Students react to Gailey's dismissal

When Chan Gailey arrived on campus during the 2002 off-season, he had the campus talking about future prospects.

Students were hopeful that the former NFL coach that led the Cowboys to the playoffs in consecutive seasons could bring that kind of success to the Tech program.

Gailey went into his first season with uncertain expectations and looked to be heading in the right direction. His first campaign included a win against No. 10 and undefeated North Carolina State, but also saw the Jackets lose to UGA in the most lopsided loss for Tech in series history, 51-7.

The following season saw no progress as Tech managed an opening game loss at BYU before coming home to upset Auburn at Bobby Dodd. Gailey led Tech to another 4-4 season in the conference, but one of those losses came to a Duke team that had not won an ACC game since 1999. Under Gailey, Tech had win streaks greater than three games only twice, and both were in the year Tech went to the ACC Championship Game.

Despite Gailey being the only coach in Tech history never to have a losing season, he was never truly embraced by the fans, alumni and student-fan bases,

"It was a well thought out decision by the [Athletic Department]. Hopefully with the firing, Tech can develop and progress to be a better team," said Linda Nutial, a fourth-year Management major.

"I'm glad that Gailey is gone. While he may have kept us an above- .500 team, he never seemed to have a winning attitude, especially against [Georgia]. I hope that we're able to bring a real winning spirit to the football team with a new coach," said Scott Travis, a fourth-year Electrical and Computer Engineering major.

Perhaps fans would have been able to forgive Gailey had he been able to beat the school's most hated rival. Tech went 3-3 under Gailey against conference rival Clemson, but 0-6 against the Bulldogs.

"Not beating Georgia for 6 straight years just doesn't cut it," said Joe Vandergrift, a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering major.

Other students also had various opinions about the decision.

"He just didn't seem to have the likeable personality needed to really raise excitement about the GT team and really take them to the next level. So, in the long run, it was probably a good decision," said Stephanie Walker, a graduate student.

Gailey's inability to interact with the public is something that will be addressed in the new coaching search. Tech Athletic Director Dan Radakovich is making an effort to find a coach that will be open with fans and can bring excitement to the Tech community.

"Any other coach with a Calvin Johnson and a Tashard Choice on their team should have gone to national championships or a BCS bowl. Also, with seven all-ACC players on our team, most in the ACC this year, a 7-5 team is mediocre at best," said Geoff Greenhill, a fourth-year Management major.

Jon Tenuta has been named interim head coach and will coach during the bowl game. He is also being considered for the permanent job.