Why Georgia Fans May Care What Happens in Statesboro

Georgia Southern looks increasingly likely to fire head coach Chris Hatcher. Why should Georgia fans care? The short answer is because it might be bad for Tech--and what is bad for Tech is good for America, and UGA. And it is a fun opportunity to say I told you so.

First some back story: In 1985, Georgia Southern offensive coordinator Paul Johnson convinced Erk Russell to install a derivation of the wishbone --the "flexbone"-- also known as the triple option. It has been wildly successful in Statesboro, including a six national championships.

When Paul Johnson left Georgia Southern for Navy, Ga. Southern hired current Georgia Tech co-offensive line coach Mike Sewak as head coach, firing him in 2005 with 35-14 record for not living up to the program's expections.

Enter self-immolating career masochist Brian Van Gorder in 2006. Van Gorder abandoned the triple option (and a few of Erk's other traditions, like winning). Then Van Gorder abandoned Georgia Southern after a single dismal 3-8 season. Ga. Southern next turned to Valdosta State's coach Chris Hatcher. It's safe to say that in year three, Chris Hatcher has been an utter failure in Statesboro. The "Hatch Attack" [sic] spread offense has resulted in a 4-6 record headed into the final game of the season against who cares Citadel. Hatcher has never made the playoffs.

No reason. Just like this photo.

Pardon the prelude. You ask: what does this have to do with us? Georgia Southern's final game of the season is Saturday, and the axe could fall on Hatcher shortly thereafter. Georgia Southern fans would like nothing better than to see the triple option return. The best candidates to do that are people who have worked with Paul Johnson. Which means that Georgia Southern may pluck a coach from Paul Johnson's staff. Likely candidates include:

• Giff Smith, Georgia Tech recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach. Giff Smith is a Georgia Southern graduate, former Georgia Southern and Navy assistant. He's probably the leading candidate and sentimental favorite.
  
• Todd Spencer, Georgia Tech co-offensive line coach. No ties to Georgia Southern, but has 25 years of experience coaching option offenses.
• Brian Bohannon, Georgia Tech quarterbacks coach. A UGA grad, Bohannan played under Coach Goff, graduating in 1993. He been with Paul Johnson for more than a decade. The quarterback is key in the triple option, and Georgia Southern may want to hire a young guy.
• Ivin Jasper, Navy offensive coordinator. The only likely non-Tech assistant candidate, Jasper is a Hawaii graduate, but coached with Johnson at Georgia Southern and Navy. Navy's win over Notre Dame didn't hurt his chances. Let's hope he doesn't get it.
  

If Georgia Southern does whack Hatcher, it will be interesting to see if they raid Paul Johnson's staff to bring back the triple option. It could foreshadow what happens to Tech's head coach if Bo Pelini can't get his dick out of the dirt make his program relevant.