Hewitt is staying: Tech fans, how do you feel? UPDATED
Georgia Tech has now confirmed that Paul Hewitt has turned down St. John’s. Here’s the school’s official statement:
Georgia Tech head basketball coach Paul Hewitt said Thursday afternoon that he will remain at the Institute and is no longer a candidate for the head coaching position at St. John’s University.
Hewitt, 46, just completed his 10th season at the helm of the Yellow Jackets’ program, guiding Tech to a 23-13 overall record. The Jackets advance to the championship game of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament and earned a berth in the NCAA Championship for the fifth time, where it defeated Oklahoma State in the first round before being eliminated by Ohio State.
“My family and I have developed deep ties to Georgia Tech and the city of Atlanta,” said Hewitt. “I strongly believe in what Georgia Tech can do for young people, and I am committed to returning the Tech basketball program to the level of success our fans have come to expect. We took a step in that direction this past season, and I fully intend to continue on that path.”
Hewitt, who has record of 177-144 at Georgia Tech, ranks third among active coaches in the ACC in games coached and fourth in career victories. He ranks 18th in career victories all-time. He has taken the Yellow Jackets to six post-season berths, including one NIT appearance, twice to the championship game of the ACC Tournament and the championship of the 2003 Preseason NIT.
“I think what has transpired over the last few days speaks volumes about Paul Hewitt and about Georgia Tech,” Tech director of athletics Dan Radakovich said. “Paul’s credentials as a human being, a family man, a leader and a builder of character are impeccable. All of us at Georgia Tech are committed to assist him in providing an outstanding men’s basketball program.”
If you’re a Tech fan, how do you feel? Relieved that your coach is staying? Disappointed that he’s staying?
My thoughts on what Hewitt staying would mean for him and Tech will be forthcoming, but I’d be obliged to hear yours. Thanks in advance.
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538 comments Add your comment
Brent
March 25th, 2010
2:07 pm
This sucks. Can someone mail Blewitt a book on how to coach offense since he is going to be here for awhile.
GA Tech Insider
March 25th, 2010
2:08 pm
Never tick off your wife…
GT65
March 25th, 2010
2:08 pm
This presented a golden opportunity to move forward, end the Hewitt era, and rid ourselves of the golden contract. I’m afraid we’re now stuck with Hewitt until DRad finally sees that he has to pay Hewitt off to get rid of him. I’m very disappointed right now –I’m tired of Hewitt, both from what I see on the basketball court as well as what I have recently been reading regarding his quotes.
lee
March 25th, 2010
2:09 pm
wow, bradley, you must really be torn! but look at it this way, if he stays then you get to keep your favorite punching bag!
crap!!
March 25th, 2010
2:09 pm
The difference between UGAY bball and GT bball is that when UGA beats GT, their season is made, as evidenced by these people on this blog. You’re not even in the freaking NIT! Shut up and go make out with your cousin you red neck bumpkins. You will NEVER be relevant in bball. NEVER!!!
GT in CT
March 25th, 2010
2:09 pm
There’s nothing left to do but help him succeed, with assistants or whatever resources he needs. If he fails, our program is in the dump, and no one will hire him away. He’ll just stay forever. We’re stuck.
reebok
March 25th, 2010
2:09 pm
god what a letdown. i thought we were finally free of the regrettable “coach” paul hewitt. honestly, i am just sick about this.
Richard
March 25th, 2010
2:09 pm
This was probobly the only smart coaching decision Hewitt made since letting Bynum take the last shot against OK State….oh wait, Marvin Lewis was the one who called that.
MorningJacket
March 25th, 2010
2:09 pm
Why do we have to get this news from ESPN or NY media? Can’t anyone at the AJC ever drive the few blocks over to Tech and talk to people and, Heaven forbid, cultivate “sources.” What a lazy sports department. Instead, we’re asked to comment on someone else’s story so they can serve up some page views for advertisers. We not only need/want a better coach at Tech, we want an AJC sports department that actually aggressively reports news again.
Steve
March 25th, 2010
2:09 pm
NickJ, if UGA basketball sucks, and they BEAT you nerds, what does that say about Tech basketball? Hmmm. Don’t be jealous over the true college in this state.
Victorious 1
March 25th, 2010
2:10 pm
I thought St. John’s would be a good fit for him…let him take that “New Yawk” arrogance to a place where it might be appreciated. I was certain he was a goner before Tech’s deep run in the ACC tourney nudged them off of the bubble and into the NCAA’s. I’d be curious to know how the Tech higher-ups really feel – I’m sure they thought this opportunity would allow them to get rid of this guy without the agonizing process of giving him the boot…
Alex
March 25th, 2010
2:10 pm
This is like the relative who won’t take the hint that you want him to leave. Maybe DRad can:
Change the locks on his office door without telling him
Give away his parking space
Paint the floor in Georgia State colors – Hewitt thinks he’s at the wrong arena and leaves forever
Change arena’s nickname from Thrillerdome to HewittMustGoDome
Host bingo tournaments in new Zelnak center when team is supposed to practice
Buy him an I (heart) Seton Hall lapel pin
Give up and hire 8,000 Academy Award seat-fillers to attend all home games
KevinM
March 25th, 2010
2:10 pm
Now that PH has flirted with another relationship, his recruiting will be impacted. Those kids that considered Tech for longer than a one-and-doner will re-evaluate and you can see the resume that the Jackets haven’t ever done much when they have a one-and-doner.
I truly thought he was gone, and I hope it didn’t happen because his wife didn’t want to move. He will be crucified if he shows any thin-skin going forward.
Saying that, his current recruits better pan out or he might get to cash that check sooner than later. This class he recruited was a Top 5 class last year.
I see a regular Bradley/Tech HC column going forward.
What not to miss: tonight’s coaches call-in show. You calling in tonight Mark?
Navigator
March 25th, 2010
2:11 pm
It sounds like his family was the determining factor, but what happens after 2010 if they fire him or worse, 2012 he’s out no matter. I’ve always said he didn’t have a firm grip on reality, but this proves more than anything that he doesn’t.
reebok
March 25th, 2010
2:11 pm
fans have to vote with their money and their support…don’t go to the games…don’t watch the games on TV…stay away in droves…don’t buy the merchandise…ignore “coach” hewitt and maybe he’ll FINALLY go away.
Tech FAN 1
March 25th, 2010
2:11 pm
Ok, i am a new tech football fan, and as well as a long time tech basketball fan. Although i do feel we could have done better this year, who would we get to replace hewitt. If we do get a replacement are we pressuring them to win right away? If not why not, we are pressing Hewitt to win now. I understand but this is a very young team. Outside of Ganni and Peacock and oK Bell, everyone else is at best a two year player. I say give hewitt two more years, then pay him out. But lets think, who is going to take over this job with possibly loosing favors, and loosing Gannni, and peacock. I think Hewitt can do a great job at attempting to keep favors, who may stay if hewitt does, then he will have Udofia, Oliver, Rice, Favors, and my favorite who had to sit out this year hosley. That in itself can be a top 10 team next year. OK Hewitt two more years, and we have a final four team. I SAID IT FIRST
Jackets2010
March 25th, 2010
2:11 pm
I had mixed feelings, believe it or not.
I think, with his family moving here, that was a pretty good clue he wasn’t going to leave unless they offered him something rediculous.
I don’t think we will be terrible next year.
I think Rice and Oliver got some great experience and could be more consistent and good for 10-15 each. Possibly more.
Will I renew?
Well you could ask me that about football too since I really don’t care for next year’s schedule.
And btw, what happened to the genius out in Kansas?
Can’t he keep his stupid guards from putting up trey after trey when it’s obvious their shots aren’t falling.
GT lifer
March 25th, 2010
2:11 pm
I am glad he is staying. He is good for GT
DAWGFAN
March 25th, 2010
2:11 pm
Beat yalls a$$ didnt we !
Dirty Dog
March 25th, 2010
2:12 pm
As a tech fan Im glad he is staying. This is really a non issue and MB just seems to not find anything else to cover. Who really cares.
jackets77
March 25th, 2010
2:12 pm
Paul Hewitt has now officially turned into Chan Gailey….nooooooooooooo
Brent
March 25th, 2010
2:12 pm
GTBlogScott- well said
Cosmo
March 25th, 2010
2:12 pm
X-|
crap!!
March 25th, 2010
2:13 pm
Hey Steve, it says that you get your whole team excited for your biggest game of the year and to GT you are just another game on the schedule. It’s like when UK beats YOU in football. Or Vandy. Surely you can relate. Unfortunately, you are not the BIG game on Florida, Tennessee, or Alabama’s schedule.
TECH Grad 87
March 25th, 2010
2:13 pm
Why would he leave…he enjoys being a villain…it stokes his arrogant fire…I’d bet in his heart of hearts he is staying to spite all of us that beg him to leave. His big win will be when he gets that $7M check..then he will just smile an laugh,..move to NYC, and buy good Knicks tickets. In his mind he will have won.
SWGADAWG
March 25th, 2010
2:14 pm
Made my day!!!!!!
Gordon
March 25th, 2010
2:14 pm
I like GT basketball and my current health plan. It has been a lousy week.
Patsy
March 25th, 2010
2:15 pm
I have been ready to see him go for several years. They don’t look like a well coached team – can’t even bring the ball in!
jackets55
March 25th, 2010
2:15 pm
Ok, since he is staying for money (why else would you stay someplace that the AD doesn’t want you and the vast majority of fans don’t want you), it is time for season ticket holders to speak with their wallets. Simply put, do not renew your tickets, do not purchase tickets and do not attend games. If you know any recruits personally, start talking to them about going to another school. Apparently, the only way to make the correct decision is to bankrupt the system.
DAWGFAN
March 25th, 2010
2:15 pm
I havent had this much fun since the saturday after Thanksgiving .
Is that you Sigmund?
March 25th, 2010
2:15 pm
SAssafrasssaaamotherfersonofa*&^%!!
gtlinz
March 25th, 2010
2:15 pm
This was a win win for both sides, and Hewitt has missed the boat. I am not going to renew by season tickets for next year – I love basketball and this is too hard to watch. After another few years, he may not be hurting for money but he won’t get another head coaching offer.
Jacket Backer
March 25th, 2010
2:16 pm
not happy at all……
Jackets2010
March 25th, 2010
2:16 pm
You know what.
I wish there was a blog I could read that took place during the Kansas meltdown.
Their guards were goose egg for 11 from threeville.
Why didn’t the genius Bill Self bench them?
Why hadn’t he instilled the decipline in them to pass the damn ball to someone else?
Had some of you been Kansas fans, the whining would have reached a crescendo probably never to be approached ever again on a blog.
Cosmo
March 25th, 2010
2:17 pm
George Costanza playing Paul Hewitt returning from his St John’s interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnofMbHgHfc
DaTech Man
March 25th, 2010
2:17 pm
I went to 2 Tech BB games this year (I did not pay for the tickets, they were given to me). The place was only 3/4 full for ACC games. Doesn’t the head coach have some responsibility for that? Hewitt’s decision to stay has really ruined my day.
TomB
March 25th, 2010
2:17 pm
I read somewhere that a Tech alumnus gave $15 million for the renovation of the coliseum. Someone please help with the buyout. I can give a little.
warrenet
March 25th, 2010
2:18 pm
Anyone who knows anything about basketball, and has been following Tech, should be devastated that Hewitt did not take the St. John’s job. He is a nice guy and a terrific recruiter, but he can’t coach a lick, and he does less with his talent than any coach in the ACC. Tech will never have a quality program as long as Coach Hewitt stays in Atlanta. Any of you who think otherwise need to take off your rose-colored glasses and come back to reality.
GT
March 25th, 2010
2:18 pm
“DRad” Wears Hewitt panties & Johnson bras.
GT in CT
March 25th, 2010
2:18 pm
If I were DRad, I’d try to renegotiate the contract to pay him more now (based on incentives) in exchange for removing the automatic rollover. I don’t know if it would work, but I’d try. It’s the only way out.
It's a great day....
March 25th, 2010
2:20 pm
to a georgia bulldawg.
Dawg-Hatin' Jacket
March 25th, 2010
2:21 pm
This just sux. It really is all about the money. He can blame his family if he wants, but he’s just a greedy SOB. Why stay where you aren’t wanted? $$$
Bigstack O' Pancakes. It is an Irish name.
March 25th, 2010
2:21 pm
Everyone should go to Paul Hewitt’s twitter account since he likes to tweet instead of coach and tell him personally what you think of his decision.
Paul in RDU
March 25th, 2010
2:21 pm
GTBlogScott – excellent post.
Hewitt turning down St. John’s sounds like a family decision to me – I wonder what would have happened if he hadn’t moved his parents to Atlanta last year? One thing is for sure, if GT doesn’t have a good record next year and a trip to the NCAA the pitchforks will be out on North Avenue.
SANFORD STADIUM IS A DUMP
March 25th, 2010
2:21 pm
But season tickets to uga basketball are even funnier…hahahahaha What a joke on a program that has nothing but football and you hoke at that. Dawgfan, you wanna compair titles in football between uga and gt?
SANFORD STADIUM IS A DUMP
March 25th, 2010
2:21 pm
choke!!!!
Tech Rules
March 25th, 2010
2:21 pm
“Tech fans, how do you feel?”
Mark, you sound like a therapist, which is what I need right now.
jasont13
March 25th, 2010
2:21 pm
crap!!
March 25th, 2010
2:09 pm
The difference between UGAY bball and GT bball is that when UGA beats GT, their season is made, as evidenced by these people on this blog. You’re not even in the freaking NIT! Shut up and go make out with your cousin you red neck bumpkins. You will NEVER be relevant in bball. NEVER!!!
Hey Crap, if my memory is correct didn’t Tech’s senior football players in 2008 have rings made and then have the score added on there? Seems to me that whenever GT beats UGA not only your fans but your players have to have rings made like they are champions and better yet add the score of the game when you beat UGA to make your season.
KevinM
March 25th, 2010
2:22 pm
What no response Mark? You are the fuel to all this speculation? This is just getting interesting now….
When you are done with PH, I expect you to go after Calipari next. The alma mater hasn’t heard much from you lately.
DAWGFAN
March 25th, 2010
2:22 pm
Yall suck. get over it.Talk to yall nerds later. I havent been this amused since Reggie’s 4th down throw away.