Paul Johnson: “We’re not really good at anything right now”
There’s a reason Georgia Tech fans love Paul Johnson. Actually, there are two, and the second one is a no-brainer: He beat Georgia. But Tech fans loved PJ long before that rainy day in Athens, and they love him because he says what every single fan wishes his/her coach would say.
He doesn’t sugarcoat. Except for the boilerplate assertion that his stylized offense is never as bad as it might look, he doesn’t seek to cover his assets. (And you can almost excuse that excess, seeing as how he invented the offense.) When his team stinks, he doesn’t remind you of his career record or of what might have happened four years ago. He says, “We stunk.” Only he says it in richer detail.
Like this: “Miami is an outstanding football team, but it wouldn’t have had to be the way we played.”
Also: “The way we played, the way we coached, it was a group effort.”
And: “We’re not really good at anything right now.”
These are snippets from Johnson’s Tuesday press briefing, which was as blunt as any coach’s Tuesday press briefing ever gets. Of an illegal block that wiped out a Tech touchdown in Miami, Johnson said: “It was very poor technique. I don’t know what the guy was doing, really.”
Of Tech’s false starts: “If you can’t go on the snap count — the other team doesn’t have anything to do with that. That’s you.”
Of Tech’s defensive collapse: “We had too much in. Anytime you can’t do what you’re supposed to be doing, you’ve got too much in.”
Of coordinator’s Dave Wommack’s assertion that his defenders will switch to a 4-5-2 alignment for Saturday’s game against North Carolina: “We could play a 4-12-9, but it won’t matter what we play if we don’t get our face on somebody and our eyes where they should be.”
Some among you might call this empty bluster. I’d call it the sort of candor rarely seen in an industry in which head coaches make millions and assistants hundreds of thousands.
Some also might say Johnson is being too hard on his players. I would not. For one thing, he stops short of naming names. For another, he knows those players are all he has: “It’s like having a kid. It’s OK for me to say he’s bad, but I get mad if someone else says it.”
Then this: “You set the bar where you want it, and you don’t give in until you get there. You can’t run from expectations.”
Loading ...For the record, he didn’t feel his offense, at least schematically, was the culprit in Miami. “I probably shouldn’t get into this,” he said. Then, one beat later: “But let me. Go back to our Clemson game, where we played [according to some] so poorly on offense. Did you see what Clemson just did [against Boston College]? Fifty-four yards and four first downs [allowed]. Let’s give Clemson a little credit. Four hundred twelve yards [Tech's yield was 418, actually] doesn’t look so bad compared to that.
“On the first series against Miami we had two missed assignments and kicked a field goal. On the next series — or it may have been the third [it was] — we had a touchdown called back and missed a field goal … If you only have 50 plays in a game [Tech had 54], you’re not going to get 500 yards. [Tech had 228.] Can we get better? You bet. But that’s the least of my worries right now.”
And that’s the other part of a Paul Johnson briefing. You never come away thinking he’s all that worried. You come away thinking he figures he’ll figure it out. He probably will.
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247 comments Add your comment
CatfishTechFans
September 22nd, 2009
8:39 pm
I guess that’s why Randy Shannon got all the results Thursday night huh NY Jacket? All that emotion he shows on the sideline and all.
LizDawg
September 22nd, 2009
8:50 pm
LMAO @ the Techies now that reality of a 7 win season is sinking in – AGAIN!
West Point Grad
September 22nd, 2009
8:52 pm
There is a big difference in what you can do with kids at a service academy and what you can do out here just like the difference between a military work place and a civilian work place. Out here you walk a fine line with personnel and you better know when not to cross that line. If you don’t you lose. Maybe PJ is going to have to take a little of that into consideration. J. Dwyer’s behavior on the sideline Thursday night tells me that PJ may be losing some of these players. Too many of them Dwyer included had that blank, million mile stare, that seemed to say “oh well”. As for the poor conditioning, at the Naval Academy the school took care of that. At a service academy the kids come to the coach in shape from the daily rigors of that environment. PJ could focus on nothing but coaching his system. To win at this level PJ is going to have to be willing to adjust himself or he will fail.
Jack G.
September 22nd, 2009
9:01 pm
Paddy
Been in plenty of locker rooms. Boxing was my participation sport—–what was yours?
GTSUXREALLYBAD
September 22nd, 2009
9:01 pm
GT has been exposed and its obvious how bad they really are! PJ and his highschool offense will never cut it in D1 football. The tech fans should really climb back under that rock they have been hiding under for the past 19 seasons!!!!!
Metal Jacket
September 22nd, 2009
9:03 pm
CPJ did his Bobby Knight impression Thursday night on national TV. I can’t stand Knight, he was a coward hiding behind a title. Seems CPJ is the same. Asking a man if he is “STUPID” is not a very effective method of motivation. I don’t know if he has kids, must be the way he talks to them. Tech deserves better.
CatfishTechFans
September 22nd, 2009
9:10 pm
Ah a punching bag, huh Jack G. Just like the GT football team.
Academy Grad
September 22nd, 2009
9:11 pm
There is a big difference in what you can do with kids at a service academy and what you can do out here just like the difference between a military work place and a civilian work place. Out here you walk a fine line with personnel and you better know when not to cross that line. If you don’t you lose. Maybe PJ is going to have to take a little of that into consideration. J. Dwyer’s behavior on the sideline Thursday night tells me that PJ may be losing some of these players. Too many of them Dwyer included had that blank, million mile stare, that seemed to say “oh well”. As for the poor conditioning, at the Naval Academy the school took care of that. At a service academy the kids come to the coach in shape from the daily rigors of that environment. PJ could focus on nothing but coaching his system. To win at this level PJ is going to have to be willing to adjust himself or he will fail.
Brad GT
September 22nd, 2009
9:13 pm
There is a big difference in what you can do with kids at a service academy and what you can do out here just like the difference between a military work place and a civilian work place. Out here you walk a fine line with personnel and you better know when not to cross that line. If you don’t you lose. Maybe PJ is going to have to take a little of that into consideration. J. Dwyer’s behavior on the sideline Thursday night tells me that PJ may be losing some of these players. Too many of them Dwyer included had that blank, million mile stare, that seemed to say “oh well”. As for the poor conditioning, at the Naval Academy the school took care of that. At a service academy the kids come to the coach in shape from the daily rigors of that environment. PJ could focus on nothing but coaching his system. To win at this level PJ is going to have to be willing to adjust himself or he will fail.
Metal Jacket
September 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
I didn’t think you would print my comment.
Nate
September 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
Just beat UNC. What I don’t understand is why our offense takes more crap now that CPJ is here. Obviously, it’s just because of the new look offense. Yet, when Gailey was here scoring even 20 points was a good day. CPJ will bounce back, and our team won’t give up on him. Kevin Cone is in my class and he said Paul gave them a good talk. Let’s go Tech. Beat the Tar Heels and let’s go from there.
SGT CHRIS
September 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
Only thing both Clemson and Tech exposed were the weak corners GATECH has lol!!! can you say TOASTY!!!!!
traler trash
September 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
hey Jack G off, go take your prozac and then get back to work, I’m still waiting on my burger. and, don’t forget the fries with that.
SGT CHRIS
September 22nd, 2009
9:28 pm
WAS SUPPOSED TO SAY CLEMSON AND MIAMI LOL
Jack G.
September 22nd, 2009
9:30 pm
Dont do that no more—-i’m retired—–mostly just tired.
SGT CHRIS
September 22nd, 2009
9:33 pm
Correct me if im wrong, but when PJ was at Navy, werent they in the top 5 least penalized teams in the country? or was that post PJ?
Are You That Stupid
September 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
If the ACC is back then why aren’t any of the teams in the top 10? And Alabama Jack… you are one to talk about class.. Alabama is a real classy place… I bet you live in Bomingham.
murfdawg
September 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm
GT got a couple of really lucky breaks last year that kept them from ending up 6-6. And that is probably where they are heading this year. Also, and I hate to admit this, the ACC is stronger this year. Miami, FSU, and UNC are stronger and I don’t think GT is better than last year. I think the new coaching faces of the ACC are Shannon and Davis. Not CPJ.
p.s. Before any Techies jump on me, I don’t have a clue about what is going on with the Dawgs. So anything you say could be right. This week.
Timmaaayyyyyy....
September 22nd, 2009
9:54 pm
I think PTC Dawg fan and “hypocrit” boy… number one… neither of you know how to spell. Wouldn’t surprise me if you guys went to UGA. I pray you didn’t graduate. Who have you beaten this year??? Hmmmm… let’s see, hogs and cocks. Sounds like the senior prom at UGA. Learn how to spell. We’ll see you at the end of the season and it will be another repeat of what happened last year. Too bad the “entire country” has figured out our offense and you guys couldn’t. Do me a favor please. Make sure you tighten that filter when you guys are changing my oil.
45ACP
September 22nd, 2009
10:15 pm
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will be okay.
North Carolina did not look that good.
Nesbitt does need some practice on passing the football.
CPJ will get it sorted out.
Paul's Johnson
September 22nd, 2009
10:22 pm
I believe that the parity within the ACC is becoming apparent so far this year with good teams like Miami, GT, Fla. State, UNC and VT starting to show prominence on a weekly basis. The only teams that are rebuilding or are in decline are B.C., Maryland and N.C. State.
I think that GT has a franchise coach in PJ and he will always put a competitive team on the field. As GT’s success grows as an ACC contender, likewise will the recruiting which puts GT on the national stage.
As a UGA fan, I wish that Coach Richt would ignite a fire within his staff as PJ demands accountability amongst his staff.
Go DAWGS, see you in Nov.
ACC Joke
September 22nd, 2009
11:05 pm
If Yech can not win 7 games in the watered down acc what will the fans do next? Can’t fill the 50k stadium now……………
New GT Fan
September 22nd, 2009
11:10 pm
To the Tech fans: Settle down, your team is 2-1. The Miami games was tough, but believe me, CPJ WILL get the issues corrected and tech will bounce back.
As a Naval Academy Alum, I saw CPJ have success at our school as an offensive coordinator and head coach for two simple reasons:
1. His system works and he knows it inside and out.
2. He ALWAYS takes personal responsibility for a loss and works extra hard to get the problems corrected.
This is important because the players know that he is not a do as I say, not as I do type of guy. They know that he will always look at himself in the mirror before pointing the finger.
You all are so fortunate having CPJ as your coach. He turned an ABYSMAL Navy program around in two years and we are still doing very well because he brought a winning attitude to the program. Our kids continually exceed expectations and GT is on their way to being a very solid program. There will be some bumps in the road along the way, but you have a man of character leading your team and that will take you much farther than anything else.
If anyone is interested, check out this post on my favorite Navy blog. It will answer a lot of questions about CPJ’s offense: http://thebirddog.wordpress.com/2007/07/30/five-myths-of-paul-johnsons-offense/
Go TECH!
ardbark
September 22nd, 2009
11:19 pm
Enter your comments here
This is a Tarheel. CPJ is a heck of a lot better than yall have had in a long time. Give him a chance at least he is honest and forthright and if he asks his player if he is stupid, guess what he may be mentally challenged. On the other hand, as a parent, I have asked that question of both of my super smart kids on more than one occasion. Maybe in two years yall will be in the big dance.
ardbark
September 22nd, 2009
11:21 pm
Enter your comments here
Sgt Chris, Miami is in the top ten. Open your eyes before your mouth.
Yellow Fellow
September 22nd, 2009
11:24 pm
Not sure about being in the big dance but we will surely be in the big Tickle Pile……cum if you can ardbark.
ardbark
September 22nd, 2009
11:24 pm
Enter your comments here
Dang, need to open my own eyes. Sorry Sgt.was aimed at stupid.
New GT Fan
September 22nd, 2009
11:30 pm
This one’s good too:
http://thebirddog.wordpress.com/2007/10/05/reading-is-fundamental/
saint simons
September 22nd, 2009
11:35 pm
Paul Johnson: ““We’re not really good at anything right now”.
Correction: “We are not good at all. In fact, we are not as good as the junior varsity squad at the nearby high school. Our offense is really a gimmick and we know we cannot pass the ball. Next year, I will schedule our out of conference schedule against the JV teams at Roswell, Marietta, and Pope HS”.
((((((((((((33-17))))))))))))))))))))) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHA!
Yellow Fellow
September 22nd, 2009
11:38 pm
You be careful where that pistol is pointed, ardbark. Would not want that thing going off prematurely and getting in someone’s eye at the Tickle Pile.
Gt4ever
September 23rd, 2009
9:03 am
It’s almost funny hearing these UGAY fans blather on about nothing…… We will be OK if Coach can recruit….. It will take a couple of years to turn the recruiting battle around to at least competitive. We have been settling for average athletes for so long, its no wonder that we can’t compete. Last year was a soft schedule, this year is much harder. We can’t compete with small “nice” athletes on the offensive and defensive line. We must have the big “nasty s” that all the top tier programs have. We have never been a top 20 team and it was absurd to even think we were top 15. We are going to lose a few more this year, but the future should be brighter. This coach is the best we have had in a long time, lets not lower ourselves to UGAG standards.
Saint Simons
September 23rd, 2009
9:14 am
Get along little doggies!!!!!!!!! 45 – 42 hahahahahahahahahahaha
rlc
September 23rd, 2009
9:31 am
Its hard to have a “triple option” with a QB who can’t throw the ball consistently. Its only a run-run double option so the D can anticpate nearly every play. Then their LB’s play up & let the D-ends cut the run down. Clemson did it in 2nd half and Miami copied it. Play calling sucks as well. More short passes in the middle & flats will give QB more confidence. It’ll force the D to play back which wll give our backs more room to run.
Darindawg
September 23rd, 2009
10:49 am
Well, write this in your diary, a Dawg fan is going to take up for the GT coach. I think your being to hard on PJ. I actually like the guy, and like this offense….(except when it works against us). I’m not even 40 years old, yet, but I just like to see the option work in a day when everyone thinks you gotta have a high-tech pro-style offense. I think PJ will actually get things back on track, but Tech’s problem right now is, JMHO…..Nesbitt and your DL. Nesbitt isn’t a good enough passer to scare anyone into thinking they have to cover a WR…(see Scott Frost, Nebraska QB back when they ran the option). And I told some Tech fans before the season, you will miss your DL stars of last season more than you can imagine. Morgan is for real, but Johnson and Walker are irreplaceable, and will be sorely missed, and sure enough….again, just a Dawg fan’s opinion.
Coach Paul "Fatboy" Johnson
September 23rd, 2009
11:10 am
I will call whoever I want STUPID whenever I want. Just like I call our fans STUPID all the time. I look up into our half-empty stands and see our entire fan-base sitting there like clowns in their piss colored clothing and I say loudly, “YOU PEOPLE ARE STUPID!!”. That’s my right as Head Coach. I call it like I see it.
Neal
September 23rd, 2009
12:12 pm
As a Miami fan……..I hope you guys destroy UNC….
New GT Fan
September 23rd, 2009
12:46 pm
Remember, triple option refers to the three options the offense has out of their base package (dive, QB keep, pitch to A back). The “option” is dictated by whatever the D shows the QB as he is progressing through his reads. Passing is part of the offense and the team needs to be able to hit a few to keep the D guessing, but it’s really about getting better at executing the triple. There were a TON of missed assignments and reads during the Miami game. CPJ will simplify and correct the problems this week-have no fear.
Got Jackets!
Insectinside
September 23rd, 2009
1:20 pm
To: Tech fans are HYPOCRITS – You obviously don’t even know the words to your own fight song. Idiot.
Brad in KY
September 23rd, 2009
1:33 pm
Mr. Bradley,
In the past week or two I get the impression from what you’ve written about Georgia Tech that you think their early season problems have something to do with the scheme itself rather than merely poor execution. If so, could you please provide your reasons for holding such a view? What, based on your analysis of the gametapes, is the problem?
Brad in KY
ACC INSIDER: What the other guys are saying – ACC Insider - Wilmington Star News - Wilmington, NC - Archive
September 24th, 2009
10:46 am
[...] think Tech should have dropped out of the national rankings because of one bad game. His fellow columnist Mark Bradley, however, is starting to show a tinge of discontent by writing a column in which coach Paul Johnson [...]
Kevin
September 24th, 2009
1:15 pm
((((((((((((((((((((((((33-17)))))))))))))))))))))))LMAO)))))))))))))))))))))))))out of polls in mid Sept)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))LMAO
Saint Simons
September 24th, 2009
1:17 pm
I am hurt and depressed- i talked smack for the last couple of months and now my stupid team lost bad to meami and now just look- we fell out of the rankings only a couple of weeks into the season and all the UGA guys are laughing at me.
The Other St. Simons
September 24th, 2009
3:31 pm
Hey Saint Simons….. (((((33-17))))) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Isn’t “TECH’s Passing Game” an oxymoron?
Gimmick offense.
Deconstructing: Miami brings bombs over Blacksburg | Newstion.com
September 24th, 2009
8:19 pm
[...] The beauty of this is the freedom it has afforded Jacory Harris. Harris is clearly a gamer, but he’s still a sophomore and Whipple hasn’t asked him to drop back and make the complicated reads usually associated with the "pro-style" moniker. We’re not talking about super complicated stuff here. Yet some of that was also a function of the defenses Miami played in the first two weeks: FSU runs a lot of man-to-man coverage, whereby the quarterback’s job is to keep the ball away from the safety and deliver it to whoever has their man beat. (And the line did a great job keeping Harris from having to throw a lot of quick "hot" routes.) Georgia Tech dropped a lot of guys into coverage but they were just generally bad on defense, as Paul Johnson recently (and colorfully) explained. [...]
UGA79
September 25th, 2009
9:35 pm
I am a loser just like our school and team. I cannnt eben spelll anyding.
Ramble On!
September 25th, 2009
9:36 pm
Kevin: 45-42 hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah. Your team suxs and still loses at least 4 or 5 games. You git lucky against SC and UF, LSU and GT will beat your azzes. THWG! GO ARIZONA STATE
TBOMACHINE
September 28th, 2009
4:58 pm
to GTFAN :”Also go back and watch the FL/TENN game announcers said with what FL was running some of the same plays they run at GA TECH just different formation. It is a gimmick though don’t forget!” TEBOW can throw the football unlike Nesbitt go rambling wrecktum