Is it Tech’s turn to lose a candidate (Groh to Dolphins)?

Former Virginia coach Al Groh suddenly has options other than Georgia Tech.

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?

263 comments Add your comment

Bob in Buford

January 12th, 2010
1:42 pm

csrapress maybe if your dumbazz head coach hadn’t started heaving long bombs from 40 yards out with 2 minutes left it could have been 31-30. Obviously either PJ knew he was stopped or he is the dumbest jackazz stalking a sideline. Which one is it csrapress?

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
1:44 pm

The Grinch, WTH has SMU got to do with ANYTHING here….GT hired Johnson, SMU, Duke etc did NOT.

On the other hand, Fake Bake Richt has been on the road for NEARLY 6 WEEKS with briefcases FULL OF CASH and it was between VT and UGAG: VT won. Then it was between LSU and UGAG: LSU won. Then it was between BAMMER and UGAG: BAMMER won…..You starting to see a TREND here? It’s all about RESPECT…..And right now, UGAG has about as much respect in the college football world as a turd floating around the middle of the SEC that hasn’t quite hit the bottom…..yet.

How about you, Cindy Loo….A girl can recognize when a Head Football Coach is being played like a cheap fiddle EVERYWHERE “Richt’s Marvelous and Amazing Travelin’ Show” stops to try and buy some talent, right?

How about UNRANKED in the final polls of the season…Get that one too?

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
1:44 pm

Bob in Buford

January 12th, 2010
1:30 pm

Did you misunderstand my post or did I misunderstand yours? I was mocking the lunatech that was bragging about how they were shooting for the stars when they got PJ. I was alluding to the fact that the only other school interested in PJ seemed to be SMU, who has been in a funk ever since the death penalty.

I think we’re both of the same page, but the wires may have gotten crossed.

csrapress

January 12th, 2010
1:45 pm

Tim, thanks for your points about Foster. Virginia Tech is legit — so Georgia Tech lost to them by 3 points in Blacksburg last year and beat them in Atlanta this year against Foster’s defense. Anyway, finding a rational dawg fan is next to impossible. You did use to beat Florida regularly, but they have evened that record and it don’t look good for you any time soon in that battle. As for the Tech series, check your records from way back, Tech has won almost as many SEC Championships as Georgia and Tech hasn’t been in the SEC since the mid-1960’s. Your hold on the state is slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ away and you can feel it. I agree, it is better to stick with what’s happening now in college football than to argue over what’s happened. I feel confident CPJ will find the best person to fit his system. I feel confident CMR will fill the position soon, just not with the people he really wants.

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
1:46 pm

The Grinch:

How’s UNRANKED in the final polls feeling about now?

How’s 4 and 4 non-relevant conference play?

What about KENTUCKY….Ring any bells?

Did your 4 X 4 get good mileage on the trip to SHREVEPORT?

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
1:47 pm

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
1:44 pm

I’ll try to slow it down for you lunatechs. Some poster was bragging about how tech was shooting for the stars when they landed PJ. What I was referring to was the only other programs even interested in PJ was SMU and, as you say, Duke. So in other words, tech is shooting for the stars when they are competing with SMU and DUKE? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Good one. BWAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
1:49 pm

The Grinch:

Coach Paul Johnson has WON everywhere he’s ever coached…..What part of that do you not understand?

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
1:53 pm

Bob in Buford:

WE RUN (DC’s AWAY FROM) THIS STATE!!

ROFLMAO……………………….LOLOLOLOLO……….Oh man, too FUNNY!!!

UGAG Defensive Coordinator — THE ONLY JOB NOBODY WANTS IN THIS STATE!!

Even REJECTED by one of your own………

UGAG Football and Bloggers….Providing comic relief for the masses……….

csrapress

January 12th, 2010
1:53 pm

Bob In Buford, you can’t make a simple point without name-calling — cheap trash. Go back and look at the game film, all three passes were to open receivers. Your defense didn’t have them covered. Tech’s quarterback didn’t get the ball there in the right spot at the right time. Using a little football sense here (something you evidently lack) The idea was to get the ball down inside the 10 quickly and force Georgia to use their final time-outs, score, and leave UGAG no time to get into position to kick a field goal to win the game. Ya’ll just keep thinking CPJ and his offense won’t work. Granted, none of us can play the game and don’t have any way to change the outcomes, but he knows what he’s doing and how to get the most out of his players. You won 30-24. The Richt-Johnson series is now 1-1, let’s see how it goes from here!

Mike (original formula)

January 12th, 2010
1:54 pm

I think the funniest thing about the UGA and tech rivalry lately has been Paul Johnson telling tech fans to punch UGA fans in the face. I know I’m a little off topic, but I saw some tech fan threatening to do it a few comments back. Now, I know everyone thinks they’re pretty tough behind a screen, but have any tech fans taken Johnson’s advice and just punched a UGA fan yet? I’m curious. I see the oversize rednecks that show up to our games (I can say it because I am also one of those oversized rednecks). I’ve seen what normally shows up to tech games. I think Johnson may be looking at a different crowd. Either way, I think that is the funniest thing that has come out of the rivalry lately. Good luck finding a new DC. Maybe we can find someone before recruiting ends.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
1:55 pm

Tim, not that it’s really any of your business, but I am retired and living on a very comfortable pension. I seldom eat out, and when I do, it’s certainly not at fast food places. I prefer eating home-cooking, and I eat quite well. I am overweight, but definitely not fat. I guess I do fit the Tech stereotype; I had (before retiring) a very good job as an engineer. Most, but not all, of the UGAG fans who worked at my place of employment worked shift, whereas I and the FEW actual UGAG Grads had “professional” positions, working days only. I choose my moniker on this site because so few mutts who post here show any indication of having received any kind of education and probably do work in fast food joints, or as clerks in places like WalMart. I just figured they would relate to that moniker. You apparently knew exactly what I meant. What does that tell us?

Even though we got beat, CERTAINLY NOT embarassed, and even though it was cold as hell there, I probably enjoyed going to Miami a helluva lot more than those of you did who went to Shreveport. SHREVEPORT??? OMG!!! Is there anything there? I hope you enjoyed it though, if you did go, because you will probably be back there again next year, assuming you have found somebody who wants to be your DC by that time.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
1:57 pm

csrapress, preach it, brother !!! I assume from the “csra” in your name that you’re from somewhere in the Augusta area. Howdy, neighbor!!!

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
1:58 pm

Bob in Buford:

CPJ a snake oil salesman??? HE HAS A BETTER W-L RECORD IN HIS FIRST 2 YEARS AT GT THAN FAKE BAKE RICHT HAS IN THE PAST 2 YEARS!!!!!

I don’t know what Ol Fake Bake’s selling……But EVERYONE in the college FB world knows there AIN’T NOBODY BUYING….Not even one of your own!

Truly sad and pathetic. ;(

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
1:59 pm

Uh, sorry Navigator…..Did you say something? I didn’t think so…..

Bob in Buford

January 12th, 2010
2:00 pm

God vs Richt.

In God’s 2nd year God goes 11-3, wins the ACC, gets his butt kicked in the Orange Bowl and finishes 13th in the land.

In Richt’s 2nd year Richt goes 13-1, wins the SEC, wins the Sugar Bowl and finishes 3rd in the land.

Overall after 2 years God is 20-7 playing in the ACC. Richt was 21-6 playing in the SEC.

As of now God has just been a lot of thunder.
Richt is more like lightning. Richt has won 90 games in 9 years in the toughest league in the land. Richt has finished in the top 10 6 times, won 2 SEC titles and played for 3. He has WON 2 BCS bowls and played in 3. And as we all know. Thunder gets a lot of attention but lightning gets the job done.

Ya’ll can haveGod….We’ll keep Richt.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:00 pm

Grinch, so how many schools were going after Richt, when UGAG hired him? I know he had good credentials and is a good coach, but I don’t think anybody was after him that particular year other than the mutts. That doesn’t mean squat, and it doesn’t mean squat that 3 schools were after CPJ when Tech got him. UGAG got in at the right time and got Richt, and Tech got in at the right time and got CPJ. Right now, however, I bet more Tech fans are happy with CPJ than UGAG fans are happy with Richt. I base that on all the negative comments about Richt I saw posted (and heard) prior to the Tech game.

Bob in Buford

January 12th, 2010
2:03 pm

Supersize, Richt had already turned the Pitt job down when UGA came calling. Richt didn’t have to take the first job that came along.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:05 pm

Bob, I didn’t remember that, but like I said, it doesn’t mean a thing. So he turned down a Big East team, and CPJ turned down SMU and Duke. Big f**ng deal on both counts.

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:06 pm

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
1:46 pm

Let me answer your questions one by one, lunatech:

How’s UNRANKED in the final polls feeling about now? Hmmm, about the same as it did when we initially dropped out of the polls during the season.

How’s 4 and 4 non-relevant conference play? Our worst year in over a decade. Not good.

What about KENTUCKY….Ring any bells? Yes, probably the low point of the season. Again, our worst team in over a decade.

Did your 4 X 4 get good mileage on the trip to SHREVEPORT? I don’t own a 4 x 4, and a family death prevented me from attending the game.

Now, let me ask you a few questions:

1. How did it feel to see yourself ranked #13 at the end of the season when you were ranked as high as #7 (before your end of season collapse)?

2. How was it losing 30-24 to what you deem an irrelevant UGA team?

3. How do you feel about your offense which has managed a mere 10 points in two bowl games.

4. Did you actually go to Miami? Were you one of the “fans” who was dressed as an empty seat on the A She She Chumpionship game?

5. How did it feel to get dominated by Iowa? Was it similar to being dominated by UGA?

6. Did temperatures in the 40s in Miami feel much different than temperatures in the 40s in Shreveport?

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Pete

January 12th, 2010
2:06 pm

Well, if Parcells is involved you can count Groh out of the Tech job. Anywhere the cancer Parcells rears it’s ugly presence…………..poison. Why anyone would even associate with that bufoon is beyond imagination.

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:08 pm

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:00 pm

Gee, supersize, I don’t know how many teams were after Richt. The big difference is you didn’t hear UGA fans bragging AFTER THE FACT that we were “shooting for the stars”. He was relatively unknown. That’s a fact.

Here’s another fact, PJ was such a hot commodity that tech, SMU and Duke were interested. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:08 pm

Ted Striker, I forgot to respond to your last comment. I’ll take you up on those drinks though :)

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:09 pm

Well, Grinch, what that tells me is that Tech, SMU, and Duke all wanted a winner to rebuild their programs. Is that not what UGAG wanted when they hired Richt? Is that not a good thing?

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:11 pm

It’s also interesting to note that after Duke couldn’t get CPJ, they turned to the SEC for their coach. So who was the hotter commodity there, CPJ or Cutcliffe. SMU turned to June Jones after they couldn’t get CPJ, so who was the hotter commodity there???

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:12 pm

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:09 pm

Think back 2 years ago. Did you envision PJ as “shooting for the stars”? Really?

Not saying he hasn’t done a good job, but talking smack when our first candidate for DC turns us down (he is staying with the NC Crimson Tide) is ridiculous.

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:14 pm

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:11 pm

That analogy is like putting Roseanne Barr in a fat farm and ask who’s the hotter commodity? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!!

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:15 pm

and that analogy, Grinch, tells me you couldn’t find anything intelligent to say.

Technophobia

January 12th, 2010
2:16 pm

CSRA, great posts! You really hit the nail on the head.

csrapress

January 12th, 2010
2:16 pm

Supersize That Order, Mutt, (luv it!), yep, we’re right down the road and have covered college football for over 25 years — Georgia Tech and UGAG. Thanks for the comment, I’m right in there with ya. We certainly don’t get any GT coverage in the Augusta Comical. Ya just can’t talk any sense to a dumb dawg, now can ya? Hope you have a wonderful day and keep tellin’ those UGAG graduates to get your coffee and “Supersize It”!

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
2:17 pm

Bob in Buford:

How often do you find yourself quoting OLD records and accomplishments to help you feel better about your HC?? Pretty often I bet since you just Cntl+C, Cntl+V cut&paste them so quickly!

Here’s a hint: If you find yourself having to quote CAREER type statistics like “Richt has won 90 games in 9 years. Richt has finished in the top 10 6 times, won 2 SEC titles and played for 3. He has WON 2 BCS bowls and played in 3.” then you’ve chug-a-lugged the Kool-Aid, mate.

What you DON’T say is:

Richt was 4-4 in the SEC last year….Richt hasn’t won the SEC since 2005….Richt hasn’t won the SEC East since 2005….Richt took the gang to SHREVEPORT in 2009…..Richt finished the 2009 season UNRANKED.

Sucks to be a Dawg Fan when you can’t even accept the FACTS that your program obviously has PEAKED under Richt and he can’t even find someone willing to jump on the sinking ship in spite of throwing briefcases of CA$H at candidate after candidate….. :(

Bob in Buford

January 12th, 2010
2:18 pm

No Grinch, I was agreeing with you. Just saying SMU got the best coach in the end. June Jones is the real deal.

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:18 pm

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:15 pm

Your consistent use of “STFU” tells me all I need to know about you. You’re probably some old fart (at least 70) who becomes a 6′6″, 250 lb man of steel on the keyboard. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:19 pm

Bob in Buford

January 12th, 2010
2:18 pm

Agreed.

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:20 pm

The UGALY Truth

January 12th, 2010
2:17 pm

And what you DON’T say is UGA’s lackluster football team kicked tech’s butts this year. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Solid Gold Dancer

January 12th, 2010
2:20 pm

Auburn went after CPJ as well. There are many schools who would like to have him. Not for his style offense…….but for his coaching.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:20 pm

csra, you have piqued my curiosity now. You say you have “covered,” so I guess the “press” in your name means you work for some form of the media. Since, as you say, the Augusta Comical doesn’t give Tech any coverage, then you obviously don’t work for them….LOL

Bob in Buford

January 12th, 2010
2:22 pm

The UGALY Truth sorry to break it to you but 30-24 is today’s news. Just like 24-14 is as well. Hurts like hell doesn’t it when the best chance you ever had to be more than the prettiest sow in the sty ended like every Tech season ends. Same old Tech…Same old $hit.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:24 pm

Grinch, no I am not 70, although getting way too close to it. And your constant use of the “Bwahahah” shows you have the mind of a 12 year old. I hope you grow up before you hit my age. However, so what if I were that old? You’ll be there one day, assuming you don’t drink yourself to death first.

Solid Gold Dancer, great point there.

Bob in Buford

January 12th, 2010
2:26 pm

So what? SMU still got the best coach.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:28 pm

Bob, I find it interesting that SMU went after the “student” before they went after the “teacher.” Remember, CPJ coached under June Jones. The fact that SMU went after CPJ first tells me they thought he would be the better coach. Not that they ended up “settling,” but nobody goes after their “first choice” AFTER their “second choice” has turned them down. CPJ was their first choice.

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:28 pm

Solid Gold Dancer

January 12th, 2010
2:20 pm

So you’re telling us that Auburn was turned down by PJ? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! I must have missed that newsmaker.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:29 pm

Bob, we are all entitled to our opinions, but at least base yours on logic and not sheer predjudice.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:30 pm

Grinch, yes Auburn was turned down by CPJ…..LAST YEAR

Bob in Buford

January 12th, 2010
2:30 pm

Must suck to be a Tech fan when UGA still pounds your tallest midget. And it must really suck to know prior to every bowl game exactly how it wil turn out before you even play it.

Same old Tech…Same old $hit.

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:30 pm

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:28 pm

If Jones was the teacher and PJ the student, and considering the offenses they run, PJ must not have learned much from this teacher. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:31 pm

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:30 pm

Do you have a link to the contract offer? IF not, I turned down that last nomination to the Supreme Court. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:32 pm

Grinch, maybe you should read (if you know how) what Jones has said about CPJ and vice versa. They have mutual admiration for each other’s successes and abilities.

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:33 pm

Grinch, again you are demonstrating your 7th grade mentality. Hell, probably less than 7th grade. I can’t think of a single 12 year old who says “bwahaha” What a child you are!!!

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:34 pm

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:32 pm

So they have a mutual admiration society. Who knows, maybe they’re “BFFs”. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

The Grinch

January 12th, 2010
2:36 pm

Supersize that order, mutt

January 12th, 2010
2:33 pm

And just how is a dastardly grinch supposed to laugh?