Radakovich’s exit won’t affect Paul Johnson (for now)
Dan Radakovich fired Paul Hewitt but he hired Paul Johnson. (Johnny Crawford/AJC)
(UPDATED: 1:30 p.m.)
Dan Radakovich is leaving as athletic director at Georgia Tech, where he had thousands of empty seats at football games and needed to search between couch cushions for funding, for the same job at Clemson, where he won’t have to worry about either.
So don’t blame Radakovich for leaving. He has been rumored for previous vacancies — most recently Tennessee and Texas A&M — and the wonder is that he didn’t leave before for a more lucrative option. The fact Radakovich is filling a position at another ACC school may upset some Tech fans, but it’s a slam dunk of a career move.
The question many already are asking is: What does this mean for Paul Johnson?
The answer: Probably nothing. At least in the short term.
Nor should it.
Tech is having a bad season: 3-5 overall, 2-3 in the ACC and coming off a 41-17 home loss to BYU. This follows going 2-5 down the stretch last season after a 6-0 start. Johnson has fired two defensive coordinators during his tenure and the fact the Jackets failed to score an offensive touchdown against BYU just raised the volume level of those who never liked his offense to begin with.
Radakovich recently gave Johnson a vote of confidence. That vote obviously means nothing now that he’s not on campus any more. But in declaring Johnson “the right person for the job,” Radakovich also said a few weeks ago: “I know there’s some erosion in support right now, but the Falcons are 5-0, and there was erosion in their fan base last year, too, when they didn’t win in the playoffs. That’s the thing about sports now. People can express their opinion quickly.”
He is right, of course. Ask Mark Richt.
In any profession, there is a level of discomfort when the boss who hired you leaves. But no matter who takes over as Tech’s new athletic director, he (or she) is going to be dealing with the same situation that Radakovich did. That person is unlikely to make an immediate coaching change, and there are at least two significant reasons:
• 1) Johnson’s four-plus-season resume is largely positive, even if the records are going in the wrong direction: 9-4, 11-3, 6-7, 8-5, 3-5. He won 20 games in his first two years and an ACC championship in his second season. He had no role in the NCAA’s decision to void that conference title based on its investigation. In short, it’s too early for anybody to jump ship, even if so many people commenting on message boards and blogs believe the world would be better off if they were running it.
It doesn’t take long for the “Fire him!” inferno to start in today’s media world — about the time it takes to type seven letters on Twitter. But it would be premature to make that move now. The new A.D. will want at least one year to evaluate the health and direction of the program.
• 2) Firing Johnson would cost way too much, particularly at a school that is barely in the black in athletics. (Radakovich did a good job just getting the Jackets out of the red and in fundraising for new facilities.) Remember, the athletic department is still doubled-over from Paul Hewitt’s $7 million buyout, and it’s not like either the football or basketball teams are selling out.
Johnson’s contract was rewritten twice in his first two seasons. It runs through 2016. His salary averages out to about $2.6 million annually. A firing after this season would cost the school in excess of $10 million.
That’s not happening.
The Jackets will need to go 3-1 in the last four weeks just to become bowl eligible. Projecting: a win over Maryland next week; games at North Carolina and home against Duke that can go either way; a loss at Georgia. That’s anywhere from 4-8 to 6-6, nothing for a Tech fan to cheer about.
But making a change isn’t a subject the new athletic director will, or should, visit for at least another year. If even then.
By Jeff Schultz
• EARLIER TODAY: Here’s how Georgia can get to BCS game (step by step)
Previously from the digital jukebox
• Georgia will take an ugly win like this any time
• Short Takes: Jarvis Jones rules, Aaron Murray escapes
• Georgia has a chance to alter perceptions with one win
• Weekend Predictions: Sorry Doggies, Gators look too good
• Georgia has one edge on Florida — it’s Aaron Murray
• Pessimism reigns by Georgia fans on Twitter
• Georgia Tech stops the bleeding but assumes nothing
• Larry Drew is prepared to work without a parachute
• Weekend Predictions: Bulldogs, Jackets rise from the dead
• Falcons are NFL’s last unbeaten team: Here’s fate of others (with video)
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163 comments Add your comment
Basic GA Fan
October 29th, 2012
2:58 pm
JB,
I stand by what I wrote. A Basic (typical) GA FAN. Like it or not. THWG!!!!!!
JB
October 29th, 2012
2:59 pm
Then you need some help
Skeptic
October 29th, 2012
3:03 pm
Dig up Bobby Dodd; Bring home Frank Broyles
GIVE ME A BREAK
October 29th, 2012
3:09 pm
People move around all the time. Why is this a hit? His job will be easy to fill.
GT ee
October 29th, 2012
3:09 pm
I understand the 20 wins in first 2 years. But probably won’t accomplish 20 wins in next 3 years (with12 extra games). Also may lose $10 mil in booster support if he stays. Lesser of 2 evils at this point
Old Goober
October 29th, 2012
3:14 pm
What color was the panties they found in his lap?Sorry. Wrong school. Nevermind.
USMC
October 29th, 2012
3:21 pm
Tech will end up with a better AD than DRAD. Watch.
And for all of you Tech fans who say Drad did this or that in Tennis, softball, and golf, FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL are the MONEY sports in College Athletics. Those other programs don’t even pay for themselves. Sad but true. So I guess what I am trying to say is DRAD “isn’t all that.”
Tech will shine with a new AD.
USMC
October 29th, 2012
3:22 pm
“What color was the panties they found in his lap?
Sorry. Wrong school. Nevermind.”–Goober
That was hilarious!
Thank goodness he is gone and UGA can’t be wrongfully be accused of not hiring a minority.
Buzz 2011
October 29th, 2012
3:23 pm
@Steve……..Gonna love it for real when your leghumpers are beaten by
40 points by the real and only power in your beloved SEC. Gonna love it a lot!!
How many interceptions has your midget QB got in him, huh? He tried his best to
give it to Florida and they should have slammed the door on Dogs. Ole Miss will
be the cure…
Bad Dawg, Bad Dawg
October 29th, 2012
3:24 pm
I don’t blame Rad, O’leary or others. I’m a season ticket holder of over 20 years. Yes there are those that have supported Tech for much longer. I respect the institution and alumni immensely. I chose to buy tickets because it was a Marta stop away from being able to watch college football live. But just a O’leary said “they want to be Florida State on Saturdays and Harvard Monday through Friday”. I don’t know if that was a true statement or media hype. Tech is neither. A great academic institution with a strong athletic history but week after week of near empty stadium. Johnson has taken the program to new low. Take off the gold colored glasses. With the right coach you can win at Stanford, Northwestern and TCU and smaller schools like Boise State and Kansas State. Johnson should lose his job for “on the field” failures and Richt should lose his job for “off the field” failures (i.e. suspensions, DUI’s, etc.).
Bumblers
October 29th, 2012
3:32 pm
How bad did the poor, pitiful, boys from Tabernacle beat down your sad sack of a program at home, 2011? Keep hoping someone else can do for your team what your team is incapable of doing.
Typical Tech Fan
October 29th, 2012
3:34 pm
That would be hard to come up with since there are so few trade school fans….maybe because fans (what few there are) don’t want to be robbed and shot down around Bobby Dudd.
Stinger2
October 29th, 2012
3:36 pm
The departure of DRad is being and will be hyped more than it should. AD people leave, get fired, get hired all the time. I don`t see it as a loss for GT. The way it happened so fast is very interesting. I doubt the public will ever hear the full story behind his departure. As for CPJ, the saga continues. Jeff is right. He won`t be leaving anytime soon. As for the GT football team, its just not very good at all. One or two more wins will be surprising to me.
vesaversa
October 29th, 2012
3:38 pm
GT need a fresh start that mean Coach Johnson need to go too.
Cecil34
October 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
Don’t be so sure that GT won’t fire Johnson with 2 to 3 years left on his contract – there are boosters and alumni that could be solicited to ante up the payout without batting an eye.
Fact of the matter is Tech will give him the opportunity next year to see marked improvement – if not, Johnson is toast.
There is no way that Tech is going to stand pat while the team draws 10,000 per game to Bobby Dodd stadium.
Which is what will happen if they fall flat on their face next year.
That won’t fly.
Jeff Schultz
October 29th, 2012
3:43 pm
Josh — The AD at Georgia Tech resigned TODAY. That’s news. Falcons played yesterday. I didn’t cover game but Bradley and D-Led did and both wrote articles. Chill on the whole “no respect” thing. Falcons have and will get continue to get their due.
Jeff Schultz
October 29th, 2012
3:44 pm
To person who stole “1 4 GT” screen name: According to AJC policy, stealing screen names is subject to being banned.
1eyedJack
October 29th, 2012
3:46 pm
Fishfry is toast.
View Point
October 29th, 2012
3:47 pm
When I look at that table, I see a bunch of losers. Not the woman though, I don’t know who she is.
Jon Koncak
October 29th, 2012
3:54 pm
GT football program and athletic department is a dumpster fire that cannot be put out…..
View Point
October 29th, 2012
3:55 pm
Who said “fish to fry” and “punch a UGA fan in the face” – that’s right CPJ. He won’t be around too much longer.
Skeptic
October 29th, 2012
3:56 pm
For those suggesting Tech football is dead or should downgrade–why don’t we just Buy UGA and contract out our football? Easy way back into the SEC. I’ve never met a Tech man that couldn’t afford some junk bonds. CEO of Walmart with a low-end Tech degree > County cattle palpator, Summa Cum Laude at UGA.
GTBob
October 29th, 2012
3:58 pm
I think its pretty simple. CPJ will be the coach next year. If there isn’t a great turnaround then he will more than likely be gone. With a new DC, and some promising new players getting their chance things could turn around. We will see. He certainly can’t afford another losing season though.
Bird Dog Yellow Jacket
October 29th, 2012
4:04 pm
I appreciate everything DRad has done for Tech. He has a strong financial background and was clearly brought to Tech to help structure fund raising for all the infrastructure improvements. I’ve always thought he would move on to an institution with a much larger athletic budget and fan/alumni base. Dan’s departure in the middle of a very ugly football season won’t help our image short term, but I am confident we can attract the talent we need to continue to move all our athletic programs forward. Go Jackets!
Festus
October 29th, 2012
4:06 pm
Hire the Head Coach at Middle Tennessee State University. At least he can coach defense. Understand why he would want to leave. Too much crime near Tech. At Clemson the only crime is cow tipping and dating the wrong cousin. Which also describes Athens. Looking forward to the SEC championship game between THUGA and Bama. Ain’t but one Saban and he has a job.
View Point
October 29th, 2012
4:12 pm
Fetus: so what’s your point?
Billy
October 29th, 2012
4:17 pm
Let his a@@ go and should have took CPJ with him…..
Billy
October 29th, 2012
4:20 pm
He picked a good time to leave–after the Coach he picked has the worse record in 4o years.
Whopper Dawg
October 29th, 2012
4:26 pm
I hope they don’t fire him as I love to see bugs in pain.
However, if I were an impartial outside observer, I would say fire him because he sucks.
Hoops Guru
October 29th, 2012
4:32 pm
I am surprised…..all the comments and nobody has hit upon the reason behind D.Rad’s leaving. For those of you whoinow nothing. Ad D.Rad has been looking hot and heavy for several months now. The reason…he and the President of the Institute have had a severe falling out. All this is due to the absolute botching of the NCAA investigation. Outgoing AD left too much of this to underlings. It was a total screw up and can be placed no where else but on Dan Radakovich’s desk Good riddance to a paper shuffler who did not take charge. All our NCAA problems could have been handled so much more efficient.
Bumblers
October 29th, 2012
4:42 pm
Cry us a river, Reggie. Somebody steal your DragonCon outfit you were going to wear Wednesday night? I hear there are students being robbed on campus at the trade school….maybe they stole your costume.
Bumblers
October 29th, 2012
4:43 pm
Looks like Reggie’s posts were removed…..there is really going to be a tantrum now.
Moon Mullins
October 29th, 2012
4:47 pm
All of the negative comments about GaTech fail to take into consideration the admission standards of schools like Tech and the military academies — and the academic standards placed upon the athletes. It’s a little different from Georgia and Auburn, I’d think.
Delbert D.
October 29th, 2012
4:50 pm
Is there a candidate list yet?
Reggie's balls
October 29th, 2012
4:54 pm
Its the AJC. What do you expect??? Garbage fish wrap……
There is no tantrum, I’m just glad that bozo is gone…….
Hey “Bumblers” Give me one good reason that anyone Nationally cares about UGA. You can’t win anything of importance…. Wannabe National Power. Give it up
UGA = Yawn
October 29th, 2012
4:55 pm
Bull crap Jeff. We can fire him at any time and will.
eddie lee
October 29th, 2012
4:58 pm
He left for a better opportunity…it happens all the time. He made some blunders, but he was our guy so the institute stood behind him and he was retained. If we had only done the same when George O’Leary made his blunder where would we be now? If we had taken him back and said yes he messed up, but he’s our coach and we would gladly take him back. Or…what if we had hired Jim Grobe instead of Chan Gailey, where would we be now? He won at Ohio U of all places and is winning at Wake. He was available. The administration needs a leader…and a strategy that doesnt start with a list of reasons it cant be done consistently at GT …someone who will have higher expectations for the athletic dept. It actually can be done at Ga Tech…we can have a good school and a good football team. Stanford and ND do it…
GB's Hamburgers
October 29th, 2012
4:58 pm
No one wants to see Tech in this situation — even UGA fans. I believe the solution is for them to rejoin the SEC. Their campus is in Atlanta for goodness sakes. They would have a few lean years on the won/loss side but their money problems would be solved as people showed up for meaningful games. Hire me as AD and I’ll make the drive to Athens and enlist McGarity as a sponsor for that option.
Damon Evans
October 29th, 2012
5:03 pm
Ohhhh!!! I need a job. Pick me, Pick me……
BuzzT
October 29th, 2012
5:03 pm
Ga tech is losing money with declining tickets sales===the new AD will get rid of johnson asap and hire a real coach with a real NFL type offense. No more mickey mouse wishbone stuff.
Reggie's balls
October 29th, 2012
5:06 pm
GA Tech has Ticket sales???????
Reggie's balls
October 29th, 2012
5:10 pm
D-Rad’s greatest accomplishment was putting the “Georgia Tech” letters inside the stadium.
Resume- A crappy basketball team and crappy hire as coach. A crappy football team and the hiring of a crappy coach. Way to destroy what was left of our programs….
Good luck Clemson and Good Riddance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Flak Jacket
October 29th, 2012
5:14 pm
CPJ may stay but he will keep on losing.
DABO
October 29th, 2012
5:19 pm
WE RAID THIS STATE!
Harry T
October 29th, 2012
5:20 pm
Tech does not pay coaches MILLIONS of $$$$$ a year ro NOT win championships and to to crappy bowl games.
Johnson needs to go soon.
Truth
October 29th, 2012
5:24 pm
We need Recruits who have more than 2 stars !!!!
No More Scholarships for Kickers who can’t Kick !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WTH
October 29th, 2012
5:24 pm
>>No one wants to see Tech in this situation — even UGA fans. I believe the solution is for them to rejoin the SEC.
Are you kidding? If Tech could rejoin the SEC, it would do it in a heartbeat. (And Tech has tried.) But it won’t happen, because UGA will veto it no matter what. UGA owns the Georgia fan base, and the Georgia recruiting base. What possible motivation could they have to split them with Tech?
Anyway you look at it, Bobby Dodd shafted Tech permanently when he pulled Tech out of the SEC. Our program has never recovered, and I doubt it ever will.
Truth
October 29th, 2012
5:26 pm
Let’s Remind all the UGA haters of how their national Football Program has done:
UGA: 1 National Title
GT: 4 National Titles
So stuff it doggies !!!!!
UGA = Yawn
October 29th, 2012
5:31 pm
I just heard ‘Thriller’ on the radio. Wow – such an unbelievable piece of music. And Vincent price is way too spooky. There will never be another like Michael. But, I digress. I have wondered how GT got soooo bad all of a sudden. Then I think I realized – this is the 1st year that all players are Johnson’s recruits I think. No Chan left overs. If that is the case, it can’t get any better moving forward with Johnson – so he will be relieved of his duties.
DrC
October 29th, 2012
5:34 pm
The BEST idea I have seen on any “sports” blogs is from someone who recently offered a truly brilliant suggestion for Georgia taxpayers, the City of Atlanta, and Georgia Tech and Georgia State institutions – combine Georgia Tech and Georgia State into a single institution. You could keep all of the fine engineering programs and incorporate an expanded liberal arts program which offers a multitude of degree options for students and student athletes. Both schools have excellent business programs and these could be combined into one outstanding business school. The close proximity of the schools creates excellent synergy for merging and creating a major campus in downtown Atlanta. Imagine what the combined resources of both institutions could do in regards to creating a mega institution of education AND athletics! In light of the current economic environment and the state of athletic programs at Tech and Georgia State, why not push this idea forward? No question there would be logistics to be worked out, but it really does have a tremendous amount of upscale potential for Georgia taxpayers, the city of Atlanta, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State University. I am afraid that the athletic programs at Tech and Georgia State will never rise to prominence without a major change and this makes sense!