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.
Friday, December 7, 2007
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.
Grobe Staying at Wake
Apparently, the reports of Grobe's departure in Arkansas papers were premature, as Wake AD Ron Wellman says that his head football coach is staying.
Again, this is great news for Duke fans, as we'll have less competition for Paul Johnson and other overlapping candidates that Wake might have looked at to fill a vacancy.
Again, this is great news for Duke fans, as we'll have less competition for Paul Johnson and other overlapping candidates that Wake might have looked at to fill a vacancy.
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.
Willingham gets reprive, stays at UW
News out of Seattle is that Washington HC Tyrone Willingham will return as head coach for the Huskies, despite a 3-9 record this season and a 11-25 mark through three seasons at the helm.
This effectively eliminates Willingham, a Kinston native, as a candidate for Duke's opening. It's a shame too, because he would have been a groundbreaking hire for Duke in many respects. There have been concerns mentioned about his ability to recruit and that it was Willingham's fault that the cupboard was bare at ND when he left (leading to this year's debacle season). Still, I dissagree—Willingham's high-profile stint under Touchdown Jesus gave him some name cache that still should be able to impress recruits, and his experience at Stanford indicates that he can find good players under academic recruiting constraints.
All that said, he's probably a free agent after next year if UW doesn't make a bowl.
This effectively eliminates Willingham, a Kinston native, as a candidate for Duke's opening. It's a shame too, because he would have been a groundbreaking hire for Duke in many respects. There have been concerns mentioned about his ability to recruit and that it was Willingham's fault that the cupboard was bare at ND when he left (leading to this year's debacle season). Still, I dissagree—Willingham's high-profile stint under Touchdown Jesus gave him some name cache that still should be able to impress recruits, and his experience at Stanford indicates that he can find good players under academic recruiting constraints.
All that said, he's probably a free agent after next year if UW doesn't make a bowl.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Late Evening Update (12/5)
Here are some quick hitters...
-Report in the Monroe, LA paper discusses Grambling HC Rod Broadway's interview with Duke from his players' perspective.
-Frank Dascenzo's column in the Herald-Sun gives some nice personal perspective on how bad Duke's football hires have been in the past 30+ years.
-An absolutely ridiculous guest column in the Herald-Sun saying that Duke should model its football program after USC, and that we should make a big offer and try to lure Pete Carroll.
Sure thing, we can do that AFTER we win our own 11 National Titles and 7 Heismans. I can't even believe that a self-respecting newspaper would run this, mainly due to the ridiculous assertion that we should (or even could) go after Carroll.
-Report in the Monroe, LA paper discusses Grambling HC Rod Broadway's interview with Duke from his players' perspective.
-Frank Dascenzo's column in the Herald-Sun gives some nice personal perspective on how bad Duke's football hires have been in the past 30+ years.
-An absolutely ridiculous guest column in the Herald-Sun saying that Duke should model its football program after USC, and that we should make a big offer and try to lure Pete Carroll.
Sure thing, we can do that AFTER we win our own 11 National Titles and 7 Heismans. I can't even believe that a self-respecting newspaper would run this, mainly due to the ridiculous assertion that we should (or even could) go after Carroll.
Grobe Going to the Hogs
Huge hire out of the ACC today, as Wake Forest HC Jim Grobe is headed to Arkansas. The Razorbacks had targeted Grobe and Clemson HC Tommy Bowden as their top two choices, with the first offer going to Bowden. He turned down the Hogs (extracting a raise from Clemson in the process), leaving Arkansas with Grobe as Plan B.
Of course, as his track record at Wake suggests, Grobe would be about any other school's Plan A. The entire college football world knows about his incredible job last season taking Wake to an ACC title and winning numerous coaching awards in the process, but Grobe has long been respected as an excellent coach that knows how to win.
Of course, this hire means that there is yet another ACC opening available that is more attractive than Duke's. I don't know if Wake would promote someone from within (Duke fans are certainly hoping so), but it's very conceivable that there would be overlap between the type of candidates that both Duke and Wake are looking for. This move certainly will make the coaching rumor mill churn in the coming days and weeks...
Of course, as his track record at Wake suggests, Grobe would be about any other school's Plan A. The entire college football world knows about his incredible job last season taking Wake to an ACC title and winning numerous coaching awards in the process, but Grobe has long been respected as an excellent coach that knows how to win.
Of course, this hire means that there is yet another ACC opening available that is more attractive than Duke's. I don't know if Wake would promote someone from within (Duke fans are certainly hoping so), but it's very conceivable that there would be overlap between the type of candidates that both Duke and Wake are looking for. This move certainly will make the coaching rumor mill churn in the coming days and weeks...
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.
New News in The Chronicle
Two articles in this morning's Chronicle have some new stuff that's really of interest...
1) Joe Alleva wasn't the only person to go talk with Navy HC Paul Johnson on Monday. President Richard Brodhead and another top school executive also hopped on a chartered private jet to the Washington area to meet with the Navy coach. If Duke is sending bigwigs to visit Johnson at home (compared to just bringing in Broadway to Duke), I think we can see where their priorities are at this point and who is at the top of their list.
2) We've confirmed that Duke has hired renowned football headhunter Chuck Neinas to help them in their search. Neinas is a former Big Eight commissioner that has schools identify and hire coaches like Mack Brown, Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer, so the guy has an excellent track record. He also doesn't come cheap—his standard fee is $35-40,000.
1) Joe Alleva wasn't the only person to go talk with Navy HC Paul Johnson on Monday. President Richard Brodhead and another top school executive also hopped on a chartered private jet to the Washington area to meet with the Navy coach. If Duke is sending bigwigs to visit Johnson at home (compared to just bringing in Broadway to Duke), I think we can see where their priorities are at this point and who is at the top of their list.
2) We've confirmed that Duke has hired renowned football headhunter Chuck Neinas to help them in their search. Neinas is a former Big Eight commissioner that has schools identify and hire coaches like Mack Brown, Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer, so the guy has an excellent track record. He also doesn't come cheap—his standard fee is $35-40,000.
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