Tech’s expert AD sends Paul Johnson yet another love note
One more year tacked onto a contract that already had six years to run won’t keep Paul Johnson from going to Notre Dame — or to Oklahoma, should Bob Stoops wind up in South Bend — should PJ want to leave. Georgia Tech will never be able to outspend the big boys. (Example: Even with Johnson’s deal having been redone twice in 11 months, Mark Richt still makes more.)
But that wasn’t the intent of the one-more-year tack. This was designed as a love note, a reminder that nobody anywhere is going to love PJ more than the folks at GT. As Dan Radakovich noted in the official release: “We remain committed to Paul in every way, and we foresee a long-term relationship with much continued success.”
We knew already that Tech has a splendid football coach. What was evident with Friday’s announcement is that the Institute’s athletics director is every bit as good. Homer Rice was a great AD. Vince Dooley was a great AD. D-Rad is cut from that same regal cloth.
Hiring a splendid coach is only half the battle. The care and feeding of that man is the trickier part. How long do you wait to renegotiate? (With PJ, D-Rad waited less than a calendar year, and that proactivity was warranted because Auburn was believed to have offered Johnson a blank check.) But Notre Dame once deemed Charlie Weis was the real deal, and now it’s facing an elephantine buyout. You have to be quick, but you also have to be right.
An AD has to read both the terrain and his constituency, and Radakovich has done that since Day 1. You’ll recall that certain of Tech’s big contributors — the Old Guard — were displeased when D-Rad was hired over Bill Curry. Within six months, those same folks could be heard to say of Radakovich, “We’ve got ourselves a star.”
Radakovich gets that Johnson isn’t just a good coach but the right coach. He’s beloved by Tech backers both old and new, and he has done in two years what Chan Gailey couldn’t do in six — he has made Georgia and Richt play catch-up ball. It was instructive that one of Radakovich’s first hires was Wayne Hogan, who as associate AD for public relations has a politician’s ear and a journalist’s nose. Between D-Rad and Hogan, Tech is rarely surprised by developments and seems to hit every grace note.
And that’s what this added year is — a grace note. It’s Tech sending another bouquet to PJ. It’s Dan Radakovich saying, “You might make more money somewhere else, but you’ll never find a better fit.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
317 comments Add your comment
Joe Schmoe
November 20th, 2009
5:02 pm
McDawg
November 20th, 2009
4:59 pm
if the NFL does allow chop blocking Chop Paul Johnson would be an excellent fit-not sure how long the NCAA is going to allow all these dirty plays
Ummmm, if your accusations are right, he has been doing it this way for over twenty years. I would think someone would have caught on to it in the begining. You dont have to be scared little doggie. Its just tech remember. CPJ has you shaken huh?
GA Tech Insider
November 20th, 2009
5:03 pm
You know, Mark, rather than make this a positive message about a contract extension for Paul Johnson at GA Tech, you make the point to mention to start your story off with comments that it won’t stop him from leaving GA Tech.
Classless. Frankly, Mark, I expected more out of you by now, especially if you have been around Paul Johnson; speaking with the man personally; asking him directly about his promises to his family and why he chose to come to GA Tech over the other options in the first place.
Paul could have made more money at other Universities had he chosen to coach for them instead of GA Tech, yet he passed on them to pace the sidelines on the Flats. Take the time to ask the man why before you print an inflammatory article like this. It’s a day of celebration for the Jacket Nation. Don’t be a wet blanket; it’s not becoming a man of your stature.
GT
November 20th, 2009
5:03 pm
The amazing thing to me is no one recognized either man as one of great talent on his hiring. Bill Curry to me is a dolled up professional wrestling type, a big fake which football if full of, that like preachers seem to settle in for entitlements like it is their duty to take the money and yours to give it. I think one of the secrets with CPJ is he never played college football more less pros. He views things in real time with non tinted glasses and knows the path he took to get where he is. I always thought Notre Dame did itself a disservice judging O’Leary ,another coaching walk on, as they did. His resume wasn’t fooling anybody they knew what was in the bag, instead they hire another loud overweight under disciplined football coach and let the one with character go. Maybe it’s the character we just don’t recognize any more. I think there was a time in our parent’s day and before, before television and high paid people in athletic departments, large stadiums and commercial interest there was a lot of character to go around. Like the buffalo there ain’t as many any more.
Suck it Nerd
November 20th, 2009
5:03 pm
Brian Jones Tech Fan –
Well said, its painful as a dawg fan to watch your team get beaten on the scoreboard and also physically. We need someone with some grit in Athens to make those boys man up.
Congrats to CPJ and Tech. Looking forward to 11-28-09. Although I believe we’ll lose here’s hoping we let a bit of wind out of your sails.
Shelly Freeno
November 20th, 2009
5:04 pm
Just how much is this much appreciated glorified PE teacher being paid in a time of recession, cutbacks, increased tuition, and faculty furloughs?
And moreover, how is it justified?
Tech75
November 20th, 2009
5:05 pm
This was important. It was early, to send the signal.
The term now extends beyond the playing career of HS juniors – very important for recruiting.
KUDOS to DRad for the intelligence to make the term the right length.
I think you will continue to see 1-year extensions, which, should CPJ continue to perform at this level, will eventually get him where he deserves to be compensation-wise.
Jackette
November 20th, 2009
5:06 pm
well you sportswriters and dog fans had CPJ packed for Notre Dame, guess that blows that out of the water, you are really going to be weeping and gnashing your teeth when the Juniors such as Dwyer, Nesbitt and Morgan hang around too. CPJ teaches “do the right thing” and that says alot in this “see ya wouldn’t want to be ya world” NC coming soon to a north avenue trade school near you
TechMD
November 20th, 2009
5:06 pm
T”Football is one of our great American games. It is the duty and responsibility of each of us to see that it is kept in its proper perspective, and that it is protected. We should see that it is used to attain the objectives that mean so much to our way of life.
We feel that the spectator can be most influential and instrumental in helping to achieve these objectives, if he will develop the right attitudes. May we suggest a few?
First, and foremost among these attitudes that must be developed, is the realization that in football there must be a winner and a loser (excepting the occasional tie). The fan who recognizes this principle gets a great deal more enjoyment from the game than one who becomes irritated, aggravated, and rambunctious when “his” team loses. We would never minimize the importance of winning, but it is very unfair to the coach, the player, and the school when the fan forgets it is impossible to “repudiate the law of mathematics”–i.e., there must be a winner and a loser.
It is important that each of us develop the art of appreciating great plays made by the opposition. We should always give our opponents credit, rather than criticize our team when the opposition makes a great play. We believe perfection in the execution of a great play in football is to be admired and appreciated, just as we appreciate and admire the work of a great artist in any field.
The spectator should remember the football players are just human beings. They perform at times under great pressure, and they, as all other earthly inhabitants, are likely to make mistakes. It behooves all of us to remember, “To err is human, to forgive, divine.”
Finally, we should always keep uppermost in mind that football, with all its glamour, glitter, thrills and chills, plus everything that makes it great, has one thing more important than all of these combined–that is, the boy who plays it.”
Robert L. “Bobby” Dodd
Head Coach and Athletic Director
Georgia Institute of Technology
1954
hought I’d post this quote by Dodd.
Tech75
November 20th, 2009
5:10 pm
McDawg Sez: Wah…wah…you cheat!
Wah!
1990_Champs_GT
November 20th, 2009
5:10 pm
Dawghater, I e-mailed DRAD about Gailey twice on Saturday nights after “wonderful” football performances and on SUNDAY MORNING after both e-mails, I got responses. Not canned stuff, but specific responses to my questions (although I can’t say they weren’t from assistants).
I live in Arkansas and the folks here know CPJ, Dwyer and Nesbitt. Why? Because we are now in the hunt for something. Paul Johnson has brought Tech back to the national scene and next year he will bring us a top five preseason ranking and a great chance at the BCS Championship Game.
Nebraska and Michigan
November 20th, 2009
5:11 pm
What were we thinking?
Burdell
November 20th, 2009
5:11 pm
Hey Johnny Test–
NCAA disagrees with you and your 3 National Championships…but we still have 4 and the most recent. But you already knew that didn’t you?
RIP Uga VII
McDawg
November 20th, 2009
5:12 pm
ND would never hire a coach who taught his team to chop block–notice how defensive Chops gets whenever someone brings up the issue-got to think there is something there
Tech75
November 20th, 2009
5:13 pm
TechMD – great contribution. Thanks for that, well taken – and that’s why there’s an award named for him.
Burdell
November 20th, 2009
5:13 pm
Thanks for the quote TechMD from this TechPhD…
spider
November 20th, 2009
5:14 pm
i could like coach hewitt if he would just hire an asst coach that can teach free throw shooting, our free throw shooting has been a disgrace for years now with no improvement at all
Tech75
November 20th, 2009
5:15 pm
Hey McDawg – really hurting and apprehensive, aren’t you?
8 days and counting…. Nov. 28 is coming. Enjoy it while you can, if you thought this year was bad, just wait.
2010 – the Year of the Whining Dawg
GTOption
November 20th, 2009
5:18 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…..Bark Madley…oops I mean Mark Bradley is soon going to be The Greatest GT Fan of All Time!
gotech
November 20th, 2009
5:18 pm
I am a GT graduate from the early eighties, and I can say that in the past 30 years of following GT football, this is the most excited I’ve been about GT football, (except of course for the National Championship year in 1990)
Great job Drad and CPJ! Keep up the great work!
Monticello Dawg
November 20th, 2009
5:18 pm
I keep reading about UGA’s 4 and 5 star talent. While it is obvious we need some new assistants on the defensive side, we also need more of those 5 star players. In the Richt era, Georgia has signed 9 fivers, compared to Alabama’s 11, UT’s 17, LSU’s 19, and the Gators’ 22. Granted we sign a lot of 4 star talent, but we have been at a disadvantage in elite talent when playing our biggest rivals in the SEC.
Hey Dogtards
November 20th, 2009
5:22 pm
Mutt said “The SEC is best. No league can match the SEC’s power at the top, with Florida and Alabama setting the pace in the nation. And LSU has been a top-10 team this season, as well. The only other Big Six leagues with legit national title contenders are the Big 12 (Texas) and Big East (Cincinnati). Enough said. The SEC also stands out for its depth. Is there any easy out in the league? No. There isn’t a conference in the nation that can match the SEC from 1-12, with the strength at top setting it apart from every other conference.”
Uhh, well first of all the SEC isn’t even the top ranked conference using the Sagarin rankings. That’d be the Pac 10, which you don’t even mention. The SEC, #2. ACC? #3. Then Big East, Big Ten, Big 12.
The point about the SEC having three really good schools takes away from your depth argument though. Three teams in the top 10, sure, but also only 1 more team in the top 25, 5 in the top 30, 8 in the top 40, 10 in the top 50.
In comparison, the ACC has two teams in the top 10. ACC has 5 teams in the top 25 (as opposed to the SEC’s 4), 6 teams in the top 30 (as opposed to the SEC’s 5). Sure the SEC is top heavy, but Clemson (#3) would give LSU (#3) a good run for its money. Miami would route Ole Miss/Arkansas (whoever you want to say is No. 4). The other would probably beat BC. UNC would beat Georgie, just as FSU would beat Auburn. UT would beat Wake, SC would probably beat Virginia, but Duke would beat Kentucky. MSU would probably beat NC State and Maryland would roll Vandy.
That’s top to bottom, either tied or 7-5 in favor of the SEC. Really not that dominant aside from the very top and teams 7-10.
Obvious
November 20th, 2009
5:23 pm
These Dawg fans are flat out concerned or they wouldn’t be posting on this blog at all. It’s nice to see all these pups squirming. This has been such a fun year kicking the dawgies. Thanks CPJ!
McDawg
November 20th, 2009
5:25 pm
the chop blocking really comes down to an ethical issue-we now see where Techs athletic department is going-should be interesting to see how this plays out-if the NCAA decides that high-low is in essence chop blocking its going to be difficult for GT offense to be productive against a strong D (not that there are more than 1 or 2 in any given year in the ACC) but if Tech expects to compete on a national level surely they are going to have step up recruiting on the O-Line-can the “gimmicky” style offense really attract players that can man up -i doubt it in the long-run but like i say should be interesting to see how all of this plays out
UGAFan
November 20th, 2009
5:25 pm
Hope it works out for you guys. Seems like CPJ is doing alot of good stuff at Tech. Here’s to good old fashioned dogfights in Georgia for years to come!
UGA Mascot Search Committee
November 20th, 2009
5:29 pm
How much is that doggy in the window?
Yeah, that one. The inbred one with the health problems and 5 year life expectancy. PERFECT!
Scooter
November 20th, 2009
5:31 pm
Techies in for a rude awakening next weekend. After we demolish UK, you are next. Ga football is back and it’s not going to be pretty for you nerds. Enjoy your last week of a win. It’s over nerds!
Scooter
November 20th, 2009
5:33 pm
dogtards
Which two teams does the acc have in the top 10 moron? GT and Boise idiot?
Johnny Test
November 20th, 2009
5:34 pm
Burdell, I don’t think so. It all depends on which wire service/poll you think counts. I am sure you remember 59/39/5 though… the number of NCs is not a measure of dominance.. the number of wins in the series is the measure buddy…we own your azz. On Nov 28th it’s gonna be 60/39/5 and there will be wailing and nashing of teeth on the flats.
Oh, by the way I see Tek is graduating 47% in football; below UGAs 57% for the same time period. Wanna discuss academics?
Jim
November 20th, 2009
5:36 pm
This brings tears to my eyes
“It goes without saying how much we value what Paul Johnson continues to do for the Georgia Tech program and the energy he has created within the Yellow Jacket family,” athletic director Dan Radakovich said. “We remain committed to Paul in every way, and we foresee a long-term relationship with much continued success in the coming years.”
Johnson is 19-5 since taking over at Georgia Tech, the highest winning percentage (.792) in school history.
“We appreciate the confidence Dan Radakovich and the Georgia Tech administration have shown in our program,” Johnson said in a statement. “We look forward to the opportunity to continue to build the program at Georgia Tech.”
Johnny Test
November 20th, 2009
5:40 pm
DOGTURD… Mutt didn’t say it, Tom Dinehart said it. SEC is 7 and 4 in OC play. 2 of the 4 loses are to GT and one to Oklahoma State. Teck is 10 and 1 OK ST is 9 and 2. What is the ACCs OC record? I thought so… losses to William and Mary and Richmond.
TechMan
November 20th, 2009
5:41 pm
McDawg – that “gimmicky style offense” beat your Dawgs last year when the team barely knew how to run it. That’s not the case this year, which is why Tech is ranked in the top 10. Even with the improved play of UGA recently you still have to learn to defend the option – which you didn’t in 2008. What makes you think UGA will figure it out this year when we are running it more efficiently? Of course, most Dawgs understand this logic and none of the ones that I talk to on a daily basis think UGA will win next Saturday. In fact, many of them think it could be a blowout. Incredibly, some Dawg fans on these blogs even want a blowout so that there will be impetus for changes in coaching! For what it’s worth, I personally don’t think it will be a blowout but I think Tech wins convincingly.
And, your excuse about the chop blocking issue is pretty lame. If there is illegal blocking, whether holding, chopping, clipping, etc. the refs will call it, period. Honestly, it sounds like you are trying to make excuses now for what will happen next week.
So, you can paint a different picture than the national and local experts and pundits do about Tech this year, but that won’t change the perception of people that are a lot smarter with a lot more football acumen than you. I’m sorry, but your team is in a down year – accept it instead of trying to feel better about your own program by trying to tear down someone else’s.
Go Jackets
Paddy
November 20th, 2009
5:42 pm
If all you got is chop block pal, I believe CPJ and Tech are in good shape. Call it what you want but his blocking schemes have been analized by countless folks and is still legal. Even in today’s PC enviroment. Lets face it fans, Tech has themselves a great coach! Wish he coached somewhere else!
Go Dawgs
HBTD
November 20th, 2009
5:44 pm
Johnny Test – PLEASE don’t start on the academic issue with the nerds. They have us there – they know it and so do you. All well hear about are there rankings, awards, blah, blah, blah, blah. You were doing fine until then. Academics don’t have a damn thing to do with football so lets keep it to football. Ok?
Johnny Test
November 20th, 2009
5:44 pm
DOGTURD, what two ACC teams are in the top 10? After tek no ACC team is better than 7 and 3.
Paddy
November 20th, 2009
5:47 pm
McDawg…that HS offense you refer to is beating the wad out of everybody they play! That argument just does not hunt. Sorry, wish it was not true but I am trying to be reasonable. The man has got something going on at Tech!
Johnny Test
November 20th, 2009
5:47 pm
HDTD, look they always bring it up because we dominate in football. All I am saying is UGA fottball players are graduation at a higher rate than Tecks. So what does that say about their recruiting.
Johnny Test
November 20th, 2009
5:48 pm
That’s football players and graduating… lousy typing
SanFran Jacket
November 20th, 2009
5:53 pm
Nice post TechMan. Have you noticed that on this blog Coach Johnson is getting a contract extension and feeling the love from the administration, athletics department, fans, and even the media (surprisingly). In contrast, the Dawg blogs are littered (literally) with posts from fans wanting to get rid of Coach Richt. Two programs going in two different directions. I’m sure that explains all of the vitriol coming from the Dawgs on this blog. Doesn’t change the facts though does it?
Wish I could be in Atlanta next week. There’s a huge number of alumni in the Bay Area and we are enjoying what is happening back east (home for many of us, myself included).
Z
November 20th, 2009
5:55 pm
johnny quest – “that’s football players and graduating…lousy typing”
No, it’s just lousy posting. We don’t mind the typos just the garbage that your posting.
dd
November 20th, 2009
5:56 pm
Miami 33 tech 17
Angus
November 20th, 2009
5:56 pm
I can’t think of a better marriage (except maybe my own – let me talk to the wife and I’ll get back to you on that one).
Tech’s never going to recruit with the big boys. CPJ’s offense makes up for the recruiting disadvantage. The big boys are never going to hire CPJ. Perfect.
Now, about that defense……hmmm – I’ll have to get back to you on that one too.
Cuttysark
November 20th, 2009
5:58 pm
Obviously Coach Paul Johnson is happy at Georgia Tech. While other schools will continue to call, I think there is a loyalty that has been established between the parties who are all on the same page with this program. He can accomplish everything that he needs to now that he is at a BCS school. That is the only reason why he left the Naval Academy. Everybody laughed at his offense two years ago, now they all want him to run it at their school.
Go to http://isportsweb.com for more Georgia Tech Football articles. Go Jackets!
Choppy the block
November 20th, 2009
6:00 pm
McDawg and friends: Please remember that “chop blocks” are illegal and result in a 15 yard penalty. They involve a below the waist block on a player already being blocked. However, cut blocks, or below the waist blocks on unengaged players, have always been legal, so long as they do not occur from behind (along with some other arcane restrictions).
jacket3
November 20th, 2009
6:01 pm
Watch out for #2 with a red jersey. Personal friend’s kid….5 td’s on returns this year for UGA…and he’s just getting started. That is # 2 Brandon Boykin, 5-10 185 So. Fayetteville, Ga. (Fayette County). Hope we contain him. Great kid, good work ethic…wish we had him at GT with Morgan Burnett. Not worried about Cox he’s hot and cold and hasn’t had a complete game yet when the “D” hasn’t sacked him.
So if anybody’s listening……from under the Poplar tree: Thanks Dan for another breath…and to CPJ – I hope you stay for at least a while so we can enjoy your 1/2 time dynamics as a true master of the game.
Go GT!
Johnny Test
November 20th, 2009
6:05 pm
Z… just the facts man… just the facts… You know if you guys could keep Yellow Fuzz and St Simmons and M and some of the other real mature tek fans off UGA blogs you wouldn’t ever see me.
Z
November 20th, 2009
6:07 pm
Hey techman, loved your post:
“So, you can paint a different picture than the national and local experts and pundits do about Tech this year, but that won’t change the perception of people that are a lot smarter with a lot more football acumen than you. I’m sorry, but your team is in a down year – accept it instead of trying to feel better about your own program by trying to tear down someone else’s.”
That just about sums it up for these butt sniffers. Go Jackets
Michael
November 20th, 2009
6:08 pm
It’s a premature decision if you ask me. I mean, they would look pretty foolish if Tech finishes the season with a 3 game losing streak, which is entirely possble since they won’t be playing Duke or Wake anymore.
WTH
November 20th, 2009
6:10 pm
damn HBTD,
The second time I agree with you.
wyldbill
November 20th, 2009
6:12 pm
TechMD, that is one helluva quote. CPJ, Dodd, and YOU are THE MEN.
Matt
November 20th, 2009
6:13 pm
Paddy-the word you are looking for is “analyzed”, you typed in a bad word!!