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Georgia Tech Football: Defensive coordinator search the biggest of Paul Johnson’s tenure

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 12: A general view of Bobby Dodd Stadium during the game between the of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Tulane Green Wave on September 12, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 12: A general view of Bobby Dodd Stadium during the game between the of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Tulane Green Wave on September 12, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The Georgia Tech football program is searching for its next defensive coordinator and the search is the biggest of Paul Johnson’s tenure.

With the news last week that Ted Roof was leaving the Georgia Tech football program, head coach Paul Johson must search for a new defensive coordinator. The search however for his next defensive coordinator is the biggest of his tenure.

With his seat most likely warming up after missing bowl games in two of the last three seasons, Paul Johnson must make the right hire at defensive coordinator. Next season could be Johnson’s last if the Jackets once again fail to make the postseason. The Jackets defense struggled this past season under the tutelage of Roof this past season and without a doubt, it stopped the Jackets from winning several games. The Jackets next defensive coordinator will be Johnson’s fourth of his Tech tenure.

The Jackets defense this past season allowed 26.5 points per game which was the worst of Johnson’s tenure. The Jackets only had 17 sacks this past season and just ten turnovers (six interceptions and four fumbles) which is among the lowest amounts of Johnson’s time at Tech. The new defensive coordinator must improve all of these numbers which show an extreme lack of play-making.

The Jackets defense next season will surely be tested. They will take on several top-notch offenses including Clemson, Georgia, Louisville, Miami (FL), and USF. All five of those teams averaged more than 28 points per game this season.

It won’t be easy for any defense to slow down those five offenses but if the Jackets hope to bowl eligible next season, they’ll have to find a way to stop those high powered offenses. For Paul Johnson, he must find a defensive coordinator he can trust to run the defense effectively and not have to worry about game in and game out.

Next: Roof leaves Tech for NC State

Ultimately, Johnson’s future at Georgia Tech could hinge on who he hires as the Jackets’ next defensive coordinator. He must find no doubt in his mind that the guy he chooses is the right guy for the job and will be a successful coordinator. If he chooses the wrong man, we could be discussing the Jackets newest head coach and defensive coordinator this time next year.