Getty Image / Jonathan Bachman
If you told someone twenty-five years ago that Georgia Tech would have one of the worst college football programs in the country among major schools, they would be flabbergasted. But, that’s the reality now. Paul Johnson had a good run there, going 82-61 and making nine bowl games in eleven years. Two of those were even Orange Bowls. But, Tech ran him off and hired Geoff Collins from Temple. That proved to be a disaster. He went a dismal 10-28 there in parts of four seasons, and the program has to start over from scratch.
Deion Sanders was rumored to be a candidate at Tech. But, it seems like they have chosen someone else to be their next coach.
Tulane Coach Willie Fritz is reportedly the next coach at Georgia Tech
It seems like GT has their guy.
Georgia Tech has a deal in place for a new head coach and all indications are that it’s Tulane coach Willie Fritz, a person familiar with the situation told the AJC. An announcement could come as early as this evening.
— Ken Sugiura (@ksugiuraajc) November 27, 2022
Willie Fritz is an unconventional hire, for one big reason. That is his age. He is already 62 years old, much older than most coaches who get their first power-five job. For example, new Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham is just 32. But, Fritz is a proven winner. He’s won at all of his stops at all levels, from junior college to division II to FCS and now at Tulane. He has the Green Wave one win away from a likely berth in the Cotton Bowl. He’s revived Tulane from an also-ran to the top of the AAC.
The college football world reacts
Twitter was full of takes on the hire.
Willie Fritz to Georgia Tech. Hate it for @GreenWaveFB but such is life for succeeding in AAC.
— Mintzy (@BarstoolMintzy) November 27, 2022
Willie Fritz feels like a Hail Mary on the first play of the game. I hope this rumor isn’t true. I think that there are other better options out there, no pun intended.
— GT Xs and Os. (@GTXsAndOs) November 28, 2022
Willie Fritz is a great hire for Tech. He runs a great, unique offense and has won everyone he’s been. Any Tech fans that are underwhelmed need to do their research. #cfb
— Andre (@_Asemota_) November 27, 2022
Time will tell on the Fritz era, assuming the deal is finalized.