Comment on Al Groh's lack of preparation as Georgia Tech DC

Guys, did anyone else hear this?

The guys on Mayhem (anti-PJ Nick Cellini in particular) and Dave Archer (pretty damned credible guy if you ask me) were talking about Al Groh's lack of preparation during his tenure here. The talk centered around how he would be screwing around watching game tape of the Jets or Ravens or other pro 3-4 teams, and raving about schemes. You know, instead of working with the defensive staff and getting the team ready for the next opponent. Seems like it makes sense to me. How many times have we watched this D and said "These guys don't seem to know what's going on?"

We all know the D talent here at Tech isn't Alabama. But it's not the caliber to give up 45 points to MTSU unless you're woefully unprepared. We have good, talented players on this D and the last 6 quarters under Charles Kelly proves that they can be pretty good, and consistent. Kelly's squad did better against USC than Notre Dame did. I don't care about the intangibles of that comparison really, it's a monster statement regardless.

I guess all we can really say is: Yeah Virginia, y'all were right. We got what we paid for.
I won't be hurt if Kelly gets the job. He's not a groundbreaking hire, but he's sure done a good job in his short time at the helm. And his D has gotten better the longer he's been in charge of it.

Originally Posted by Confederatebuzz

Guys, did anyone else hear this?

The guys on Mayhem (anti-PJ Nick Cellini in particular) and Dave Archer (pretty damned credible guy if you ask me) were talking about Al Groh's lack of preparation during his tenure here. The talk centered around how he would be screwing around watching game tape of the Jets or Ravens or other pro 3-4 teams, and raving about schemes. You know, instead of working with the defensive staff and getting the team ready for the next opponent. Seems like it makes sense to me. How many times have we watched this D and said "These guys don't seem to know what's going on?"

If that is true, and by his intemperate outburst this week suggests it might -- I was always taught and always taught folks who were leaving shouldn't burn the bridges behind them, besides which a new employer doesn't want to hear a prospective or new hire go off on his old, because he could be next -- but if so I am surprised he lasted two and a half seasons with Johnson. That in turn suggests Groh might have indeed been Rad's strongly suggested hire to resolve a salary situation. Don't remember the timing, but they both were out in mid-season or so. I will ask my Sicilian wife. She will know the difference in a foolish assumption and a real conspiracy.

thanks for sharing this info. wonder if it's available online at their website to listen?

We usually discount what they say on 790. Why change now?

Originally Posted by Confederatebuzz

Guys, did anyone else hear this?

The guys on Mayhem (anti-PJ Nick Cellini in particular) and Dave Archer (pretty damned credible guy if you ask me) were talking about Al Groh's lack of preparation during his tenure here. The talk centered around how he would be screwing around watching game tape of the Jets or Ravens or other pro 3-4 teams, and raving about schemes. You know, instead of working with the defensive staff and getting the team ready for the next opponent. Seems like it makes sense to me. How many times have we watched this D and said "These guys don't seem to know what's going on?"

We all know the D talent here at Tech isn't Alabama. But it's not the caliber to give up 45 points to MTSU unless you're woefully unprepared. We have good, talented players on this D and the last 6 quarters under Charles Kelly proves that they can be pretty good, and consistent. Kelly's squad did better against USC than Notre Dame did. I don't care about the intangibles of that comparison really, it's a monster statement regardless.

I guess all we can really say is: Yeah Virginia, y'all were right. We got what we paid for.
I won't be hurt if Kelly gets the job. He's not a groundbreaking hire, but he's sure done a good job in his short time at the helm. And his D has gotten better the longer he's been in charge of it.

I've always thought of Al Groh as an "academic". Outrageously knowledgeable with schemes, X&O's, concepts, etc. But when it comes time to applying it and making sure the message comes across to the guys who have to execute it, he's terrible. He's probably one the top minds when it comes to the 3-4, but his inability to apply it to game situations and getting his concepts and schemes across to players is pretty evident the last few years. Groh would probably be a great TV analyst or someone who could write great defensive books...but his days of coaching it are beyond him.

Kinda reminds me of business professors who preach how it's done in "the real business world", yet aren't successful in their own "real business world" dealings.

Originally Posted by Confederatebuzz

I won't be hurt if Kelly gets the job. He's not a groundbreaking hire, but he's sure done a good job in his short time at the helm. And his D has gotten better the longer he's been in charge of it.

You know what I see when I look at Kelly? A guy who's hungry. We could sure do worse.

Originally Posted by Fuzzy Bee

You know what I see when I look at Kelly? A guy who's hungry. We could sure do worse.

It's a Cinderella story, that's what it is. Lowly position coach gets his chance when the DC fades into dementia, and he takes over an builds a dynasty for years to come.