Nov. 26, 2007
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech head football coach Chan Gailey has been relieved of his duties after six seasons as the leader of the Yellow Jacket football program.
That announcement came today from Athletic Director Dan Radakovich, who announced that a search for a new coach will begin immediately. Veteran defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta will take over as the interim head coach.
Georgia Tech, which wrapped up the regular season last Saturday with a 31-17 home loss to 6th-ranked Georgia, will head to a postseason bowl to be determined with a 7-5 record overall, 4-4 in the ACC.
“I want to sincerely thank Chan for his six years of service to Georgia Tech,” Radakovich said. “Chan is one of the most honorable men that I have worked with in intercollegiate athletics. He and (wife) Laurie have given countless hours to this program and have touched the lives of hundreds of student-athletes, fellow coaches and colleagues in only the most positive way.”
Gailey led Georgia Tech to a record of 44-32 in six seasons with a minimum of seven wins and a bowl bid each year. Gailey’s overall record of 68-43 in nine seasons as a college head coach includes brief stints at Troy and Samford. Gailey never endured a losing season with the Yellow Jackets and he is the first Tech coach to lead a team to a bowl game in each of his first six seasons.
Gailey, the 11th head coach in Georgia Tech history, won 28 of 48 ACC games in his six seasons with the Yellow Jackets. In 2006, Tech played in the ACC Championship Game, losing to Wake Forest in Jacksonville, Fla. The Yellow Jackets defeated eight nationally-ranked teams in Gailey’s tenure.
Over the past two seasons, Georgia Tech has competed with 79 scholarship players – six fewer than the NCAA maximum.
In Gailey’s first five seasons, 28 Georgia Tech players earned first- or second-team All-ACC honors. That list will grow later today when the 2007 All-ACC teams are announced.
“At the end of the day, my decision was based on whether the football program is moving forward,” Radakovich said, “and our fan base, as a whole, is sufficiently excited and energized by its direction.”
Gailey has been in the coaching business for 34 years, including 18 in the college ranks and 16 years in professional football. He previously served two years as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Gailey came to Georgia Tech after serving two seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins under Dave Wannstedt.
Gailey was hired by Georgia Tech on Dec. 29, 2001. Born Jan. 5, 1952 in Gainesville, Ga., Gailey was an all-state quarterback at Americus High School and went on to letter three years (1971-73) at Florida. He graduated from Florida in 1974 with a degree in physical education.
“This is a very proud institution with a deep and rich football tradition,” Radakovich said. “Our alumni and fans are extremely supportive. We have asked, and are asking more and more of them, as we reach for excellence as a top tier football program. They expect no less from us.”
Radakovich gave no timetable for hiring Gailey’s replacement.
“I will immediately launch a search for the next head football coach at Georgia Tech. The search will be swift – yet, deliberate. With President (Dr. G. Wayne) Clough’s assistance, I will convene a representative committee that will serve to screen our potential candidates.”
The assistant coaches will continue to perform their duties and will coach the Yellow Jackets in their December bowl game.
Chan Gailey As A Head CoachYear Team Record Postseason1983 Troy State 7-41984 Troy State 12-1 NCAA Division II National Champions1993 Samford 5-62002 Georgia Tech 7-6 Silicon Valley Classic (L)2003 Georgia Tech 7-6 Humanitarian Bowl (W)2004 Georgia Tech 7-5 Champs Sports Bowl (W)2005 Georgia Tech 7-5 Emerald Bowl (L)2006 Georgia Tech 9-5 ACC Coastal Division Champions Gator Bowl (L)2007 Georgia Tech 7-5 Bowl TBA
Georgia Tech Total (6 seasons) 44-32 (.579) Total College (9 seasons) 68-43 (.613)
1991 Birmingham Fire (WLAF) 5-5 Playoffs 1992 Birmingham Fire 7-2-1 Playoffs 1998 Dallas Cowboys (NFL) 10-6 NFC East Champions/Playoffs 1999 Dallas Cowboys 8-8 NFC Wild Card
Total NFL (2 seasons) 18-14 (.562)
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