Ralph Friedgen To Georgia Tech: Good Idea? Bad Idea? Real Rumor?

by Winfield Featherston on Feb 15, 2012 8:00 AM EST in Georgia Tech Football

It's the offseason, so let's take broad sweeping tweets that anyone can make up and pretend that these rumors have legs. Hey everyone, the NCAA may ban Miami from football forever.

Yesterday, FTRS commenter GTLineageX11 Fanshotted a SBNATL post about the possibilities of Ralph Friedgen coming back to Georgia Tech to coach the offensive line. If there are any legs to this rumor, the name recognition of Paul Johnson's staff would surely increase along with the personalities. I am sure one of the reasons Paul Johnson and Al Groh get along so well is that one coaches the offense while the other takes the defense under control. Ralph Friedgen, a former big time offensive coordinator (NCAA and NFL) and head coach would have to be willing to accept his role as an offensive line coach and follow the wishes of CPJ.

Talking about it without comprehending it fully makes it sound exciting. Tech fans still tie success to Ralph Friedgen's name and and the same Tech fans fear that Mark Richt will snatch him for Athens for the sole purpose of ironic pain on our behalf.

Ralph Friedgen grew up under the tutelage of Bobby Ross and was the offensive coordinator from 1987-1991 and from 1997-2000 when George O'Leary took over at The Flats. Friedgen left Tech to become the head coach of the Maryland Terrapins, and we all know how that ended for him (unfortunately).

Questions definitely surround the position as the Tech offensive line will always be the undersized unit and must rely on more skill than strength.

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This is a GREAT idea...

That might be understating it…it’s a fucking fantastic idea….

Fridge has got ties to Tech, he’s an OL coach, he’s a fantastic recruiter…but there’s an element that excites me more than that…he’s a passing game expert.

Make it happen DRad!

"If you're looking around...then we're looking around" - Coach Paul Johnson

by TBuzz on Feb 15, 2012 8:11 AM EST via mobile reply actions

And on a side note I love watching Maryland fall apart without him. Justice served.

by tdot6 on Feb 15, 2012 8:38 AM EST up reply actions

He would have been our head coach after O'Leary left

if he hadn’t already gone to Maryland.

by CraigT on Feb 15, 2012 9:12 AM EST reply actions

Stupid, stupid, stupid Notre Dame...

If they had fired Bob Davie at the end of 2000 (like they were supposed to), they could have hired away O’Leary (whom I love and it serves Notre Dame right for falling on their face after that whole debacle) and we would have had Friedgen. He was a pretty good head coach at Maryland, but I think he could have taken Tech to another level.

I think Tech could make him OL coach and Assistant Offensive Coordinator. Let him install some new wrinkles in the passing game—and develop the QBs some more. It’ll never happen, of course, but I would love to see it. The late-‘90s were my favorite era of Tech football. (I wasn’t around during the glory years, obviously.)

by Brent L. White on Feb 15, 2012 8:30 PM EST up reply actions

He would still have left Tech

to take the Maryland job. Alma Mater and all that.

by CraigT on Feb 15, 2012 9:49 PM EST up reply actions

Farfetched.

I have no idea how that would work. He’s a good coach, that’s for sure. But what in the world would he want with a coordinator’s salary and a boss like CPJ after a solid stint as the top dog? It’s a little hard for me to imagine.

I met her on the campus, sir, cheering the Brave and Bold.

by GT_Jason on Feb 15, 2012 9:22 AM EST reply actions

You could say the same thing about Al Groh

but there he is.

Maryland may still be paying Ralph. At the very least he may feel he’s got enough money and would like to be coaching again.

That said, it does seem pretty strange.

by CraigT on Feb 15, 2012 9:52 AM EST up reply actions

Having 2 recent former HC's would be a bit pricey...

But hey, guys like Todd Grantham, Kirby Smart, and John Chavous make as much as many HCs do…but that’s mostly because of the many more bags of cash the SEC gets to play with.

"If you're looking around...then we're looking around" - Coach Paul Johnson

by TBuzz on Feb 15, 2012 10:06 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Unless he's gotten a raise

Tech isn’t paying Groh much. Virginia, on the other hand, was paying him a lot to coach a Tech. They may be done paying him, though.

by CraigT on Feb 15, 2012 7:37 PM EST up reply actions

Having 2 recent former HC's would be a bit pricey...

But hey, guys like Todd Grantham, Kirby Smart, and John Chavous make as much as many HCs do…but that’s mostly because of the many more bags of cash the SEC gets to play with.

"If you're looking around...then we're looking around" - Coach Paul Johnson

by TBuzz on Feb 15, 2012 10:08 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Difference between Groh and Friedgen in stepping down from head coach

Groh became the defensive coordinator both in title and responsibility which makes him the top dog on the defensive side off the ball and he gets all of the authority and prestige associated with that position. I don’t know how involved CPJ is in the defense, but I am under the impression that the defense is more or less Coach Groh’s Kingdom and CPJ is just a visiting dignitary when he does dabble in the defensive side of things. So even though Groh was a head coach and is now just the defensive coordinator, I think he has enough autonomy that he probably doesn’t miss the head coaching position.

Friedgen will find himself squarely in CPJ’s territory which means he will have to kiss the Godfather’s hand and be content with whatever slice of the action CPJ doles out to him. I think Friedgen would have the role of assistant, regardless of whatever title might be bestowed upon him (and I very much doubt he would be given the title of Offensive Coordinator). Friedgen will go from ordering people to jump to asking how high on the way up. That is a much larger step down than what Groh had.

I doubt we will see Friedgen on CPJ’s coaching staff. I expect the replacement will be someone who is not a big name. I would not be at all surprised if it is someone who has worked for CPJ in the past.

by Dive Keep and Pitch on Feb 15, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions

ALSO

We still have Sewak. This guy would have to come in, take Sewak’s job (or do it alongside him as another Co-Offensive Line Coach)…and we move Sewak to…where? I guess CPJ could turn over a new leaf and put Fridge or Sewak in as the ST’s coach, but that’s a position CPJ doesn’t staff.

I’m just not sure this is anything more than rumor.

I met her on the campus, sir, cheering the Brave and Bold.

by GT_Jason on Feb 15, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

It has happened before . . . anyone remember Norm Van Brocklin?

Using the pattern that has happened before at Tech here is why it could work.

1) Someone who has a solid football resume has been screwed over by the system and Tech wants to give them a chance to do what they love.

2.) There is a clear understanding about what is being asked and what the lines of authority are. Adults know how to do this.

3.) There is also an understanding that the input of this assistant will welcomed and used when it seems appropriate.

4.) The person coming to Tech knows and respects the institution and only wants to help it if possible.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 15, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

Now for the fun part . . .

I could see CPJ having no problem letting Ralph work on some alternative offensive sets, pass routes and special no-huddle game situation plays.

That is not far-fetched. Having someone like Ralph just concentrate on specific game situation offensive needs when there is no time for the option would make a lot of sense.

And let us not forget. CPJ is not against other types of offenses given his track record at Hawaii, he just can only commit to one at a time. Having Ralph on board gives him options, no pun intended.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 15, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

no way this happens

PJ’s too much of a control freak

Paul Johnson: not giving a crap about what you have to say since 1987.

by GTNate on Feb 15, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions

GIVE ME A BREAK NATE!!

It may not happen but not because of anyone being too much of a control freak. Three of the biggest control freaks in the freaking history of football all coached at Tech at the same time. There was head coach Pepper Rogers who was mister prima donna in college coaching and who ran a pure wishbone offense most of the time even when everyone else had given up on it. There was Steve Spurrier (do I really need to explain this one to you?) and there was Norm Van Brocklin who was the last head coach in pro ball (before he came to Tech) that I know of who would routinely take his coat off and go fisty-cuffs with players who did not do see eye to eye with his controlling personality. They all coached the offense. Together. Go figure.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 15, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

"fisty-cuffs"

is the new word of the day. Honestly though has PJ ever NOT had near complete control over his offensive gameplan? Even if even he has employed some other coach as more than an occasional advisor, it doesn’t seem like it would work well with his style. Only he knows whats going on inside his head, and that’s where the play calling happens. I think it would be too different to let someone else in on the process for him. That’s all I was saying.

Paul Johnson: not giving a crap about what you have to say since 1987.

by GTNate on Feb 15, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

Wasn't Coach Lolo the OC at Navy?

Jeff Monken uses an OC at GSU…it is possible with the TO.

"If you're looking around...then we're looking around" - Coach Paul Johnson

by TBuzz on Feb 15, 2012 2:53 PM EST up reply actions

Don't confuse the boy, Buzz . . .

he is still getting over the threat of “fisty-cuffs.”

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 15, 2012 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

This is such a gall darn daggum fun post, what a blast it is to spin “what-ifs” that are as remote a possibility as finding bigfoot.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 15, 2012 3:17 PM EST up reply actions

Yet stilll...

I’m sure in the back of your mind you are seriously intrigued and think there is a chance it might happen. Right?

"If you're looking around...then we're looking around" - Coach Paul Johnson

by TBuzz on Feb 15, 2012 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

Quit calling me out

I get seriously intrigued watching an ant mound.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 15, 2012 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

It's the offseason

of course it’s in the back of the mind

Better to have died a small boy than to drop this football - John Heisman FromTheRumbleSeat

Twitter, twitter, twitter

by Winfield Featherston on Feb 15, 2012 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

ill just shut up now.

I have 4 tests this week, im delirious/don’t have time to do any proper research.

Paul Johnson: not giving a crap about what you have to say since 1987.

by GTNate on Feb 15, 2012 7:55 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Let us pray.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 16, 2012 8:41 AM EST up reply actions

Johnson was running the same offense at Hawaii

He was just throwing out of it a lot more.

He’s said that he realized that throwing a lot gives the other team more chances to score, so he switched to running more. But it’s the same offense he developed for Tracy Ham.

by CraigT on Feb 15, 2012 7:40 PM EST up reply actions

This is a fun FTRS discussion topic, but don't start thinking it will actually happen.

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Seneca
"We have to distrust each other. It is our only defense against betrayal." - Tennessee Williams

by orientalnc on Feb 15, 2012 9:24 AM EST reply actions

Well he has stated he is now officially a Tech fan, so it would attract him

by tdot6 on Feb 15, 2012 9:25 AM EST reply actions

That is probably the source of this rumor

by CraigT on Feb 15, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

Does his offensive scheme employ the same OL tactics as Johnson's?

Would a HC drop to a positions’ coach? Hmm.

by softbatch on Feb 15, 2012 10:29 AM EST reply actions

I have to say if this came to pass we would have the best coaching staff in the nation.

Not only in terms of experience, but we would have three great upstanding men to lead our student athletes.

by tdot6 on Feb 15, 2012 11:47 AM EST reply actions

It would be solid in every respect.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 15, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions

He's still working with video company that allows QB's to view the field from inside the helmet.

Arguably that is a passing QB tool, but he’s still one of the sharpest minds on the O side of the ball.

Ties to the NFL? Groh-like recruiting advantage for those players so inclined and talented.

Does he need the money? Does he need the stress? Do we have the $$?

Still has an Atlanta home I believe.

When he was in Savannah last Fall, he definitely flew the White and Gold flag, even to the limit of “burning” his Maryland diploma.

Could this be a “Mickey Andrews/Chuck Amato” dual Executive Assistant HC deal with CPJ as Chairman of the Board?

/would post jpg of “Walking Tall CPJ” brandishing “the BOARD”, but icultPad doesn’t do that.

Senative n. the destruction of one's political career by meme: [fr: middle Intrazweb Eynglush (2009-2020) note: post ASCII], see entry under "Craig James allegedly killed 5 hookers while enrolled at SMU".

by DressHerInWhiteAndGold on Feb 15, 2012 12:36 PM EST reply actions

WHAT?!

“He’s still working with video company that allows QB’s to view the field from inside the helmet.”

Didn’t even know this was a possibility.

by 071u on Feb 15, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Aw, shucks, messed that up.

It is a video “game” interface that allows the coaches to game play the sets for the QB. CRF has been working with them since they started up, and the “inside the helmet” trick is the latest thing. It would allow a coach and QB to “see” the passing routes, coverage, etc, and I think it uses game film, so its not all SuperMarioBrosLike.

by DressHerInWhiteAndGold on Feb 15, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

Don't QB's already view the field from inside their helmets?

/ah thank you!

"If you're looking around...then we're looking around" - Coach Paul Johnson

by TBuzz on Feb 15, 2012 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

This is why I hate the offseason

well, this and obsessing over “other sports” (as if those were real things).

I met her on the campus, sir, cheering the Brave and Bold.

by GT_Jason on Feb 15, 2012 5:24 PM EST reply actions

Kelly Quinlan just published an article about Fridge...

not sure how close/far to the truth it might be, but I suspect it wouldn’t be published without some level of substatiation?

"If you're looking around...then we're looking around" - Coach Paul Johnson

by TBuzz on Feb 15, 2012 6:35 PM EST reply actions

Unlike us here who never, never, never, publish unsubstantiated stuff.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 16, 2012 8:40 AM EST up reply actions

According to Quinlan, who's really close to the staff and program, here's the scoop.

Friedgen has expressed interest in joining our staff, and is particularly interested in CPJ’s offense. So on his end, the interest is there.

However, there are a couple major road blocks to this. First, CPJ is unlikely to hire a guy like Friedgen who would constantly be in his ear, commenting on his play calling. Second, and likely more important, is that Friedgen and Al Groh REALLY don’t like each other. I personally would find it hard to believe that we’d hire a guy that’s likely to create problems like this in-house.

The Church of Paul Johnson - There's not much to it outside of whooping ass and giving haters the finger. To HELL With georgie!

by LilBroey700 on Feb 16, 2012 9:05 AM EST reply actions

Friedgen vs. Groh

Grumpy Old Men of the ACC

“I’ll steal your Bengay, you 3-4 lovin’ NFL has-been”
“You sure you don’t mean ‘beignet,’ you 400 pound turtle?!”

I met her on the campus, sir, cheering the Brave and Bold.

by GT_Jason on Feb 16, 2012 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

Suguira hinted that the rumor exists...

but doesn’t have legs. He said Friedgen’s agent pretty much shot it down.

"If you're looking around...then we're looking around" - Coach Paul Johnson

by TBuzz on Feb 16, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions

I saw that too but . . .

the rumor came from somewhere. I still remember when the first rumors about conference realignment started and the ACC was rumored to be looking at expanding. The ACC did a really good job of killing that story until all the pieces were in place and they were ready to pull the trigger.

I’m just sayin’ keep hope alive.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 16, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

Because frankly I’ve got nothing better to do right now.

by Atlanta's original team on Feb 16, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

so say we all

until baseball season starts next friday anyways (yes, I know it starts tomorrow, but the first game I can GO to is next friday. I’m not THAT stupid.)

Paul Johnson: not giving a crap about what you have to say since 1987.

by GTNate on Feb 16, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions