Georgia Tech hired a new basketball coach today. I wish him well. As the former Sports Editor of The Technique, Tech's student newspaper, and a former faculty member, I have some advice for him.
To survive as a football or basketball coach at Georgia Tech, four things are necessary and sufficient.
1. Conduct oneself in a responsible manner. Tech alums do not tolerate boorishness.
2. Don't let the teams be an embarrassment. Anything below a .400 record is questionable. Anything below .300 will get you canned.
3. Every five years, field a good team. In football that means winning the ACC Championship or winning a bowl game (not merely going to one). In basketball, that means making the final of the ACC Tournament or reaching the second round of the NCAA tournament.
4. Win 1 out of every 3 games against the University [sic] of Georgia.
I guarantee that if a Georgia Tech football or basketball coach does these four things, there will be long-term employment.
P.S. There is a long history at Tech of adding "[sic]" to any reference to UGA. Ask any alum why.
