Gailey Introduced as New Tech Coach

Despite Mac McWhorter's strong showing as interim head coach, athletic director Dave Braine chose highly regarded Chan Gailey to become the new head man of the football program for the Jackets.

Gailey agreed to a guaranteed, five-year $4.5 million deal with no buyout clause, because, according to Braine, Gailey said he wasn't going anywhere. "We're tired of moving," offered the Americus,Georgia native and former Dan Reeves assistant.

Gailey also made immediate news by announcing that he had retained current assistants Bill O'Brien and Glenn Spencer for his staff. O'Brien will remain offensive coordinator and Gailey said he told him to "not change a thing." Perhaps this is an indication that Gailey hopes and expects to win immediately with 14 starters due back next season. Spencer, a former defensive lineman at Tech and a highly successful head coach at West Georgia,will likely move back to the defensive side of the ball. He coached running backs last year. All of Tech's other assistants interviewed with Gailey Friday night and others may join the staff as well, but not before Gailey has the opportunity to interview other candidates.

We also learned that Gailey will operate a more attacking defense than the patented O'Leary bend-but-don't-break schemes of the past 14 years or so. Braine indicated Gailey would oversee a more media friendly program with open practices, comparing Gailey and his soft-spoken and press-friendly style to that of Tech legend Bobby Dodd.

Gailey will remain with the Miami Dolphins until their season has concluded (The Fish play the Falcons Sunday in Miami). Gailey said he would try and get up to Atlanta and work on recruiting once or twice during the week as his schedule allows.

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