One thing that has not been discussed here is the influence and impact of agents that virtually all coaches (head coaches and assistants) have representing their interest. Just like Coach Johnson was represented by Jack Reale, most all these guys have a guy out there touting their value and pushing their names. Basically they get a percentage of whatever the Coach earns for a contract. I'm sure Tony Elliott and the rest that have been mentioned here have their agent out there burning up the phone lines, twitter and whatever other forms of communication to our AD about their man and why he would be the best man possible for the GT job. A lot of the press you see produced is generated by these agents in an attempt to influence a negotiation in favor of the person they represent. So I think you need to factor that in to what you read and absorb as this thing goes along. Good chance of some fake news out there. Take most of this with a grain of salt.
I think Stansbury probably has put together a team of people and possibly an outside consultant to assist with the search process. If he is as smart as I think he is, he will weigh the opinions of others he has trust in to help validate whatever decision he finally comes to. And yes, like at most all football programs, there are a few old head supporters that will have some influence and final approval of whoever is selected. At Florida these guys are called Bull Gators. At Tech they are guys, like John Dewberry who have significant financial capital invested in the program and direct blood lines due to having played at Tech or being related to others who have played at Tech. These are the guys charged with being the keepers of the flame. Their voice carries actual weight unlike a poster on a message board.
I think Stansbury is the right guy to guide this process and make this decision and I think he will do a great job whomever he selects.
Go Jackets!