Like I've stated before, I am as frustrated/disappointed as anyone, but anyone taking an extreme position on either side (former regime, CPJ, option vs. new regime, CGC, new branding) is kind of ridiculous IMO, but all sides have their valid points.
I thought CPJ was a great hire at the time. He had proven success at both GaSou and Navy, and I believed perhaps his system and playcalling would provide a unique advantage to GT's performance over opponents. Early-on, even as the existing players were learning the 3O, that was actually kind of true. We did have SA's from one of the better recruiting classes we've had contribute to that, but CPJ brought a kind of an old-school, fire in your belly kind of attitude. It was refreshing a bit compared to Gailey and certainly to ADDB's attitude. I still think the 3O is a great offense on paper. All things being equal, it's a thing of art in a way. However, taking the long view and from a program perspective, it's not a good system to attract today's more talented recruits in the general sense. It's an older philosophy. Not many folks are running it. It does not translate to the pros on O. D players going up against it all the time. Those facts and perceptions are there regardless of whether real or not. While the stars might align occasionally where we have personnel who can really make the system hum despite a perhaps deficit in overall talent, it also seemed CPJ himself kind of lost some of that competitive fire for whatever reason(s) and our more regular opponents became better at defending it reducing any systemic advantages. I enjoyed CPJ's time here. There were some frustrating times, but there were some great times as well and no one should discount those. However, all in all, I think it was time for CPJ to move on. Maybe Tech does need to run a unique system, but I no longer think the 3O is it. I just see zero value in completely bashing him or his system.
Jury is still out on CGC, and it should be only 5 games in. Overall, recruiting looks to be taking a step up and appealing to more talent. We'll see where we land this year. I think he "gets it" in terms of messaging and branding and is enthusiastic about it as are the assistant coaches. This is essential to the "re-build". First impressions of the on-field performance leave a lot to be desired. Seems like the more vocal "anti-CGC" folks are quick to briefly acknowledge the unique transition from the old schemes to the new ones (esp on O) as well as the depleted OL and simply dismiss them. I can give the coaches some leeway on the OL as the new blocking seems to be very different and perhaps just as complex. I don't think it matters what these kids ran in high school. Conceptually, some stuff may be the same, but the speed of things happening in college is much faster. It's like anything else when you step up on the general talent level you are playing against. I am sure most understand the importance of a solid OL. I don't think you can overstate it. We didn't do much with CPJ when not experienced and healthy on the OL, and we sure aren't going to do any better in the same situation with CGC (or anyone else). This will take time. Same thing, but maybe to a lesser extent, for the skill positions on O given that we do have some good pieces there where natural athletic ability can help overcome some things. It's just going to take time. That said, while CPJ perhaps is responsible for the roster, CGC "owns" it now. What they do with it and how they grow and improve is on the new staff. The QB shuffling has been a head scratcher, but we have had some injuries. I still think the JG "debut" was going to be Citadel, but we'll never know. Loss to Citadel is as bad as it gets. Again, I think it's way to early to judge Ws/Ls, and we shouldn't underestimate the huge transition we are making along with the lack of depth in key areas. It will take time as I said, and in time we'll be able to more properly judge CGC and staff.