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I liked CPJ more than CCG as our HC.
In fairness though, there are a number of things that worked for (and against) CPJ that I think get lost in these types of discussions. Among the stats that without proper context give CPJ the benefit of the doubt:
Anyway, I doubt this sways many folks, but I think it's relevant, despite my preference for CPJ in the overall comparison.
- Prior to CPJ, the ACC runner-up did not auto-qualify for the Orange Bowl as we did in 2014 (thanks to FSU competing for bigger postseason things). Absent that auto-qualification rule, a 3-loss Georgia Tech was not going to be chosen at-large (imo), despite being deserving based on the product on the field. I'm basing that on criteria that classically motivates bowls to select at-large (big travelling fan base, brand name, etc).
- CCG and CPJ had the same ACC Championship game qualification rate (approx 1 every 6 years). I understand that folks will point to CPJ's 3 appearances in 11 years, but I don't lump in the 6-6 season as a mark of accomplishment, particularly since two teams ahead of us in the Coastal were DQ'd. Every single season of Chan's was > .500, and he should get the same benefit of the doubt on an apples to apples comparison.
- Chan Gailey actually had a marginally better win percentage overall in my math is correct, in an apples to apples comparison, specifically targeting records against FBS/D-1. Georgia Tech didn't start playing FCS until 2004, if I recall correctly. Neither coach lost to FCS. Said another way, toss in a couple FCS opponent for CCG in 2002-2003, all other things remaining the same, does he become an 8-win coach?
I agree with this. I never thought Gailey was a bad coach. In fact, he was probably criminally underrated for his ability to find and develop talent. If given the chance, I really feel like he may have had another year or two of 9-10 win seasons at GT, but we pulled the plug before that could be seen. I still believe history will bear out, via an NCAA HoF invite, that CPJ was the better coach of the two.