EL PASO, TEXAS >> An early lesson taught Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson that dreams often come with waiting periods.

It was in 1990, after three successful years as Hawaii’s offensive coordinator, when Johnson was expected to replace his mentor, Erk Russell, a stogie-smoking coach who was retiring at Georgia Southern.

It was close, but no cigar. Georgia Southern instead hired Tim Stowers.
"There are things to be said for maturity," said Johnson, who was 33 at the time, "and there are things to be said for youthful enthusiasm."

Johnson remained at UH for another five years, helping the Warriors to an 11-2 record and Holiday Bowl victory in 1992. His triple-option offense boosted UH to three victories over arch rival Brigham Young.

"Beating BYU was important at the time," Johnson said. "We had some good games against the BYU teams. And we won a league championship back when the WAC, I think, was a little bit tougher."

After leaving UH following the 1994 season, Johnson went to Navy as offensive coordinator, then landed the Georgia Southern head coaching job in 1997. Johnson won two NCAA Division I-AA national championships with the Eagles. He was Navy’s head coach for six years, and has been Georgia Tech’s leader the past four seasons.

"Those kinds of things have a way of working themselves out," Johnson said. "I think this is my 15th year (as a head coach). It’s gone by fast."
In the blur, Johnson found happiness during his Hawaii tenure.

"It was different," said Johnson, who was raised in North Carolina. "It was the first time we actually lived outside of the South. We enjoyed our time there.

Our daughter was born there. It always will be a special place. I thought the people were really good. And the weather was great. It’s hard not to like Hawaii."

GEORGIA TECH and Utah meet in Saturday’s Sun Bowl, a game that will match offenses of UH’S past and present. Norm Chow, who was named UH’S head coach last week, is coaching Utah’s pro-set offense, a version the Warriors will implement.

"Norm Chow is going to do a good job over there," Johnson said. "He wanted to come home for a long time. I’m happy for him."

Johnson said he can relate to the patience needed in a quest for a headcoaching job. He said his approach has not changed as head coach, especially concerning his triple-option offense.

"I’m pretty much the same," Johnson said. "We do pretty much the same thing we did in Hawaii. We coach the same way."

Georgia Tech center Jay Finch described Johnson as a perfectionist.

"He knows the ins and outs of what we run," Finch said. "He puts us in the best position to be successful."

Finch said there is a lighter side to Johnson. Finch recalled scanning the itinerary for a recent practice.

"I thought, ‘Oh, man, this is going to be awful,’ " Finch said. "It looked like a nitty-gritty, beat-each-other-up schedule. Then you see dodgeballs lined up.

It was a surprise. We played dodgeball."

Johnson described his coaching career as "fortunate."

"We’ve had a chance to live in some neat places, and work with some good people, and have a lifestyle we’re fortunate to live," Johnson said.

A few years ago, he sold the Hawaii Kai condominium he bought when he was a UH coach.

"I kept missing the right windows," he said. "Timing is everything."