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Georgia Tech Football: Paul Johnson is officially stepping down as head coach

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Paul Johnson of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets smiles during the first half of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at EverBank Field on December 31, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Paul Johnson of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets smiles during the first half of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at EverBank Field on December 31, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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After about an hour of reports and speculation, it became official on Wednesday afternoon, Paul Johnson is stepping down as Georgia Tech’s head coach.

It’s no longer rumor or speculation as we reported just less than an hour ago. It’s now official, Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech’s head football coach since 2008 is stepping down from the position following the Jackets’ bowl game next month.

Johnson, 61, has spent 40-years coaching dating back to 1979 when he was a high school football coach in North Carolina. His journey would take him throughout the country including a stint as Hawaii’s offensive coordinator. He earned his first head coaching gig in 1997 with Georgia Southern. He would stay with the Eagles until 2001 and collected a 62-10 record while winning two FCS National Championships in the process.

After his time with Georgia Southern, he would move up to the FBS level where he coached at Navy from 2002 to 2007. After going 2-10 in his first season with the Midshipmen, Johnson righted the ship and never lost more than five games in his remaining seasons with Navy. He in total went 45-29 with the Midshipmen.

His next and final stop (for now) would be, The Flats as he became Georgia Tech’s head football coach on December 7th, 2007. Johnson won 19 games through his first two seasons while claiming two division titles and one ACC Championship (later vacated). Following the 2009 season, the success wouldn’t come as easy but the Yellow Jackets remained consistent finishing with a winning record in eight of his 11 seasons with the program.

In Georgia Tech’s official news release, Todd Stansbury released the following statement;

"“I was saddened when Coach Johnson informed me that he was going to step down as our head coach. Not only is he Georgia Tech’s winningest head coach in more than 50 years but he is also an incredible mentor for the young men in our football program and has helped develop countless student-athletes that have gone on to great success after graduation. I wish him and Susan nothing but the very best as he steps away from coaching football for the first time in 40 years and ask the entire Georgia Tech community to join me in thanking him for his hard work and contributions to the Institute over the past 11 years.”"

According to the news release, Johnson will remain Georgia Tech’s head coach through their bowl game next month.