How Hewitt can win back Tech fans – and win games, too
Yes! There's still a chance for Paul Hewitt to win friends and influence people. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Paul Hewitt is still Georgia Tech’s coach. At issue is whether Hewitt can again be the people’s choice. His dialogue with St. John’s extended hope to many disgruntled Tech fans — and there are many disgruntled Tech fans — that they might not have to witness the same underperformance next season. Those folks are now in a curious position: They’re sorry their coach is still their coach.
The onus is now on Hewitt to win back his constituency. For that to happen, these steps need to be taken:
Stop the excuses: Hewitt often acts as if circumstances are beyond his control. He’s paid to control circumstances. If somebody gets hurt, coach up the next guy on the bench. If a talented player leaves after a year, find someone to replace him. If your guards can’t feed the post, teach them how. Tech people no longer want to hear about point guard Austin Jackson choosing the Yankees and baseball over playing for the Jackets — that happened in 2005, but Hewitt brought it up just last week — or about your team being “too young” or “snakebit.” They just want results.
Shore up his staff: Is it only coincidence that the Jackets are 81-78 since assistant Cliff Warren left to coach Jacksonville after the 2004-2005 season? (Fellow Tech assistant Dean Keener departed for James Madison a year earlier.) Current assistants Peter Zaharis and John O’Connor came to Tech not as coaches but as directors of basketball operations. Both have known Hewitt from his days at Villanova. Former Tech player Darryl LaBarrie was hired as an assistant last summer after stints at Campbell and East Carolina. Put simply, there’s a need for stronger voices and new ideas on the bench.
Coach offense as hard as he does defense: With few exceptions, all Hewitt’s players have defended at a high level. His offense has functioned less well. Too often Tech doesn’t seem to know what it should be doing. Chris Bosh averaged only 9.7 shots his season as a Jacket; seven years later, Derrick Favors averaged 8.1 shots. If you’re going to recruit one-and-done talents, you’d better figure out a way to get them the ball. A creative assistant with an offensive background would be most welcome here.
Reach out to fans and alums: Hewitt doesn’t appear to have any idea how unpopular he has become. (His stock response is something along the lines of, “Everyone always tells me we’re doing great when they see me in the airport.”) But Tech hasn’t done great, or even all that good, for five years now. Hewitt needs to cultivate his base — as opposed to challenging it via Twitter — through brunches or dinners or fan-appreciation outings. He can be charming and persuasive. He needs to be both now.
Offer to renegotiate his golden contract: It’s hard to ask anyone to put guaranteed money at risk, but this would do wonders for Hewitt’s image. Too many people have come to believe Hewitt is still coaching Tech only because the athletic association can’t afford to pay him $7.1 million to go away. Hewitt should go to Dan Radakovich and offer to relieve some of the financial burden. He should say, “I’ll waive the perpetual rollover if you’ll give me a five-year deal worth $8.75 million.” That would offer Hewitt a nice salary bump — from $1.375 million per season to $1.75 million — but would remove the most oppressive aspect of his never-ending deal. And it would earn him a mint’s worth of good will.
Win more games: It sounds simplistic, but it’s a time-honored panacea. Win big and people like you. Win big and we in the media sing your praises. Nobody complained about Hewitt’s offensive sets or the new contract Dave Braine handed him in 2004. Nobody was hoping he’d leave for St. John’s back then. Indeed, Tech fans were terrified he wouldn’t stay.
Six years have passed, and there’s no way for Hewitt ever to be as beloved as he was then, but he can reclaim some of those folks who’ve grown disenchanted. He can gripe less. And win more.
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623 comments Add your comment
Wilson Dunkitt
March 25th, 2010
11:15 pm
Radakovich is positioning himself for his next big job and I do not blame him for that one little bit. That is what he should do as a pragmatic and intelligent (still young) man on the rise. I believe he has served the Institute well overall, though I would bestow on him the accolades that others may. Hiring Paul Hewitt was brilliant. His weak plans for making games more enjoyable during Gailey’s later years and Hewitt’s first year were pretty lame and the laughingstock of the league. In the end, he has done far more good and has certainly taken care of the till, except for the Hewitt situation. Now he seems to be stalling, not wishing to “burden” the school with the pay out but perfectly willing to pay four times as much to renovate a facility he can point to and say “look what I did.” Keep the heat on Hewitt, but remember sometimes the boss (and I don’t mean Mrs. Hewitt this time) is ultimately responsible. No one wants to fire Radakovich, least of all me, but it is time for the administration to remind him that the Institute is bigger and the student-athletes more important than he is.
Wilson Dunkitt
March 25th, 2010
11:17 pm
if only: I was gone too, but I got back just before you
NoCoach Blewitt
March 25th, 2010
11:17 pm
Also keep in mind next year will be year 6 of me wanting this bozo gone ….. the end of 5 years of frustration was within arm’s reach …. I mean it went from being basically done to no I am not leaving …. UGH
I wonder how next year’s team is gonna look on the floor …. hmmmm I have no earthly idea what to expect …… yeah right (groundhog day)
Wilson Dunkitt
March 25th, 2010
11:18 pm
My bad. I meant to say “Hiring Paul Johnson was brilliant.” It’s starting to get to me now.
NoCoach Blewitt
March 25th, 2010
11:23 pm
Wilson ….. I am pretty sure if we lost to UNC in the first round DRAD was gonna can him …. given that in the almost certainty that next year will be less successful I think it is only 350 ish days away until Hewey is finally gone …… at least that is what I have to convince myself of at this point
Technophobia
March 25th, 2010
11:28 pm
Nocoach, how are you over reacting????? ROFLMAO You can’t be serious. You say you have hatred, contempt and loathing for someone who has done you no personal harm other than to fail to provide the level of basketball you feel you are entitled to. Then you say he “attacked” the fans because he asked them to support the team rather than focus on criticizing him. His comments were poorly chosen for sure but an “attack”, I don’t think so. Then you call him a eunuch because he decided not to uproot his entire family to make an, at best, lateral move. And you top it off by saying he “came crawling back” when all he did was interview. Wow.
Wilson Dunkitt
March 25th, 2010
11:28 pm
Georgia Tech fans do not owe Paul Hewitt nor Dan Radakovich one blessed thing. They work for the Institute. Were they alumni or if either had displayed any special affinity for the Institute (a la Bobby Dodd or Bobby Cremins, also not alumni) then they might be owed some added degree of loyalty or affection. These two men are employees whose job it is to oversee and administer programs for our student-athletes. One of them (DRad) suggesting it is my obligation to financially support the other one (Hewitt) is wrong. Dead wrong. If Hewitt was doing his job, I would have no problem, but he is not. He manages student-athletes, most of whom are not serious students. It is the very same thing we have ridiculed UGA for for years. IF DRad was doing his job, then Hewitt would not still have his job. Both men have not done due diligence on the academic side of the athletic association’s contractual obligation to individuals with scholarships.
Wilson Dunkitt
March 25th, 2010
11:29 pm
NCB: I don’t think I can wait 350 days, but I hope it is no later than that.
Rick Bell, GT Class of 88, BBall Walk-on 85-86
March 25th, 2010
11:29 pm
I was a walk-on on that great Cremins team of 85′-86′. Willie Reese, Duane Ferrell and Antoine Ford were my roomates. 95% of you clowns have no idea what the hell you are talking about. Coach Hewitt will get it done, and you idiots will be kissing his ass and saying – “I told you so”.
Some things never change.
-signed, a proud GT Alum.
Go Jackets. RKB
critic
March 25th, 2010
11:32 pm
“We’ve got a pretty good thing” – I see CPH is still delusional, nothing will change, turn out the lights.
Wilson Dunkitt
March 25th, 2010
11:35 pm
IN summary, I just think we need to send Radakovich a wake-up call. I don’t buy that he is seriously considering all the opinions out there. I know too many affluent alumni (unfortunately I am not one of the affluent ones) who don’t blog and don’t write letters but who pick up the phone and call to tell DRad how displeased they are. Some have already promised to help out with a new hire, and some have already withheld funds because of Hewitt. This will continue. I am no great insider, I’ve just been around Tech for a long time as an alumni, ticket-holder, and former member of the administration. I don’t have clout, I just have opinions. We absolutely want to keep DRad running our GTAA, but the long honeymoon should be over by now. We also absolutely should not keep Paul Hewitt one day longer.
Technophobia
March 25th, 2010
11:37 pm
This article provides some much needed perspective
http://www.ajc.com/sports/georgia-tech/tech-fans-might-be-404264.html
Ferrell fan
March 25th, 2010
11:39 pm
well rick bell, who I doubt that is you, how many years does it take? ten more? It is not like this is 2005, a yr after the NCAA finals? All parties need to go in a different direction and start fresh. Marriages do not even last this long anymore..Duane Ferrell was awesome, what is he doing now?
NoCoach Blewitt
March 25th, 2010
11:43 pm
Techno you are absolutely right …. I have always wanted Tech “to have a pretty good thing going”
Navigator
March 25th, 2010
11:43 pm
I understand that PHewitt wants to continue coaching at Tech, so he has loyalty to the school. The problem is that at best he has two years left and at worse one year left to coach here. If you look at his total program (not one amazing run in NCAA), his record is no better than Chan Gailey’s was in football, and they let him go. Unless he feels that that there are more opportunities in Atlanta than basketball, he’s dancing around the inevitable.
Clown of the 95th percentile
March 25th, 2010
11:44 pm
Agree with Wilson. Any criticism of Hewitt from here on out should be jointly directed at Radakovich. It’s on both of them now, whether they turn it around against all logic, or whether they fall flat on their faces.
GT Fan
March 25th, 2010
11:47 pm
Its to late for Hewitt to win back my support. To he!! with Hewitt and if Rads is happy they need to fire Both Rads and Hewitt.
The damn Money $$$ contrast sucks. I’ve been a fan since 1971, not anymore till DA Hewitt is gone.
Rick Bell, GT Class of 88, BBall Walk-on 85-86
March 25th, 2010
11:48 pm
Why are you doubting? I went to the school fr 84-88 & graduated in 88′. If you went to the school get the 85′ “Blueprint” yearbook and look up the team – standing next to John Martinson in the pic. Duane is doing great, an astute businessman and also works for the Hawks as does Mark Price. GT will turn the corner next year or soon after. The 1980’s @ Tech were a SPECIAL time – Salley, Yvon Joseph, Duane, Tom Hammonds, Bruce D.,Mark Price – also football – Pat Swilling, Ken Whisenhunt, Robert Lavette, Gary Lee, Track – Antonio Mckay, James Purvis, etc. I could go on & on…. Be patient people …… History repeats itself…..
True Jacket Fan & PROUD Alum -
RKB
Clown of the 95th percentile
March 25th, 2010
11:50 pm
Last year was the best time for DRad to fire Hewitt. The recruiting class crap was a red herring. Where is the star of that class now anyway? Standing with one foot in the NBA, he sure as heck ain’t in class. DRad is either ill-informed or dishonest if he doesn’t admit to knowing exactly what Hewitt is doing with recruiting. NOt to mention all the mingling with AAU coaches. The NCAA compliance folks are aware of the situation, just like they’re watching the academic progress reports for all these potential “bolters” to the NBA. Why does the academically proud Georgia Institute of Technology find itself under greater scrutiny than the University of Georgia? Paul Hewitt and Dan Radakovich.
Former Hewitt Apologist
March 25th, 2010
11:50 pm
I must admit…I was disappointed when Hewitt announced he was staying. The ONLY reason I wanted him to leave is because 1 winning season out of 10 in ACC play is indefensible. That is a terrible record. That aside, CPH is here at least for the next season. And…I think we all agree he’s a class individual who runs a clean, honorable program. As a true GT fan, I am pulling for him and the team to be successful next year. So…will someone please print out Bradley’s PERFECT words of advice and hand it to him the next time you see him. (Maybe you can leave out the contract part..that may be kind of offensive)
GetwhatUpayfor
March 25th, 2010
11:52 pm
Fire Drads and Hewitt……………….
vince
March 25th, 2010
11:52 pm
Thanks for staying coach!
Clown of the 95th percentile
March 25th, 2010
11:53 pm
Rick Bell, we don’t doubt you or the leadership you and your teammates enjoyed (or at least experienced, haha) under Coach Cremins. But I do not see a lot of Coach Cremins in Coach Hewitt. Please give us some hope and enlightenment (I am sincere here) about Hewitt and his leadership of players because I fail to see his players enjoying the same success after leaving (seldom graduating) Tech as you and your teammates.
Rick Bell, GT Class of 88, BBall Walk-on 85-86
March 25th, 2010
11:53 pm
D Rad brought in Coach Paul Johnson, and FIRED CHAN. No one is second-guessing THAT move…cut the guy some slack.
Smokee Jo
March 25th, 2010
11:56 pm
“YOU PEOPLE” will never be satisfied!!
Clown of the 95th percentile
March 25th, 2010
11:57 pm
Well, Rick, the early 80’s were pretty miserable on the football side, but you do indeed name some of the best players of the decade. (I was your classmate but not in athletics.)
Rick Bell, GT Class of 88, BBall Walk-on 85-86
March 25th, 2010
11:58 pm
Someone made an earlier comment about hiring some more assistant coaches….. I’d love to see Mark Price or Bruce Dalyrimple or Duane Ferrell join the staff to impart some wisdom. Willie Reese does a great job and is my man, but Cremins did have Coach Felton, Coach Clark and Coach Cantwell at his side – so it did help……
Wilson Dunkitt
March 26th, 2010
12:02 am
D Rad brought in Johnson and several other good head coaches, but he is also responsible for Hewitt now. As clearly stated before, he did not hire Hewitt but he has had ample opportunity to either hold him accountable or terminate him. Now that he has cast his lot with Hewitt he deserves much credit if Hewitt turns it all around and flies straight, fulfilling his executive duties in the basketball program. But D Rad is also now responsible for Hewitt’s failure. Perhaps you will be right Rick Bell and history will repeat itself. But in my “groundhog day” experience with Hewitt these past several years it appears he as an individual is a lot more likely to repeat his mistakes.
Wilson Dunkitt
March 26th, 2010
12:04 am
Nobody blames D Rad for Hewitt not taking the St John’s job, of course. But by turning down the job Hewitt positioned himself perfectly for D Rad to let him go. This is the second time D RAd has not pulled the trigger on Hewitt’s career.
Rick Bell, GT Class of 88, BBall Walk-on 85-86
March 26th, 2010
12:04 am
Seriously, I’m as disappointed (or MORE) than all of you….but it could be MUCH WORSE. How many 20 win seasons has he had? I know the ACC record has been disappointing, but hopefully Favors stays another year and these dudes mesh as a team. Hopefully Shumpert will become a court general…. Hewitt has brought in the top talent consistently w/o the scandals – (Memphis, USC, etc.) – Now they just have to come together & execute…….
Wilson Dunkitt
March 26th, 2010
12:05 am
Right on, Rick. I would feel much, much better about our coaching staff if Mark Price, Willie Reese, or Bruce Dylrimple were on it.
Wilson Dunkitt
March 26th, 2010
12:06 am
Willie was great, but I never saw him after he left Tech. What’s he doing now?
Rick Bell, GT Class of 88, BBall Walk-on 85-86
March 26th, 2010
12:07 am
Good night Jacket Fans…..Step in off the ledge & close the window…… It’ll be Allright….
RKB
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:08 am
Willie reese was a great assistant before.
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:09 am
Hey, Smokee, who you callin’ “you people”?
NoCoach Blewitt
March 26th, 2010
12:10 am
This Kan St – Xavier game is outstanding
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:12 am
No s**t, Sherlock. Mr. Radakovich is on the hook for this one. If Hewitt makes a remarkable comeback and loses all the negative attitude and bias, then I will give DRad his props, too. If he screws the pooch, DRad must be held accountable also.
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:13 am
helluva game.
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:13 am
I have K State in my bracket but since it’s shot to heck anyway I am pulling for Xavier.
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:14 am
Really fresh legs for the second OT, but now they’re getting a little sloppy.
Rick Bell, GT Class of 88, BBall Walk-on 85-86
March 26th, 2010
12:16 am
He’s on the bench now. Looks the same, with a few more pounds & a few grey hairs…. Look for the 6′10″ Black guy in the suit holding a clip board. May see him tomorrow, will give him your regards. LOL
RKB
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:17 am
I can imagine Price, Anderson, Scott, Salley, Hammond, Harpring, Dalrymple and guys of their ilk in an epic game like this K St – Xavier. But I can’t see Shumpert, Favors, Lawal, et al, holding it together for this long.
NoCoach Blewitt
March 26th, 2010
12:21 am
they can not manage to keep it together for a full 40 ….. almost a guarantee that the first few minutes out of the locker room in the second half are a disaster
NoCoach Blewitt
March 26th, 2010
12:23 am
After Cornell lost hopefully St Mary’s can get it done tomorrow night
Rick Bell, GT Class of 88, BBall Walk-on 85-86
March 26th, 2010
12:25 am
We need a point guard w/toughness & a high BBALL IQ. It makes all the difference in the world. Believe me. The late, great Red Holtman said “The sign of a great player is not how much he scored, but how much he lifted his team’s performance.” This is the trait that we are missing now. Jarret Jack was the last of the Stud PGs at Tech. He led is to the Final Two. Get a PG with fearlessness, High BBall IQ and toughness – team him with a Lawal, favors, etc., and just get the “F” out of the way….
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:26 am
Well, hell, I’ve calmed down some now. I still hope we find a way to get another coach in here, and I still won’t renew my season tickets (the wife is thrilled about that one) until Hewitt is gone, but I do wish the student-athletes well. Mark, I know I am in the tiny minority here, but the first thing I believe Hewitt, or any coach at my alma mater should do is ensure the development of the student and the athlete in the student-athletes he leads. Hewitt has neglected both, especially the student aspect, but no one–not you, not DRad, not most of the fans here–no one has addressed this issue. If we don’t address soon, the NCAA will address it for us.
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:27 am
And now I have to go cheer on Xavier to thoroughly destroy my bracket.
Technophobia
March 26th, 2010
12:28 am
Thanks for the comments Rick but do you REALLY think Favors might stay? It’s pretty hard to justify passing up lottery pick money even if he would benefit from another year.
RickyBobbyOnFire
March 26th, 2010
12:28 am
Rick, you are right on about Jacks. Wish we would be known as Point guard U again.
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