Navy coach takes job at Ga. Tech

By BILL WAGNER, Staff Writer

Published 12/07/07

Naval Academy head football coach Paul Johnson confirmed this morning that he has accepted the same position at Georgia Tech.

Johnson told The Capital of his decision to end his tenture at Navy after meeting with his team this morning at Ricketts Hall.

Johnson met with athletic director Chet Gladchuk this morning to inform him of his decision and then met with his team.

Johnson ends a successful six-year run at Navy in which he compiled a 37-29 record. He led Navy to a record fifth straight bowl appearance and unprecedented sixth straight win over Army this season.

Johnson had been expected to make a decision...

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Good Luck Coach Johnson - December 8, 2007

My thinking is that this had less to do with the Superintendent than with the idea that this exceptional coach has been given an opportunity to compete on a larger national stage. The AD stated that it wasn't a question of money. It was pretty clear to me that they valued Coach Johnson very highly, but this time, no amount of money was going to keep him there. If Georgia Tech could come anywhere close to matching it, I felt he would go. It is disappointing, but I knew he wouldn't be here much longer. Coach Johnson far exceeded my expectations during his tenure. He understood what it took to win, and my hope is that the AD will hire one of his offensive protege's to take over. I am convinced that winning football at the Academy means using a system that showcases intelligent athletes with a lot of speed and quickness. The triple option fits the bill perfectly. If the Academy tries to go back to that pro style offense like they did right before Johnson arrived, it will be a disaster. Just ask Army. As for not coaching in the bowl game, I don't have a huge problem with that either. There are two different schools of thought here. I don't think it's a loyalty issue as much as it is just closing a chapter of your life and starting a new one. I don't have any doubt about Coach Johnson's feelings about the Academy. I am extremely grateful for everything he as done for our school. Georgia Tech is lucky to have him, and I hope it won't be too long before they are competing for conference as well as national championships. Good luck Coach Johnson. You will be truly missed. Karl (USNA '84)

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Karl Darden - Avondale, AZ - Karma: Bad

Inevitable - December 7, 2007

Guess we all knew Paul Johnson was destined for bigger and better programs, although it doesn't make the headline any easier to read. So . . . what now for Navy football?

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Ken H. - High Point, NC - Karma: Bad