Nov. 26, 2007

Ted Roof Dismissed As Duke Head Football Coach

Durham, N.C. - Duke Director of Athletics Joe Alleva announced on Monday that head football coach Ted Roof has been dismissed from his post.

"Following several conversations between Coach Roof and myself over the past two days, I have decided to move in a different direction with our football program," Alleva said. "Coach Roof embodies everything that Duke represents and his commitment to this University and his job was unwavering. He is an outstanding family man, a man of great integrity, and among the classiest individuals with whom I have worked. I truly appreciate his service to Duke and how he represented himself, his family and this school. That is why this decision was so difficult.

"However, after our annual evaluation of the program, I believe that we need to make a change based on the results we were seeing on the field each week. Over the past several years, we have made the commitment to upgrading our football program and we will continue to do so. Our ultimate goal for football, as with all of our programs, is to pursue and achieve excellence. We are taking the proper steps to see that will happen. We must win in football at Duke, while maintaining our deepest commitment to the educational values of the institution."

"I support Joe Alleva's decision, which I know was not an easy one," said Duke President Dr. Richard H. Brodhead. "Ted Roof has earned the highest respect from everyone he's worked with, and we're grateful for what he has accomplished. But though our team has showed progress, we have yet to reach the success we're looking for. Duke is committed to developing excellence in football and I am confident that with new leadership, we will achieve this goal."

Alleva said that a national search for a head coach will begin immediately.

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Gailey Relieved of Duties as Georgia Tech Head Coach

Atlanta - Georgia Tech head football coach Chan Gailey has been relieved of his duties after six seasons as the leader of the Yellow Jacket football program.

That announcement came today from Athletic Director Dan Radakovich, who announced that a search for a new coach will begin immediately. Veteran defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta will take over as the interim head coach.

Georgia Tech, which wrapped up the regular season last Saturday with a 31-17 home loss to 6th-ranked Georgia, will head to a postseason bowl to be determined with a 7-5 record overall, 4-4 in the ACC.

"I want to sincerely thank Chan for his six years of service to Georgia Tech," Radakovich said. "Chan is one of the most honorable men that I have worked with in intercollegiate athletics. He and (wife) Laurie have given countless hours to this program and have touched the lives of hundreds of student-athletes, fellow coaches and colleagues in only the most positive way."

"At the end of the day, my decision was based on whether the football program is moving forward," Radakovich said, "and our fan base, as a whole, is sufficiently excited and energized by its direction."

Radakovich gave no timetable for hiring Gailey's replacement.

"I will immediately launch a search for the next head football coach at Georgia Tech. The search will be swift - yet, deliberate. With President (Dr. G. Wayne) Clough's assistance, I will convene a representative committee that will serve to screen our potential candidates."

The assistant coaches will continue to perform their duties and will coach the Yellow Jackets in their December bowl game.

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