After just two seasons on the job, Tech has fired James Johnson. He compiled a 22-41 record, winning just six games in the ACC. If you recall, Johnson actually accepted a job at Clemson, before being hired back less than two weeks later.
I have to be honest, I’m not sure what Virginia Tech expected when they fired Seth Greenberg and hired his assistant, James Johnson. If you recall, Greenberg was able to produce four 20-win seasons in five years, but those were built off cupcake schedules, thus the Hokies never got invited to the tournament. However, in 2012 this team was already starting to crumple, as they finished 16-17 (which is when Greenberg was fired).
With a roster that featured Erick Green and no one else, Johnson went just 13-19 in 2013. However, new coach means new system, which means a coach needs time to bring in his own guys. Johnson had hoped to create a run-and-gun type team, with VCU-type full court pressure, so he brought in a six-player class in 2013 to help make this happen. Of course, two of those players failed to qualify academically, including prized recruit Devin Wilson (who ended up at UMass).
Still, Johnson threw his freshmen into the fire along with three sophomores and they lost…as expected, a lot. It’s what we call growing pains. However, with a pair of 4-star recruits coming in next year, it was expected that this team would continue to grow, learn and get better…you know, how Tony Bennett did it at Virginia.
I guess not. Alright, since it appears Steve Donahue is save for another season, Wake Forest and Jeff Bzdelik…you’re on the clock.
