Gailey to remain at Georgia Tech

Some might say this is bad news for Georgia Tech, but Chan Gailey is remaining at the school as its football coach. Below is the press release announcing Gailey's decision.

Patrick

Press release from Georgia Tech:

Chan Gailey, Georgia Tech's head football coach since 2002,announced Friday that he will remain at Tech.

"I'm excited about the future here at Georgia Tech," Gailey said at a Friday afternoon press conference. "We have 17 of the 22 returning starters from the bowl game. We've got a great recruiting class. We've got a (Coastal) Division title to defend. It was a great opportunity for me and an honor to visit with these people but, I'm excited about the future here at Georgia Tech and where we're headed and what we're going to do for the next few years."

Gailey had been under consideration by for the head coaching position of the Miami Dolphins, the organization from which he was hired by Georgia Tech on Dec. 29, 2001. He spent the 2000 and 2001 seasons as the Dolphins' offensive coordinator before becoming the 11th head coach in Tech history. During his time in Miami, Gailey developed a close relationship with owner Wayne Huzienga, leading him to interview for the head coaching position.

"I'd like to thank all the fans and all of the members of the Georgia Tech family that have been so patient through this whole process," said Gailey. "It didn't happen nearly as quickly as anyone had hoped but we are excited that we are now able to go on to the next full speed ahead. Everybody has been very supportive and I'm deeply appreciative."

Gailey led Tech to a 9-5 record, the ACC Coastal Division title and a berth in the Toyota Gator Bowl in 2006. The Jackets return 17 starters from last year's squad that earned the school's 10th consecutive bowl berth, led by ACC rushing leader Tashard Choice, all-conference defenders Philip Wheeler, Jamal Lewis and Adamm Oliver and all-America punter Durant Brooks.

The 55-year-old Gailey has led the Yellow Jackets to winning seasons and bowl games in each of his five seasons on the Flats, compiling a record of 37-27. He joins college football legend John Heisman as the only head coaches in school history who have never had a losing season. Gailey's 37 victories rank fourth among all Tech head coaches, behind Bobby Dodd (166/22 seasons), William Alexander (134/25 seasons), Heisman (102/16 seasons) and George O'Leary (53/7 seasons).

Tech has posted seven victories over nationally-ranked teams under Gailey, six of them coming on the road, including wins at No. 10 Virginia Tech, at No. 3 Miami and at No. 15 Auburn over the last two seasons.

Ten Yellow Jackets earned all-Atlantic Coast Conference recognition in 2006, led by ACC Player of the Year and unanimous first-team all-American Calvin Johnson. Tech had a total of 28 first or second-team all-ACC selections over Gailey's five years, as well as 21 Academic All-ACC student-athletes through the 2005 season.