Garnet And Black Attack: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Jeff Sullivan's MLB Trade Deadline Primer

Is Ellis Johnson a Candidate at UGA?

There's a bit of buzz today that Ellis Johnson may be a candidate for the DC position at UGA. The topic is tearing up the message boards, and the AJC's Mark Bradley is saying that doubts about Spurrier's longevity and our ability to go to the next level might bring him to Athens.

So, what are we to believe? Here's my take on the issue.

Why EJ might leave:

 

  • UGA is undoubtedly willing to pay money for the guy they want. While I'm sure we're willing to bid against UGA, are we willing to take it to the end?
  • While the idea that we'll always have a ceiling in the SEC is clearly far-fetched, it is true that UGA is more of a proven winner than Carolina. EJ may choose to go coach where he believes he can win faster rather than sticking out the tough job of program building at Carolina.

 

Why EJ might stay:

 

  • Whatever Bradley may want to say about Spurrier, I doubt the OBC is going anywhere for another four years. Why do you think he just signed a contract extension? Back in 2006 or so, the rumors used to worry me. Now, after Spurrier has proved his commitment to the program and his goal of making history with us, I tend to believe he will stay when he says he will. EJ has built a good relationship with Spurrier, and that relationship could be what keeps him here.
  • EJ is a Carolina native. He has said he wants to stay here. Moreover, EJ ain't getting any younger. At close to 60, he may want to finish out his career close to home as a Gamecock.
  • While UGA is certainly an attractive destination for a coach that wants to win big, we do have a lot of returning talent next year and have gotten momentum going on the recruiting trail. Does EJ really want to miss out on possibly cashing in on the machine he helped build?

 

In the end, I think EJ stays. He has a lot of incentives to stay here, such as a chance at success in 2010 and a home in his beloved SC. The only factor I could see luring him to UGA is money. If UGA is willing to pay EJ much more than we are and EJ wants the money, it could lure him. I think we're safe, though, as I think we're willing to give EJ enough of a raise to keep him if need be.

0 recs  |  Comment 7 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

also a rumor

that FSU ’Noles have contacted reps of Ellis Johnson about the opening on the FSU staff as the DC.

I hope both the UGA rumor and the FSU one prove to be just that – typical offseason rumor mill stuff.

Gamecocks Blog - http://www.leftoverhotdog.blogspot.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/LOHDgamecocks

by Flounder on Dec 3, 2009 5:28 PM EST reply actions  

I could be wrong, but I would personally think that FSU has much less lure than UGA...

Lesser program right now and probably less money. We’ll see.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Dec 3, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions  

saw on one of the msg boards

then Joey P from The State writes about it….“you stole my story”

Gamecocks Blog - http://www.leftoverhotdog.blogspot.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/LOHDgamecocks

by Flounder on Dec 3, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, I just read his blog...

Isn’t that the breaks when you know about something before The State guys?

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Dec 3, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions  

I don't see it happening.

We don’t have to worry about FSU. Period. I’m sorry, it’s just not an attractive job right now. Certainly not more attractive than South Carolina. They would have to offer EJ a ton of cash, and I don’t think EJ has the kind of name brand that will make Athletic Directors pony up the dough.

I can see why some people may think that UGA is an attractive job, too, but only marginally so. Again, I think Carolina can match any money that a school may throw at EJ, unless they go all out bonkers with the checkbook. EJ will only be in his third year next season, and I’ve got to think he’s excited about defense that he’ll be fielding. There will be a lot of talent and youth of the defensive side of the ball next year for the Gamecocks. I’m not too worried about it. Still, wouldn’t hurt to give the man a raise…

Dum spiro spero - "While I breathe, I hope"
State motto of South Carolina

by The Feathered Warrior on Dec 3, 2009 10:28 PM EST reply actions  

Agreed. Someone would have to really pony up the cash to get him, I think...

Keep in mind that EJ will be in the state retirement system in a few years. Someone would have to pay him enough to make up for the retirement he wants in SC. If someone decides to pay him the DC version of Saban bucks, maybe. If not, I don’t see him leaving.

Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog by and for Gamecocks Fans.

by Gamecock Man on Dec 3, 2009 11:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about South Carolina Gamecocks.
Start posting about the Gamecocks »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

SBNation.com Recent Stories

Photo +14 updates

QB Jeremiah Masoli Headed To Ole Miss After Being Dismissed From Oregon

Photo +4 updates

Bryce Brown Leaves Vols, Ever So Graciously, Via Text Message

Photo link

Glen Stanley Released From USC -- Where He Stops, Nobody Knows

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

Gabalogo2_small cocknfire

Uscgamecocks_small Gamecock Man

Authors

Sir_big_spur_small The Feathered Warrior

Images_small GwinnettGamecock