Your choice for Head Coach

[Randy Carson]

Assuming not all HC candidates cost the same, if you're ADJB, what is your highest priority?

1. hiring an expensive HC in the hopes of getting a higher return (wins, bowl games, ticket sales), or
2. hiring a bargain brand coach and "making do" for a few years until you have time do some fundraising to pay down some debt?

I know it takes money to make money...but you have to HAVE money to begin with. And we don't.

Does Tech's financial constraint trim down the list of candidates? Who's out of reach and who's still on the list?

And how does ADJB play this?

 

[4shotB]

While this hire is huge, I hope J Batt aligns our athletic department more like Alabama top to bottom. Everyone on the same page and not settling for mediocrity.

Making the right hires in key HC positions, especially in FB and men's BB, is critical to this mission. It will afford him the chance to focus then on fixing the "behind the scenes" problems with the GTAA, which we all agree need addressing. Problems with your revenue producing teams are more visible than inefficiencies in the ticket and marketing departments.

 

[bobongo]

Assuming not all HC candidates cost the same, if you're ADJB, what is your highest priority?

1. hiring an expensive HC in the hopes of getting a higher return (wins, bowl games, ticket sales), or
2. hiring a bargain brand coach and "making do" for a few years until you have time do some fundraising to pay down some debt?

I know it takes money to make money...but you have to HAVE money to begin with. And we don't.

Does Tech's financial constraint trim down the list of candidates? Who's out of reach and who's still on the list?

And how does ADJB play this?

Spending more money does not necessarily mean we'll get a better HC. Just sayin'...
I think he needs to go after the best coaching staff we can afford. He has keep in mind the budget for the whole staff - HC, coordinators, and assistants. He has a lot to consider.

 

[MWBATL]

I have my question marks too (about him and ALL of them) but I am hoping we don't get to the point where we draw lines in the sand now. As others have said, I am willing to let AD Batt and the process make the decision. I imagine they are doing a better job or distancing themselves from the emotions that we fans seem to have.

Secondly, I hope if you do make this decision you do so quietly. Over our last three coaches, I have seen many people continue to grind their axes publicly and repeatedly here long past the point where anyone even listened to them. I am NOT saying you have to like him fwiw.

First, let me say I agree with letting Batt follow his process. That's why we hired him. We agree there...

My opinion is likely influenced pretty heavily by my Alabama contacts, who quickly dismiss BOB and his job as OC there. Their attitude is very much "take him....PLEASE". They definitely believe that have had at least 5 better OC's there over the last 10-15 years. Plus, he just brings no sizzle to the program (not necessarily required but would be nice to help re-start the program).

But yeah, I am well aware that as a fan, I am actually quite ignorant and will definitely root for whomever Batt selects to succeed and win for us.

 

[bobongo]

But yeah, I am well aware that as a fan, I am actually quite ignorant and will definitely root for whomever Batt selects to succeed and win for us.

Me, too. That's why I skipped this poll.
Although some coaches appeal to me more than others, what I know about them is the tip of the iceberg compared to the AD making the decision, who has more to consider than I've even thought about.

 

[Sheboygan]

Me, too. That's why I skipped this poll.
Although some coaches appeal to me more than others, what I know about them is the tip of the iceberg compared to the AD making the decision, who has more to consider than I've even thought about.

I "committed" to BOB early, but I have withdrawn my "commitment" to look around a little more.
Mike Houston deserves more consideration IMO, but I will absolutely support whoever ADJB feels is best for our
program. I like how he is keeping his cards close to his chest at this point, and believe we will get a HC we can all get behind.

 

[lv20gt]

Assuming not all HC candidates cost the same, if you're ADJB, what is your highest priority?

1. hiring an expensive HC in the hopes of getting a higher return (wins, bowl games, ticket sales), or
2. hiring a bargain brand coach and "making do" for a few years until you have time do some fundraising to pay down some debt?

I know it takes money to make money...but you have to HAVE money to begin with. And we don't.

Does Tech's financial constraint trim down the list of candidates? Who's out of reach and who's still on the list?

And how does ADJB play this?

The best hire might not be the most expensive, but if money is preventing us from landing any of the discussed candidates (OBrien, Sanders, Chadwell) then we were stupid to fire Collins before his buyout dropped.

 

[stinger 1957]

BOB is not a sizzle type person, he trained under some good coaches but I agree with those that do not want him, don't think he is what we need, would be a tremendously disappointing hire for me.

 

[Vespidae]

The best hire might not be the most expensive, but if money is preventing us from landing any of the discussed candidates (OBrien, Sanders, Chadwell) then we were stupid to fire Collins before his buyout dropped.

It's hard to say unless you read his contract (I haven't so I'm speculating.) GT could have relieved Geoff of his duties but ... kept him on the payroll through YE for that reason. Technically, he isn't fired and is probably still getting his paycheck and covered for benefits until the date he is "officially" terminated legally.

I had to fire an executive once and that was a very similar scenario. "Bruce, you're out. Tom will take over your duties, so there is no need for you to come to the office. You'll be paid through the end of the year and HR will contact you about your separation at that time. Please remember your non-disparagement clause in your contract and let's be respectful. We appreciate your service and wish you the best."

Collins hasn't said a peep which tells me he is on some type of agreement with Tech.

 

[Augusta_Jacket]

It's hard to say unless you read his contract (I haven't so I'm speculating.) GT could have relieved Geoff of his duties but ... kept him on the payroll through YE for that reason. Technically, he isn't fired and is probably still getting his paycheck and covered for benefits until the date he is "officially" terminated legally.

I had to fire an executive once and that was a very similar scenario. "Bruce, you're out. Tom will take over your duties, so there is no need for you to come to the office. You'll be paid through the end of the year and HR will contact you about your separation at that time. Please remember your non-disparagement clause in your contract and let's be respectful. We appreciate your service and wish you the best."

Collins hasn't said a peep which tells me he is on some type of agreement with Tech.

They had security escort him out to his car and didn't even let him pack his office by himself. I'm pretty sure he was straight up fired.

Plus, your scenario would make way too much sense for the GTAA to ever conceive it.

 

[Vespidae]

They had security escort him out to his car and didn't even let him pack his office by himself. I'm pretty sure he was straight up fired.

Doesn't change a thing. He can be OUT ("Geoff, we hate your guts. Rocko will escort you to your car.) and still be on the payroll. ("HR will call you later to discuss your official separation. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.")

Pure speculation. Again ... Geoff hasn't said a peep. I'm sure GT lawyers probably forced him to sign a separation agreement.

 

[Augusta_Jacket]

Doesn't change a thing. He can be OUT ("Geoff, we hate your guts. Rocko will escort you to your car.) and still be on the payroll. ("HR will call you later to discuss your official separation. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.")

Pure speculation. Again ... Geoff hasn't said a peep. I'm sure GT lawyers probably forced him to sign a separation agreement.

True. His silence could also be due to him wanting another job next year. Going off on your former employer is never a good look. It's not often you see former HCs trash the school that fired them.

 

[bobongo]

True. His silence could also be due to him wanting another job next year. Going off on your former employer is never a good look. It's not often you see former HCs trash the school that fired them.

I don't know how that would work. It would be a loophole in the contract you could drive a truck through. If you could just say he's not officially fired until the end of the year, then the contract which says if he's fired before his 4th year is up, he gets $3 million more than if he makes it to the end would be essentially meaningless.

 

[Augusta_Jacket]

I don't know how that would work. It would be a loophole in the contract you could drive a truck through. If you could just say he's not officially fired until the end of the year, then the contract which says if he's fired before his 4th year is up, he gets $3 million more than if he makes it to the end would be essentially meaningless.

I'm in agreement with you. I was just agreeing that it was possible. I'm pretty convinced he was terminated effective immediately and we are paying the full buyout owed.

 

[Techster]

Interesting scenario:

Keep Key, but flush out our offensive staff. Do what Ed Orgeron did with Joe Brady during their National Championship run in 2019. Hire a young offensive savant and give him a good staff. Someone like Garrett Riley (not specifically him, but similar hire...LOTS of smoke that factory schools are lining up back up the Brinks truck for Riley).

I REALLY like the direction of our defensive staff. I think if we leave Thacker alone, like it appears Key is doing, and let him build on his defense, we could have a top 30-40 defense next season. For GT, that's close to unheard of in the last decade. That's a good enough defense to win 8+ games if our offense does its part.

I know some want to clean house, but I like what Key has done so far. Outside of the FSU game, we've been competitive in every match. This team just needs an offensive overhaul. There are some REALLY good skill pieces (Sims IF he stays, and Pyron) on offense. I have a feeling this program is a good offense away from regularly winning 8-10 games for the next 3-4 seasons. The only team in the Coastal that scares me is UNC, but they are not Clemson or UGA. Now, if the rumors are true that Chip Long is Key's doing, that dampers things some. This team definitely needs an offensive mind on staff that gives us a schematic advantage (think Friedgen or CPJ).

It looks like we're probably 3-4 weeks away from finding out who our next coach is. I don't think it will be Key, that UVA game put a HUGE dent in his chances, but we could do a LOT worse than the scenario above.

 

[bobongo]

Interesting scenario:

Keep Key, but flush out our offensive staff. Do what Ed Orgeron did with Joe Brady during their National Championship run in 2019. Hire a young offensive savant and give him a good staff. Someone like Garrett Riley (not specifically him, but similar hire...LOTS of smoke that factory schools are lining up back up the Brinks truck for Riley).

I REALLY like the direction of our defensive staff. I think if we leave Thacker alone, like it appears Key is doing, and let him build on his defense, we could have a top 30-40 defense next season. For GT, that's close to unheard of in the last decade. That's a good enough defense to win 8+ games if our offense does its part.

I know some want to clean house, but I like what Key has done so far. Outside of the FSU game, we've been competitive in every match. This team just needs an offensive overhaul. There are some REALLY good skill pieces (Sims IF he stays, and Pyron) on offense. I have a feeling this program is a good offense away from regularly winning 8-10 games for the next 3-4 seasons. The only team in the Coastal that scares me is UNC, but they are not Clemson or UGA. Now, if the rumors are true that Chip Long is Key's doing, that dampers things some. This team definitely needs an offensive mind on staff that gives us a schematic advantage (think Friedgen or CPJ).

It looks like we're probably 3-4 weeks away from finding out who our next coach is. I don't think it will be Key, that UVA game put a HUGE dent in his chances, but we could do a LOT worse than the scenario above.

There's something to be said for the idea of keeping Key and being able to pay him less (a decent HC salary but less than you'd have to pay a "name" coach) so you can offer big bucks to some top-notch assistants. In the long run, it might be best for Key himself. He could compile a record that command a big raise down the road.

 

[Gtech50]

Interesting scenario:

Keep Key, but flush out our offensive staff. Do what Ed Orgeron did with Joe Brady during their National Championship run in 2019. Hire a young offensive savant and give him a good staff. Someone like Garrett Riley (not specifically him, but similar hire...LOTS of smoke that factory schools are lining up back up the Brinks truck for Riley).

I REALLY like the direction of our defensive staff. I think if we leave Thacker alone, like it appears Key is doing, and let him build on his defense, we could have a top 30-40 defense next season. For GT, that's close to unheard of in the last decade. That's a good enough defense to win 8+ games if our offense does its part.

I know some want to clean house, but I like what Key has done so far. Outside of the FSU game, we've been competitive in every match. This team just needs an offensive overhaul. There are some REALLY good skill pieces (Sims IF he stays, and Pyron) on offense. I have a feeling this program is a good offense away from regularly winning 8-10 games for the next 3-4 seasons. The only team in the Coastal that scares me is UNC, but they are not Clemson or UGA. Now, if the rumors are true that Chip Long is Key's doing, that dampers things some. This team definitely needs an offensive mind on staff that gives us a schematic advantage (think Friedgen or CPJ).

It looks like we're probably 3-4 weeks away from finding out who our next coach is. I don't think it will be Key, that UVA game put a HUGE dent in his chances, but we could do a LOT worse than the scenario above.

I disagree about keeping Thacker and staff. They have done a great job but we still get blown out against any competent offense (UNC will likely be the same). I think they are riding the opportunistic turnovers and it is an equalizer against bad/average teams. Losing guys like Charlie, Ace, and Keion after this year will also be a big hit. We need to clean house and bring in a new staff as well as some transfers at key spots.

I think we should do this across the board and Im not supportive of keeping Key. If we somehow decide to do that though I think we need to invest in a proven staff on O and D.

 

[Techster]

I disagree about keeping Thacker and staff. They have done a great job but we still get blown out against any competent offense (UNC will likely be the same). I think they are riding the opportunistic turnovers and it is an equalizer against bad/average teams. Losing guys like Charlie, Ace, and Keion after this year will also be a big hit. We need to clean house and bring in a new staff as well as some transfers at key spots.

I think we should do this across the board and Im not supportive of keeping Key. If we somehow decide to do that though I think we need to invest in a proven staff on O and D.

I understand that sentiment. There's also something to be said for a complete turnover in order to energize fundraising and energize the fanbase. That is the most likely scenario given that Batt will want to put his stamp on the program.

 

[WreckinGT]

Interesting scenario:

Keep Key, but flush out our offensive staff. Do what Ed Orgeron did with Joe Brady during their National Championship run in 2019. Hire a young offensive savant and give him a good staff. Someone like Garrett Riley (not specifically him, but similar hire...LOTS of smoke that factory schools are lining up back up the Brinks truck for Riley).

I REALLY like the direction of our defensive staff. I think if we leave Thacker alone, like it appears Key is doing, and let him build on his defense, we could have a top 30-40 defense next season. For GT, that's close to unheard of in the last decade. That's a good enough defense to win 8+ games if our offense does its part.

I know some want to clean house, but I like what Key has done so far. Outside of the FSU game, we've been competitive in every match. This team just needs an offensive overhaul. There are some REALLY good skill pieces (Sims IF he stays, and Pyron) on offense. I have a feeling this program is a good offense away from regularly winning 8-10 games for the next 3-4 seasons. The only team in the Coastal that scares me is UNC, but they are not Clemson or UGA. Now, if the rumors are true that Chip Long is Key's doing, that dampers things some. This team definitely needs an offensive mind on staff that gives us a schematic advantage (think Friedgen or CPJ).

It looks like we're probably 3-4 weeks away from finding out who our next coach is. I don't think it will be Key, that UVA game put a HUGE dent in his chances, but we could do a LOT worse than the scenario above.

If Key is going to leave the defensive staff alone, and we are going to overhaul the offensive staff for Key, what value does Key bring at that point?

 

[Techster]

If Key is going to leave the defensive staff alone, and we are going to overhaul the offensive staff for Key, what value does Key bring at that point?

Tell us you don't understand the job of a HFC without telling us you don't understand the job of a HFC.

That's like saying "Saban has Lane Kiffin at OC, and Kirby Smart at DC...why do we need Saban?!!"