Finals week has kept me away from the blog over the last few days, but here is the latest I've heard and read.
1) Tennessee OC David Cutcliffe was on campus Wednesday to interview for the job, making him the fifth coach to interview with Duke AD Joe Alleva. Cutcliffe was 44-29 in six seasons with Ole Miss, and he only had one losing season at one of the tougher coaching situations in the SEC. He's also a noted quarterbacks tutor, as he's coached both Manning brothers.
2) Former Georgia Tech HC Chan Gailey and Louisiana-Monroe HC Charlie Weatherbie have had their names linked to the position, although there is no indication yet whether they've officially spoken with Alleva or have an interview planned.
3) Tom Dienhart's blog on the Sporting News site says that Dorrell might be the front runner for the job right now and that Gailey's name has surfaced to him, too.
Showing posts with label Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Show all posts
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Neuheisel a Possibility?
One name that came up in Georgia Tech's search was that of former Washington and Colorado HC Rick Neuheisel, and our friends over at The Blue Zone are suggesting that he might be a good fit for Duke, and that the University has contacted him on an informal basis already.
I don't know quite what to think about Neuheisel...he's a proven winner at the college level and a current NFL OC with the Baltimore Ravens (although under Brian Billick, I'm not sure he gets the opportunity to make too many decisions). Still, he's got plenty of red flags in terms of past NCAA rules violations, including his decision to participate in an NCAA Tournament betting pool that in part led to his 2003 dismissal from UW. Whether that particular infraction merited his firing is debatable, but the history could scare away Duke.
But in sum, the guy is a proven name who has a Pac-10 title to his name and an overall 61-35 record (which improves to 66-30 if you count the 5 wins his 1997 CU team won before being forced to forfeit all of their games due to an ineligible player). He has to merit significant consideration, and he might be the best available candidate if he is truly interested.
I don't know quite what to think about Neuheisel...he's a proven winner at the college level and a current NFL OC with the Baltimore Ravens (although under Brian Billick, I'm not sure he gets the opportunity to make too many decisions). Still, he's got plenty of red flags in terms of past NCAA rules violations, including his decision to participate in an NCAA Tournament betting pool that in part led to his 2003 dismissal from UW. Whether that particular infraction merited his firing is debatable, but the history could scare away Duke.
But in sum, the guy is a proven name who has a Pac-10 title to his name and an overall 61-35 record (which improves to 66-30 if you count the 5 wins his 1997 CU team won before being forced to forfeit all of their games due to an ineligible player). He has to merit significant consideration, and he might be the best available candidate if he is truly interested.
Friday, December 7, 2007
AJC Report: Johnson to GTech
The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that Johnson has agreed in principle to accept the Yellow Jackets' offer and become their head coach.
The Annapolis Capital just confirmed this report and added that Johnson met with his players this morning to inform them of the decision.
Although Johnson would have been a great fit here at Duke and almost certainly would have brought us some wins immediately, his decision to pass on the Blue Devils is not the end of the world. I did feel that the transition to a triple-option attack might pose some problems in Year One.
For example, if Johnson were to come here, what would come of QB Thad Lewis, who took great strides as a passer this year? Could he run the option, and would the offense utilize his skilled arm or neglect it? Or what about WR Eron Riley, who potentially has NFL-caliber talent as a deep threat? I had heard rumblings that they would move him to RB. So although Johnson probably would find success wherever he coaches, the transition here might have had some hiccups due to personnel incompatibilities with his system.
But looking ahead, I've been assured by sources that Duke will quickly begin considering the next tier of candidates if Johnson didn't accept. Other than Rod Broadway, who is in that tier remains to be seen, but expect a few more interviews over the coming days.
The Annapolis Capital just confirmed this report and added that Johnson met with his players this morning to inform them of the decision.
Although Johnson would have been a great fit here at Duke and almost certainly would have brought us some wins immediately, his decision to pass on the Blue Devils is not the end of the world. I did feel that the transition to a triple-option attack might pose some problems in Year One.
For example, if Johnson were to come here, what would come of QB Thad Lewis, who took great strides as a passer this year? Could he run the option, and would the offense utilize his skilled arm or neglect it? Or what about WR Eron Riley, who potentially has NFL-caliber talent as a deep threat? I had heard rumblings that they would move him to RB. So although Johnson probably would find success wherever he coaches, the transition here might have had some hiccups due to personnel incompatibilities with his system.
But looking ahead, I've been assured by sources that Duke will quickly begin considering the next tier of candidates if Johnson didn't accept. Other than Rod Broadway, who is in that tier remains to be seen, but expect a few more interviews over the coming days.
Jackets have other options?
This report from Dennis Dodd at CBSSportsline says that Georgia Tech is also looking at former Auburn HC and current radio broadcaster Terry Bowden for their opening, and had a "great meeting" with them. The timing of Bowden and GT's discussion isint indicated, but this GT fanblog says that he was spotted on campus Tuesday.
Again, this only adds intrigue to the situation, as much of the reports out of Atlanta seemed show a "Paul Johnson or Bust" mentality on the part of Georgia Tech. A decision from Johnson is still expected sometime today.
Again, this only adds intrigue to the situation, as much of the reports out of Atlanta seemed show a "Paul Johnson or Bust" mentality on the part of Georgia Tech. A decision from Johnson is still expected sometime today.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Duke's Still Alive...
I admit that earlier today I had my doubts about Duke's chances with all of the other options on Paul Johnson's plate. But after speaking to a source this afternoon that said Duke was still very much in the hunt, I started to get my hopes up. And after reading Bill Wagner's most recent blog post, I'm very hopeful that Duke will have a legitimate chance to make the hire.
Wagner even admits to writing Duke off more or less by not mentioning them in some of his previous reports, but he makes some great points—including that the cost of living in the triangle is much lower than in either Dallas or Atlanta, that Johnson could bring his assistants to Duke, and that he has family ties to the area.
The next 24 hours will be very, very interesting...
Wagner even admits to writing Duke off more or less by not mentioning them in some of his previous reports, but he makes some great points—including that the cost of living in the triangle is much lower than in either Dallas or Atlanta, that Johnson could bring his assistants to Duke, and that he has family ties to the area.
The next 24 hours will be very, very interesting...
Afternoon Paul Johnson Report
Bill Wagner in Annapolis has another update—Johnson now has 4 options to choose from. He can choose from standing offers at Georgia Tech, Duke and SMU or he can stay at Navy. From the implications of Wagner's posts, it seems as if Georgia Tech is reluctant to pay big bucks for Johnson. We know that SMU AD Steve Orsini has collected $10mil from big boosters to pay for a new coach, so their offer is expected to be at least $2mil per year.
Wagner is saying that Georgia Tech will probably expect a decision no later than Friday, meaning there should be movement by the end of the week. Looking at the situation in this framework, it seems that Duke stands right in the middle both in respects to the attractiveness of their job (with GT's being more attractive and SMU's situation less) and in terms of compensation (with SMU seeming to offer the biggest pot of gold and GT hesitant to pay much as they're still on the hook for $4mil of Gailey's salary).
Again, the chatter isn't positive for Duke fans at this point, but a quick decision will benefit all parties, whether that means we'll have an introductory presser in Cameron tomorrow or we'll be able to move on to Plan B. Keep your fingers crossed and keep checking back, because I'll post whatever comes across the wire as soon as it comes up.
Wagner is saying that Georgia Tech will probably expect a decision no later than Friday, meaning there should be movement by the end of the week. Looking at the situation in this framework, it seems that Duke stands right in the middle both in respects to the attractiveness of their job (with GT's being more attractive and SMU's situation less) and in terms of compensation (with SMU seeming to offer the biggest pot of gold and GT hesitant to pay much as they're still on the hook for $4mil of Gailey's salary).
Again, the chatter isn't positive for Duke fans at this point, but a quick decision will benefit all parties, whether that means we'll have an introductory presser in Cameron tomorrow or we'll be able to move on to Plan B. Keep your fingers crossed and keep checking back, because I'll post whatever comes across the wire as soon as it comes up.
Paul Johnson Update - 10:30 AM Thursday
Bill Wagner from the Annapolis Capital has been the go-to guy for the latest on Navy HC Paul Johnson, and he doesn't disappointed with his latest blog post.
He's reporting that Johnson is back in Annapolis today, and is scheduled to meet with Navy AD Chet Gladchuck some time today. He does note that because assistants are still out on the road recruiting and because there is no imminent word of a teem meeting (Johnson would inform his players of any move before an introductory press conference, Wagner says), he DOES NOT expect an announcement by the end of today, as many Atlanta media outlets have reported.
That said, if Johnson doesn't take the job at Georgia Tech, I'd have to imagine that he's not even coming here. Again, as I've pointed out in some other recent reports about Johnson, this blog post makes no mention of Duke at all or its existence as a school pursuing Johnson, making me skeptical that our offer is even in the running. If I had to guess at this point, I'd only give us a 25% chance of landing Johnson, particularly in light of the new opening at Wake.
He's reporting that Johnson is back in Annapolis today, and is scheduled to meet with Navy AD Chet Gladchuck some time today. He does note that because assistants are still out on the road recruiting and because there is no imminent word of a teem meeting (Johnson would inform his players of any move before an introductory press conference, Wagner says), he DOES NOT expect an announcement by the end of today, as many Atlanta media outlets have reported.
That said, if Johnson doesn't take the job at Georgia Tech, I'd have to imagine that he's not even coming here. Again, as I've pointed out in some other recent reports about Johnson, this blog post makes no mention of Duke at all or its existence as a school pursuing Johnson, making me skeptical that our offer is even in the running. If I had to guess at this point, I'd only give us a 25% chance of landing Johnson, particularly in light of the new opening at Wake.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Early Rumblings - Johnson to Tech
Although theres been nothing as of this time that I've seen official or reported, a sports radio station in Atlanta is apparently reporting that Navy HC Paul Johnson has accepted Georgia Tech's offer and will soon become their next head coach.
If this is true, it can't come as a shock to Duke fans. The Georgia Tech job is lightyears ahead of Duke in terms of pre-existing resources and talent. The job would give Johnson a much easier, quicker chance to win and challenge for a league title than Duke would. If the money is anywhere close to what Duke is offering, then there's little doubt why Johnson would choose GT over Duke.
UPDATE (10:35 p.m.) - Nothing official yet as of this hour...lets hope that Joe Alleva is driving up to Annapolis right now in a Brinks truck.
If this is true, it can't come as a shock to Duke fans. The Georgia Tech job is lightyears ahead of Duke in terms of pre-existing resources and talent. The job would give Johnson a much easier, quicker chance to win and challenge for a league title than Duke would. If the money is anywhere close to what Duke is offering, then there's little doubt why Johnson would choose GT over Duke.
UPDATE (10:35 p.m.) - Nothing official yet as of this hour...lets hope that Joe Alleva is driving up to Annapolis right now in a Brinks truck.
Johnson to Interview with Georgia Tech Today
Respected college football writer Tony Barnhart of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting on his blog that Navy HC Paul Johnson is meeting with Georgia Tech AD Dan Radakovich in Atlanta.
Barnhart does add though, that he's unsure if Johnson would take the job if offered, citing the "red carpet" treatment that SMU has given him. There is no mention of Duke's involvement with Johnson in this article, making me think that it's imperative for Duke to step up their pursuit of the Navy coach to ensure they remain on his radar screen.
UPDATE (1:55) - Bill Wagner in Annapolis thinks that the possibility of Johnson signing with the Yellow Jackets by the end of the day is real, judging that second interviews usually result in job offers and his gut feeling is that Johnson would accept such an offer. We'll keep watching the wires and post as soon as we hear anything.
Barnhart does add though, that he's unsure if Johnson would take the job if offered, citing the "red carpet" treatment that SMU has given him. There is no mention of Duke's involvement with Johnson in this article, making me think that it's imperative for Duke to step up their pursuit of the Navy coach to ensure they remain on his radar screen.
UPDATE (1:55) - Bill Wagner in Annapolis thinks that the possibility of Johnson signing with the Yellow Jackets by the end of the day is real, judging that second interviews usually result in job offers and his gut feeling is that Johnson would accept such an offer. We'll keep watching the wires and post as soon as we hear anything.
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