois(DC)
2001-2004 Georgia (DC)
2005 Jacksonville Jaguars (LBs)
2006 Georgia Southern
2007 Atlanta Falcons (LBs)
2008-present Atlanta Falcons (DC)
santa cuz dawg
January 1st, 2010
10:59 am
90 SEC wins in 9 seasons. 2 Natl Champ’s at FSU, 1 in 2007 at Georgia. Nobody comes close.
harshest reality
January 1st, 2010
11:02 am
Sporting News reporting the same thing. Meyer is done. end of era. Over.
http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-12-26/meyers-resignation-marks-end-era-for-florida
Dawgtime
January 1st, 2010
11:04 am
Here we go with the gossip and drama again. The truth, a forgotten concept, is that no one really knows who Coach Richt has offered. You always have these GT fans, I mean reporters suggesting that UGA is struggling to find a replacement. That is ridiculous and lacks creditability. You need to start focusing on valid facts like UGA’s domination over GT. First, some claimed that Mark offered Coach Van Gorder. Never happened. Then it was Coach Foster. Coach Richt spoke with him but he never moved beyond that. Coach Chavis and Foster were just fueling the flames of gossip to gain raises. Yes, you were nothing more than a propaganda puppet to gain them more money. You got played. Coach Richt has never set a time table nor established a sense of urgency. Some sort of accountability has to be established with reporting blatant gossip. I see all these recruiting talk about UGA. What recruiting ranking were Rennie Curran and Clint Boling? Get a clue. Just think, we fired a defensive coordinator that helped shutdown the “great” GT offense. That tells you how GT’s game is not considered to have a major impact on anything at UGA. It’s just a game to win at the end of the season. Yes, GT is insignificant to UGA. Go DAWGS.
harshest reality
January 1st, 2010
11:04 am
Another reporter, this one at Sun Sentinel, talking about the end of an era for Gators:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-hyde-florida-gators-120609,0,1042968.column
Meyer Hired as NFL QB Coach
January 1st, 2010
11:07 am
Wow, this is hot, according to the San Fran paper:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/31/SPQN1BC76I.DTL
Mark Richt is a Hypocrite
January 1st, 2010
11:07 am
If it wasn’t for coach Jim Donnan I would not had won those two fake SEC titles..As a coach at UGA for 9 years, I yet have won a SEC Title or play for NC crown with a class that I Mark Richt has recuited and that is the truth.
Vangorder knows Georgia sux
January 1st, 2010
11:15 am
Mark Richt is a hypocrite how correct you are.
Preston
January 1st, 2010
11:16 am
Good grief people! Don’t you realize that there are several teams that still have a game to play? Richt will announce his new DC after the bowl games. If he doesn’t make an announcement by the national championship game, you can bet your ass that Smart is back in Athens. Once a dawg, always a dawg!
Preston
January 1st, 2010
11:20 am
harshest reality. check out the date on that article. it came out on the 26th when this first became news. meyer has since announced his return.
Vangorder knows Georgia sux
January 1st, 2010
11:22 am
Zook even beat Georgia..
trey
January 1st, 2010
11:23 am
Going after a big-name DC (Smart, Foster, Chavis) is both gutsy and stupid. Gutsy to put yourself out on the line knowing the probability of you ending up on the short end exists. Stupid if you know in advance the DC isn’t unhappy where he is and all you have to barter with is salary increase. Why is that stupid? Because the HC at that respective school is going to increase the DC’s salary to beat you out (ex: Foster, Chavis). This is really common sense and I can’t imagine why CMR is approaching this hire this way because he certainly isn’t a stupid man. All I can conclude is that he’s under pressure to go for these big hire names.
I still contend that the best option is to go for a young up-and-coming DC from a small school somewhere.
VA Dawg 85'
January 1st, 2010
11:25 am
It’s a poker game at this time in regards to attacting a DC from a tope program. Unfortunately Kirby Smart cant be high on the list in regards to probability of returning to Athens. Do you think UGA would offer Chavis IF WE NEW SMART HAD SERIOUS INTEREST in RETURNING to Athens? The answer is a no brainer. NO. So, yes I’m a little surprised when I saw the Chavis story unfold. For LSU to print an official statement shows Chavis was offered 100% the job and turned it down.
We will get a fine DC but the fact is we probably won’t get what we really wanted. So, like anything else in life we will probably have to settle for our #3 pick. Not bad and its a top 3 pick. I just don’t understand WHY we don’t have some people banging on the door. It’s a tricky game. UGA is very, very fine school and in Virginia it’s a top school of interest with University of Virginia, University of North Carolina and UGA being 1 of the top three for high school students looking at Universities. I was really hoping that there was a plan like this: Kirby Smart says he will talk with UGA but won’t until after bowl game. And that a source close to Kirby said to UGA that he has a serious desire to return to Athens. Kirby won’t jerk our chain and he has ties to UGA through a couple of Alumni groups tied to UGA. So, I’m guessing that the word is he staying at Bama. I hope I’m wrong. Happy New Year. Finally, wasn’t it great to see Tenn. get beat by Va. Tech! (I’m a UVA fan but rooted for Tech because as my children know and say the “T’s” are are loosing to Tech YEA!!!!!!!!!!!We don’t like “T’s or Florida!” Go Dawgs!
Coach Super Bra Techie
January 1st, 2010
11:45 am
CWM is coming on board
icedawg
January 1st, 2010
11:56 am
Why all the fuss? There must be good prospects for the DC job that are not prominent names. Must a “name” or “proven record” be bought to satisfy the fan base? In that case the fans or bloggers are attempting to play coach. Thankfully I don’t think Richt will succumb to that pressure. Much of the blogging rhetoric is hot air anyway. There has to be good talent out there that is not necessarily high profile that would be a good fit and productive. Richt will do what’s best and if it doesn’t work out he’ll make the change again until he finds the right person. The Media Microscope focused upon the process is amusing but worthless.