Gailey fired at Tech after six seasons
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Associated Press
ATLANTA -- Chan Gailey never had a losing season in six years at Georgia Tech.
Then again, he never produced the sort of team that really got the fans excited.
Gailey
Citing business considerations as much as wins and losses, athletic director Dan Radakovich fired Gailey on Monday, two days after his sixth straight loss to rival Georgia ended a season that failed to meet expectations.
The 55-year-old Gailey had lost support among the fan base, which made fundraising more difficult, and he wasn't the sort of dynamic personality who could help the Yellow Jackets make a name in the crowded Atlanta sports scene.
"Obviously, he didn't agree with the decision, but he understood there's a business aspect to this," Radakovich said. "As far as Xs and Os, Chan is a very good coach. But there's more to it now. College football is more than just Xs and Os, especially in the competitive market where we are."
Radakovich finalized his decision Sunday and broke the news to Gailey on Monday morning. Defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta took over as interim coach for an expected trip to the Emerald or Humanitarian Bowl, and he will be a candidate to keep the job permanently.
The move was widely expected after Georgia Tech (7-5) came up far short of another run at the Atlantic Coast Conference championship one year after winning its division. Also, Gailey never beat the school's biggest rival, dropping to 0-6 with a 31-17 loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday.
Comment Email Print Share
Associated Press
ATLANTA -- Chan Gailey never had a losing season in six years at Georgia Tech.
Then again, he never produced the sort of team that really got the fans excited.
Gailey
Citing business considerations as much as wins and losses, athletic director Dan Radakovich fired Gailey on Monday, two days after his sixth straight loss to rival Georgia ended a season that failed to meet expectations.
The 55-year-old Gailey had lost support among the fan base, which made fundraising more difficult, and he wasn't the sort of dynamic personality who could help the Yellow Jackets make a name in the crowded Atlanta sports scene.
"Obviously, he didn't agree with the decision, but he understood there's a business aspect to this," Radakovich said. "As far as Xs and Os, Chan is a very good coach. But there's more to it now. College football is more than just Xs and Os, especially in the competitive market where we are."
Radakovich finalized his decision Sunday and broke the news to Gailey on Monday morning. Defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta took over as interim coach for an expected trip to the Emerald or Humanitarian Bowl, and he will be a candidate to keep the job permanently.
The move was widely expected after Georgia Tech (7-5) came up far short of another run at the Atlantic Coast Conference championship one year after winning its division. Also, Gailey never beat the school's biggest rival, dropping to 0-6 with a 31-17 loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday.
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