Is it Tech’s turn to lose a candidate (Groh to Dolphins)?
Former Virginia coach Al Groh suddenly has options other than Georgia Tech -- the Miami Dolphins.
Let me start this by saying that Georgia Tech is not quite in the same situation with Al Groh that Georgia was with Kirby Smart, in that even if this potential hire blows up in Paul Johnson’s face he could probably escape public humiliation.
But Techies: Don’t get too comfortable.
In timing too perfect to ignore, the Miami Dolphins have fired their defensive coordinator, Paul Pasqualoni. The Dolphins’ vice president of operations is Bill Parcells. Parcells is a long-time friend and frequent boss of Groh’s. How frequent? They worked together at Army. And Air Force. And the New York Giants. And the New England Patriots. And the New York Jets.
For all we know, they once bagged groceries at adjacent checkout lines.
There have been strong indications that Groh may be hired by Johnson, who fired defensive coordinator Dave Wommack last week. But after being fired as the head coach at Virginia, a return to the NFL seemed like the more logical career transition for the 65-year-old Groh than staying in college as a defensive coordinator. Now the NFL opportunity may be there, and it’s with Parcells.
Maybe I’m overthinking this. But it’s not like Groh is exactly shooting the possibility down.
Comments to the Palm Beach Post (double-speak award):
“Any speculation to that possibility would be very premature at this point. I have a certain criteria in place for which I’m interested. It starts with the people that are involved. I’m open to anything that would fit that criteria. … That doesn’t mean anything or everything.”
ESPN.com followed that up with this:
Former Virginia coach Al Groh told ESPN.com that he hasn’t been contacted by the Dolphins about the vacancy, but he’d welcome the opportunity to work with old boss Bill Parcells again.
Groh’s name immediately comes to mind as a replacement because of his relationship with Parcells.
(Groh on his long history with Parcells): “I’ve done it five times. Some people would say that I’m nuts. Some people would say that I’m fortunate. So, having it done it five times already, yeah, obviously, there’s a track record there.”
One thing Tech can take comfort in: This won’t be a financial decision. Groh is being paid $4.33 million over the next two more years by Virginia. This will come down to where he feels most comfortable. Maybe that is still Tech. (For the record, we’re not certain Johnson actually has offered him the job yet.)
But given the backdrop of the way things have unraveled in Athens, as well as the timing of the Dolphins’ opening, how comfortable are you right now?
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263 comments Add your comment
dc
January 12th, 2010
10:54 am
David Pollack’s credibility= ZERO
GT Alum
January 12th, 2010
10:55 am
At least us Techies are realistic when it comes to our open DC position. Its funny that most UGA fans are surprised by Kirby Smart staying at Alabama. Its time to ratchet down expectations Mutts.
Ted Striker
January 12th, 2010
10:56 am
Assuming Supersize’s story about Purdue is true — [ha! leap of faith!!! cows fly!!! Megan Fox wants me!!! Jack Bauer fears me!!!] — I can’t really fault Purdue.
I mean, the guy is Sonny Purdue. He was probably praying for rain when the call came through. Or praying for the rain to stop. Whatever, whichever. You never know with that guy.
The UGALY Truth
January 12th, 2010
10:57 am
dawgfan, you forgot:
“4-4 in SEC, Kentucky, SHREVEPORT — WE ARE GEORGIA FOOTBALL!!”
“UGA Football — Proudly leading the nation in AVERAGE ARRESTS PER PLAYER for 5 consecutive years now!”
Which of these are you most proud of?
dc
January 12th, 2010
10:58 am
The reason this MAY be humiliating to UGA fans is because so many of you were saying “Smart’s coming home”, Book it”, “it’s a done deal”. Sometimes it’s your overconfidence that gets you ridiculed.
The UGALY Truth
January 12th, 2010
11:02 am
Jean claude van damme has accepted the DC position at georgia and is putting his staff together. Story just Broke.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
January 12th, 2010
11:03 am
ok smart is not an option , does anyone think CMR will wait until the cowboys are done if grantham is the next option , and whoever the next option is will they think they should get the same money that Smart was offered ,it could be another sticking point in the developing soap opera,
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
January 12th, 2010
11:05 am
jean claude would be even better it would be hard to score on his D with all the broke limbs and other injuries.
Al Groh
January 12th, 2010
11:06 am
I am not coming to GT nor Miami. I have decided to accept the position of Road Manager for my son Dave’s band, The Foo Fighters. Just think, tomorrow night, I’ll be filthy drunk, lying in the floor of some 5 star hotel, digging myself out from under a pile of naked, high priced hookers.
Wait a minute, I was just informed that Dave Grohl is not my son. Nevermind.
dawgfan
January 12th, 2010
11:06 am
GT Alum, that will never happen. UGA football will always shoot for the stars. Always has and always will. That’s the difference between us and you. It has nothing to do with SAT scores or calculus. We dare to dream and you make excuses for yourselves. As a native Atlantan, it turned me off to Tech athletics a long time ago. I cannot support such a loser mentality.
So enjoy your view from the cheapseats Techies. We may never win it all but we’ll die trying. Sure beats the heck out of being a coward Techie hiding behind every excuse imaginable when your half azzed plan for success doesn’t work.
Alabama Jack
January 12th, 2010
11:09 am
In CPJ we trust.
Jewey Boy
January 12th, 2010
11:26 am
Everyone knows Schultz hates and mocks CMR because of CMR’s faith.
Technophobia
January 12th, 2010
11:34 am
The fact that Groh was at a GT practice in December makes is almost a certainty that Groh has been interested in this job for a while. The Miami job though would also be a good fit for him. I hope he chooses Tech but it’s understandable if he takes the Miami job given his past associations. I think we’ll probably hear something soon, maybe tomorrow. As of this morning, Groh is still saying he hasn’t been contacted by Miami and his main goal is winning. Remember too, that Parcells is executive VP of Miami not a coach. So how much would they really be working together? Whatever happens, I can’t help but notice the lack of leaks and rumors that plagued the attempt to “Get Smart”
Technophobia
January 12th, 2010
11:35 am
Hey boy, that’s a pretty vile comment.
Supersize that order, mutt
January 12th, 2010
11:44 am
Ted Striker, why would I lie or make up a story about something like that? I heard it on NPR Sunday morning. As I said in my original post, they did not identify the bowl game or the governor, so it is entirely possible that it was the Iowa State bowl game and the governor of whichever state has the school that played Iowa State. I simply asked Jeff if he had heard anything about it. I also asked, via email, an old roomie of mine who lives in Iowa. He had not heard anything about it, but his wife had, and she THOUGHT it was the Orange Bowl and Purdue. Like Jeff said (and thanks, Jeff, for your reply), those bets are pretty silly, but to TOTALLY IGNORE one is disgraceful. What does that say to the governor of Iowa? It tells him that for whatever reason, the governor who ignored him is rude and a poor sport. State governors make these silly bets all the time. If it waa Purdue, and if he had a legitimate reason for not making the bet, then the proper thing for him to do would be to refuse and explain….NOT IGNORE. Since, however, Purdue is very open about his loyalties to UGAG, it was probably a slap in the face both to the Iowa governor AND Ga Tech.
60-39-5 30-24
January 12th, 2010
11:46 am
Enter your comments here
The UGALY Truth
January 12th, 2010
11:53 am
dawgfan, you’re living a LIE.
GT DID shoot for the stars when it hired Paul Johnson and the RESULTS speak for themselves. He completely overhauled the offense and overcame a struggling DC and STILL posted a 20-7 (.741) record in his first 2 years at a school that (according to many of you here) isn’t supposed to win because of a lack of talent, half-full stadium, fill in the blank….Over the same 2 years, CMR is 18-8 (.692). GT won its CONFERENCE this past year while UGAG hasn’t even won its DIVISION since 2005.
So by default, it seems you are indeed supporting a LOSER MENTALITY, huh?
The Grinch
January 12th, 2010
12:05 pm
The UGALY Truth
January 12th, 2010
11:53 am
Oh, yes, tech certainly did shoot for the stars with Paul Johnson. Why, it was between tech and SMU. SMU? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Even with tough competition like SMU, you were able to convince him to bring the Wing T to tech. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
B Davis
January 12th, 2010
12:06 pm
Understand that CPJ is hiring Mike Ditka.
Richt will be on his 45th candidate when practice starts this year. Candidates 44 and 45 will turn the position down because Richt will not let them use his hairdresser.
Dexter
January 12th, 2010
12:07 pm
um correct me if I’m wrong Jeff, but it was your own column that practically said Groh was a done deal at GT..so maybe that is where Tech fans got the idea..
hell no
January 12th, 2010
12:11 pm
everytime GT has an opening for head coach or DC, here comes someone promoting Andy McCollum on here…whoever that is how bout shutting the hell up…no one knows him or cares and if they want to know him, he had 4 straight losing seasons at MTSU and was fired, now a loser linebacker coach at N C loserville State, grew up in Ga cheering for UGA(that really makes you want him..NOT)he can go back to Austin Peay if they would even have him which I doubt
Technophobia
January 12th, 2010
12:14 pm
Here ya go striker.
http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2010/01/05/sonny-perdue-ignores-offer-of-a-tech-iowa-wager/
http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/article_d713ec8c-f9a3-11de-9b16-001cc4c03286.html
Perdue was very rude and owes Iowa and GT an apology and explanation. No excuse for ignoring a friendly gesture.
BigTimeTECHFan
January 12th, 2010
12:20 pm
I’m Tech fan:
1. Groh – would be nice pickup but I don’t think it’s going to happen but it could be a good move, if anybody turns this defense around they will make a big name for themselves.
2. For same reason I think it was dumb for Kirby Smart to turn down UGA job, Question is out there if Saban should get all the credit for how good Bama’s D is, If he had confidence in his abilities he could have seen:
UGA can get just as good of talent as Bama
If UGA D plays well, and they are SEC contenders again he gets all the credit, staying at Bama the questions on him are still out there. Then he would be inline for any big time program’s head coach opening in a year. At Bama he will get offers but not as big as he would have after turning around UGA’s D.
3. It would have been dumb for UGA not to look at Smart, he is Georgia alumni, so he decided to stay at Bama not a big deal but not fault of UGA.
PragmaticMan
January 12th, 2010
12:21 pm
The UGALY Truth Tech’s athletic department is awash in a sea of red ink. And no they can’t afford a Foster, a Smart, or a Chavis. Spin it any way you want to dumbazz. GT can’t even pay the ante to get in the game when it comes to coaches like that. And so what if PJ is one of the highest paid coaches in the ACC. Just another case of the tallest midget. Watch what happens. UGA will get a much better DC than GT will. Tech is Tech. You are not a desired destination. And when it’s all said and done UGA just pulls farther ahead of our little retarded brother GT.
Rainy night in Ga.
January 12th, 2010
12:21 pm
Careful with your comments Ugag fans….Ill punch you in the face!!!!:-)
Supersize that order, mutt
January 12th, 2010
12:40 pm
Pragmatic, UGAG can’t even pull ahead of it’s “brothers” in Florida, Tennessee, or (OMG) Kentucky. You are irrelevant in the SEC now, and it’s not going to change, no matter how big the bucks you shell out for a new DC.
PragmaticMan
January 12th, 2010
12:40 pm
CPJ’s 2 bowl performances pretty aptly sums up GT’s place in the college football universe. Big fish little pond. And now that GT’s best chance to be taller has passed them by. Oh well. In 2010 GT will be no better than 4th in the ACC. THE ACC! LMAO! To make things even worse, VT and Miami are in GT’s division. My condolences nats.
Supersize that order, mutt
January 12th, 2010
12:47 pm
Pragmatic, get back to us when UGAG beats Florida and Tennessee on anywhere near a consistent basis. Until then, STFU
PragmaticMan
January 12th, 2010
12:48 pm
30-24 Supersize. Some things never change. No matter what UGA’s place in the SEC, they will still own you minor leaguers over on N. Avenue.
Cindy
January 12th, 2010
12:53 pm
The ACC champions lose to a 5 loss UGA then get totally shut down by Iowa. Going back to LSU and 38-3 (2 bowls 62-17) even a girl knows that GT can’t hack it outside the ACC.
Supersize that order, mutt
January 12th, 2010
12:56 pm
And UGAG can’t hack it inside the SEC
Tim
January 12th, 2010
12:58 pm
Jeff – Please show me where we sent out 3 offers and each was rejected. I’d love to see that. All I have heard, and anyone has confirmed, was that CMR was gauging interest out there, nothing more than preliminary talks. The only offer that was ever extended, was to Smart. Urban did the same thing with Foster, and Nix (and possibly others) and yet, he isn’t being crucified like you and the rest of the AJC is doing to Richt.
Supersize that order, mutt – Based on your handle, you fit what I picture as the stereotypical GT fan. You obviously eat out at fast food places all the time since you got the lingo down pat. So, overweight. You eat at places like that often, so income must be an issue. So, you live in your Mom’s basement.
It’s funny when GT people get on to UGA people for not beating Florida and Tennessee, because that’s all they can hang their hat on. So, why don’t you take your own advice and get back to us when you can beat UGA on a consistent basis. Oh, and in case you forgot, 8 out of 9!!!! We run this state!
The Grinch
January 12th, 2010
1:03 pm
Supersize that order, mutt
January 12th, 2010
12:47 pm
Supersize, get back to us when teac beats UGA on anywhere near a consistent basis. Until then, STFU.
Sound familiar? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
csrapress
January 12th, 2010
1:03 pm
For all you Dawg fans — you talk sooooo much about how weak the ACC is and the first person you try to hire as your new DC is the DC of an ACC team — what does that tell ya? Sorry, you don’t have the sense to figure that one out!! Now, you all want to count only the recent records with Florida and forget the past — but, don’t seem to use the same criteria for the Tech-UGAG games. We understand your domination when CG was the Coach, even though he had plenty of chances to beat you and just didn’t know how (and we all know Reggie Ball was your best player). But, counting the recent records, since CPJ came to Tech, he’s 1-1 and the big win against one of your best teams in the last two decades (I believe ranked Pre-Season No. 1) and at your home field. Yeah, Tech lost to one of your poor teams, but just like you claim from the previous year, injuries played an important role in that game as did too much media hype about how good Tech really is. The Tech players watched your team drop a 20-6 halftime lead to Kentucky at home and thought they could easily whip the little Pups — sadly they were wrong, but for all your great play in the game, it still came down to the last minute of the game and a drive that Tech failed to capitalize on — not the vaunted Georgia defense doing anything to stop the drive. Sorry, but I’d be embarrassed if my school and team offered the job with a huge salary and benefits to three top DCs and they all turned it down. They don’t want to go to UGAG land because of their chances for success — it ain’t gonna happen in the SEC for UGAG for many, many years to come. As for dominating Tech – CPJ has different plans and a better idea about that. You didn’t stop his offense the first time and you didn’t stop it the last time. So, go find a DC who can stop the option and then you can trash his offense. Trying to use logic with UGAG fans is an exercise in futility (did you understand that?)!
The Grinch
January 12th, 2010
1:06 pm
Cindy
January 12th, 2010
12:53 pm
Not only that, but the other A She She championship game participant got beat the previous week by a 5 loss South Carolina team.
AND…..the juggernaut tech offense has scored a total of 10 points in two bowl games.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Ted Striker
January 12th, 2010
1:06 pm
Ah, Supersize, I was just funning with you. Let’s have a drink. Or two. Or seven.
The Grinch
January 12th, 2010
1:09 pm
csrapress
January 12th, 2010
1:03 pm
30-24. Do you have the sense to figure that one out? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Cindy
January 12th, 2010
1:10 pm
But they still beat Tech don’t they Supersize that order, mutt. In fact, they OWN Tech.
DavisBuzz
January 12th, 2010
1:11 pm
What ever happened to the former Southern Mississippi Head Coach – Jeff Bower… great Defensive mind..! I do not bebeive he is coaching and would be a great choice.
Bob in Buford
January 12th, 2010
1:14 pm
Forget UGA csrapress, it’s those 2 bowl games that illustrates just how bad the ACC is and just how overrated GT was. What is it. 2 games..them 62…you 17. That’s pretty bad anyway you try to spin it. In fact, you can’t spin something that sorry.
Poindexter Jugdish
January 12th, 2010
1:14 pm
There you go Schultzie, you have told everybody how much money Al has. Now, all those bad people are going to be circling the Tech campus like buzzards waiting to wax poor Al for the dimes in his loafers.
VolPride
January 12th, 2010
1:17 pm
It’s really hard for me to understand why UGA (through their comments on these blogs) consistently measures themselves against GT. If UGA wants to be a top notch program shouldn’t you be gauging your success against Alabama and FL?
It would be like UT comparing themselves to KY, who we’ve beat 20 something straight times. In fact, the Kiffin family views our competition as those teams who consistently finish in the top 5.
Elevate your goals and your program will improve.
Navigator
January 12th, 2010
1:18 pm
It’s always amazing to me how infantile the posters are for Georgia and Tech. We started out talking about possible Tech Defensive coach, and within minutes, it degrades into massive negative post between to two groups of weenies that obviously can’t keep theirs to themselves. Grow up creeps and take your name calling somewhere where it’s appreciated, and allow those that care to discuss what’s happening. Tech guys you started this crap last year posting the stupid score, and now Georgia guys retaliated this year. I know this is hard for all of you to believe, but none of you had anything to do with who won, because none of you play. Get a life folks, writing this crap on the blogs doesn’t make your life any different, just irritates those that actually like to discuss what’s happening football. Stop being losers, and make your own life better.
Tim
January 12th, 2010
1:22 pm
csrapress – you make no sense. Just because a conference is weak, doesn’t mean there isn’t a good team or 2. Ask any rational UGA or college football fan, and they’ll tell you VaTech is legit. Foster is easily one of the top 3 in all of College football. He’s been a VT 20+ years, no way he was going to leave. But, why not ask? Notice we didn’t go after any other coaches from the ACC.
As for your other statement, we actually only prefer to look at the past against Florida. We owned them prior to the 80’s similar to what they’re doing now. So, again, you make zero sense. Fact of the matter is, whether you look back the last 10 years or the last 100 years, it all boils down to the same thing. We own you. It’s what like 60-39-5 overall?
You say you’d be embarrassed if GT offered the top 3 DC’s and got turned down? You do understand why you didn’t offer, right? Because they wouldn’t even entertain the thought. Uga and GT are on 2 totally different levels. Who would, other than 70 year olds who just got fired?
Congrats on being 1-1 against us. I hope the next decade works out better than the last. I actually do hope you guys field better teams, it makes the rivalry fun again. Best of luck! Just remember, the best you guys had still couldn’t beat the worst we had. And we’re not the ones who just lost 4 players to the NFL early. Look how well that worked out for us last year. We run this state!
Bob in Buford
January 12th, 2010
1:30 pm
The Grinch
January 12th, 2010
12:05 pm
The UGALY Truth
January 12th, 2010
11:53 am
Oh, yes, tech certainly did shoot for the stars with Paul Johnson. Why, it was between tech and SMU. SMU?
SMU got the best end of that deal didn’t they Grinch? They got a real football coach in June Jones. Tech got a snake oil salesman. June Jones has more football knowledge in his little finger than Paul Johnson has in his whole body.
The UGALY Truth
January 12th, 2010
1:31 pm
SHREVEPORT…..Can a girl figure that one out, Cindy?
Kirk Ferentz
January 12th, 2010
1:32 pm
Hey, Coach here chiming in. I just wanted to tip my hat to Wake Forrest again for coming out and playing such a good game against my Hawkeyes in the Orange Bowl.
csrapress
January 12th, 2010
1:32 pm
It just goes to show you can’t teach an old dawg new tricks. You trash the ACC, but your first choice for a new DC is a DC with an ACC team? Tech’s bowl games have been bad, no doubt, but their games with UGAG have been 1-1 by only a few points against a Pre-Season No. 1 team and a Pre-Season No. 13 team — not too bad for a team picked to win only three games in the first year under CPJ — dead last in the ACC (oh, they tied for ACC Coastal Division Champs and whipped ya in Athens that year 45-42 after spotting ya 16 points at the half and only completed one pass for 19 yards) and to finish third and fourth in the ACC in his second year (they won the ACC and lost to you by six in Atlanta). Oh, and how did ya’ll fare against a terrible Big 12 Team in the first half of the Indepndence Bowl? Heck, most of your points came from their special teams mistakes. Yeah, you won 30-24 and you ran the ball up and down the field in Atlanta, but your little dawg tails were tucked and sucked in until that last fourth down pass fell incomplete. This is just the beginning of what’s coming at ya from Tech every year — it ain’t a gimme game anymore. And, what do ya think ya’ll will finish in the SEC next year? Same ole, same ole place — kissing Florida, and maybe Tennessee’s back side. It’s been quite a turn-around in just two years under CPJ. UGAG used to be the team with the 11-3 record, playing in a major bowl, and finishing in the Top 15 with Tech going to a “lesser” bowl, now it’s Tech with the 11-3 record, the Top 15 finish in the polls, and playing in the “Major” bowl. Not too bad for that ole option offense!!! But, you did win the penalty award again this year for major college teams — great coaching!!
Bob in Buford
January 12th, 2010
1:39 pm
The UGALY Truth
January 12th, 2010
1:31 pm
SHREVEPORT…..Can a girl figure that one out, Cindy?
I bet she can figure out 30-24. That makes her a hell of a lot smarter than you now doesn’t it? And by the way. How’d that Orange Bowl work out for you. I heard you got your azz kicked. Is that true?
Sonny Purdue
January 12th, 2010
1:40 pm
I did not make the bet with the Honorable Governor of Iowa because I knew the Techsters would wet the bed in the Bowl which they did. We are in a recession and have better things to spend money on then a guaranteed loser for PR sake. I hope this puts this matter to rest, as you can see we UGA graduates do not bet on sure losers.