Report: Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson wants a contract buyout

Nov 2, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Paul Johnson on the sideline against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium.Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Update #2: Johnson has taken to more “official channels” to deny the claims. Here is the latest from the Georgia Tech Athletics Twitter account:

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Update: Paul Johnson has reportedly denied the initial report (via Coaching Search), saying “I have no idea what he is talking about and I’m looking forward to next season. All these anonymous sources are unbelievable.” We will continue to update you as information arises.

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Well, this is an odd but very interesting story.

Bruce Feldman of CBS is reporting that Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson isn’t happy in Atlanta, and as a result, wants to be bought out from the school. This comes on the heels of the team’s starting quarterback electing to transfer just days after his sophomore season, and yet another 6-loss season for the program.

There is certainly a segment of the Tech fan base (I know a few of them personally) that would love see to Johnson leave town, but at the same time, there is definitely a group that is still buying in to Johnson’s philosophy and wouldn’t exactly relish the opportunity to search for another coach. It isn’t clear what direction Tech would turn if they elected to grant Johnson’s rumored wish, or frankly, if they could even conjure up the money needed to buy him out, but it’s an option.

Obviously, this is still in the very early stages (report is unconfirmed, etc.), but it’s been a wild couple of days for the program, and this isn’t the type of story that anyone wants to see.