<p>New agreement places Johnson among nation’s best-paid coaches</p>
<p>Published in today’s Annapolis Capital:</p>
<p><a href=“Real Estate – Capital Gazette”>Real Estate – Capital Gazette;
<p>
</p>
<p>By HOWARD ULMAN
AP Sports Writer
Originally published December 8, 2006, 9:29 PM EST</p>
<p>BOSTON // Boston College is looking for its seventh bowl victory in seven years while starting a search for a coach to build on the departed Tom O’Brien’s success.</p>
<p>O’Brien left Friday to coach North Carolina State, one of BC’s Atlantic Coast Conference rivals. Defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani will serve as interim head coach in the Meineke Bowl against Navy on Dec. 30 in Charlotte, N.C.</p>
<p>“I want to thank Tom for 10 really, really great years at Boston College,” BC athletic director Gene DeFilippo said Friday night, about an hour after North Carolina State announced O’Brien’s appointment. “He left this program in a lot better shape than the program he found.”</p>
<p>BC was a combined 9-15 in the two seasons before O’Brien took over and went 4-7 in each of his first two years. A stretch of eight consecutive bowl games began in his third season. This year’s bowl game follows a 9-3 season.</p>
<p>“We’re going to go quick, but we’re not going to hurry” in finding a new coach, DeFilippo said. “We want someone that’s a teacher – not a schemer – and the student athletes come first, someone that understand how important the graduation rate is at Boston College.”</p>
<p>DeFilippo said his search will be “nationwide” but did not specify any candidates.</p>
<p>He said he and O’Brien reached a “mutual” decision for O’Brien to skip the Meineke Bowl “in the best interests of everybody.” He said he expects all the assistants to coach in that game.</p>
<p>Spaziani, who has been on O’Brien’s staff since 1999, said, “We’ve had a system that’s been in place for quite a while” that will still be there against Navy.</p>
<p>Junior quarterback Matt Ryan was surprised at first by O’Brien’s departure and said O’Brien and the players had an “emotional meeting” Friday “I have a lot of respect for Tom O’Brien. He’s a great man and a great coach,” Ryan said. “That’s the nature of college football and the nature of the business – change is a constant.”</p>
<p>Freshman linebacker Mark Herzlich said, “There’s not a guy on the team that is happy that coach O’Brien is leaving,” but players are happy for him in moving to a job he prefers.</p>
<p>DeFilippo said it wasn’t “a sad day. We’re happy for coach O’Brien. He found something that was better for himself and his family. We’re thankful for Tom and what he did for us, but we’re excited to take it to the next level.”</p>
<p>He said O’Brien’s total compensation was $1 million a year. N.C. State said he’ll get $1.1 million annually as the replacement for Chuck Amato, fired Nov., 26 after a 3-9 season.</p>
<p>If DeFilippo seeks a coach with New England connections, he could interview Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple, the former head coach at Massachusetts and Brown, or Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall, an assistant at BC from 1991 to 1993.</p>
<p>The Eagles lost 17-15 this year to North Carolina State on a touchdown with 8.5 seconds left. They had a chance to go to the ACC championship game against Georgia Tech if they beat Miami on Nov. 23 and Wake Forest lost to Maryland two days later. But Miami won 17-14. Wake Forest also won, then beat Georgia Tech in the title game.</p>
<p>At BC, O’Brien was 75-45 but didn’t go to any major bowls. He spent the previous 15 years as an assistant at Virginia, the last six as offensive coordinator.</p>
<p>DeFilippo was willing to let him leave for a school BC must play every season.</p>
<p>Asked if he tried to retain O’Brien after North Carolina State showed interest, DeFilippo said, “I learned of it last weekend. Tom and I talked at length, but those talks will remain between him and I.”</p>
<p>He also defended North Carolina State athletic director Lee Fowler.</p>
<p>Fowler “has been criticized for having somebody from the same league,” DeFilippo said. “North Carolina State handled everything in the right manner.”</p>
<p>The only other time an ACC coach left for another team in the same conference was in 1956 when Jim Tatum went from Maryland to North Carolina.</p>
<p>“It’s flattering to the players when coaches are being offered jobs at other schools,” Ryan said. “We’re going to get through this. We’re going to be just fine. We’ve got to get ready for Navy.”</p>
<p>Minus O’Brien, Spaziani will call the shots in bowl</p>
<p>Published in today’s Boston Globe:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/football/articles/2006/12/09/alternate_plans_for_bc/[/url]”>http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/football/articles/2006/12/09/alternate_plans_for_bc/</a></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>But critics say Mid players are held to looser standards</p>
<p>Published in the BS:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.academy10dec10,1,2387016.story[/url]”>http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.academy10dec10,1,2387016.story</a></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>In the past they have also gotten one extra day of Holiday leave if they attended the game. This year the Supe has stated that as the game is on the east Coast there will NOT be an extra day of leave and all Midshipmen will still be required to be back on the yard January 3rd. This information has been discussed at length through the parent network, and no authorization of a report date of January 4th was approved.</p>
<p>Travel funds are not by the USNA, they are provided through the U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation.</p>
<p>Published on today’s Baltimore Examiner:</p>
<p><a href=“Examiner is back - Examiner.com”>Examiner is back - Examiner.com;
<p>
</p>
<p>With more than 17,000 tickets sold through the Navy ticket office we are making major strides to turning Charlotte and Bank of America Stadium Navy Blue & Gold on December 29-30th. Navy alumni, family, midshipmen, friends and family from all over the nation are finalizing plans to descend on Charlotte and create our now traditional home game bowl atmosphere. Four bowls in four years unprecedented!</p>
<p>But, with only 18 days until kick-off now is the time for alumni, family, friends and fans to redouble our efforts as current game ticket donations are slightly less than 2,000 for the midshipmen and the enlisted Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen in the Norfolk, Carolinas and Georgia areas. This is lagging our historic levels of the past three Bowl games! If you have already donated one or more tickets and many have donated up to four thank you! If not, we need your help! In each of the three years past we have collectively provided more than 6,000 donated bowl tickets! Call 800-US4-NAVY or go to <a href=“http://www.usna.com%5B/url%5D”>www.usna.com</a> today! As always your donations are fully tax deductible.</p>
<p>Highlighting the pre-game slate of Bowl events is the now legendary pre-game Annual Brigade of Midshipmen Bowl Game Tailgate, in its fourth edition on Saturday morning. It is not to be missed! Get your reservations to the first half of the buffo Navy one-two punch by going to Anthony Travel.</p>
<p>Make Meineke Memorable Keep the Naval Academy and Navy footballs tradition strong!</p>
<p>Go Navy! Beat Boston College!</p>
<p>Buy: tickets through NAAA and sit with Navy! Mention your Class, Chapter and/or Parent Club when you purchase let’s see which Class, which Chapter and which Parents Club has the most spirit! The best effort will be rewarded! Visit <a href=“http://www.navysports.com%5B/url%5D”>www.navysports.com</a> or call 800-US4-NAVY.</p>
<p>Donate: tickets for midshipmen and enlisted Sailors and Marines to attend the game and cheer for Navy. Be sure to give credit to your class, chapter or parent club include your affiliation when purchasing tickets through NAAA.</p>
<p>Book: travel through Anthony Travel, the Alumni Association’s travel partner for bowl events and special travel deals. Sign up for travel packages, room only option and all special events including the 4th Annual Brigade of Midshipmen Bowl Game Tailgate sponsored by Constellation Energy and Areva. The event is also generously supported by Navy Federal Credit Union, Maersk, DRS Technologies, AT&T and Lockheed Martin .</p>
<p>See you at the game!</p>
<p>* Major funding for the Brigade of Midshipmen Bowl Game Tailgate is provided through successful operation of the Academy’s businesses including the Midshipmen Store, the Naval Academy Gift Shop, Naval Academy Catering, official USNA Web sales, and the Drydock and Steerage restaurants. Your continued patronage of these activities makes Brigade of Midshipmen events such as this possible.</p>
<p>With more than 17,000 tickets sold through the Navy ticket office we are making major strides to turning Charlotte and Bank of America Stadium Navy Blue & Gold on December 29-30th. Navy alumni, family, midshipmen, friends and family from all over the nation are finalizing plans to descend on Charlotte and create our now traditional home game bowl atmosphere. Four bowls in four years unprecedented!</p>
<p>But, with only 18 days until kick-off now is the time for alumni, family, friends and fans to redouble our efforts as current game ticket donations are slightly less than 2,000 for the midshipmen and the enlisted Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen in the Norfolk, Carolinas and Georgia areas. This is lagging our historic levels of the past three Bowl games! If you have already donated one or more tickets and many have donated up to four thank you! If not, we need your help! In each of the three years past we have collectively provided more than 6,000 donated bowl tickets! Call 800-US4-NAVY or go to <a href=“http://www.usna.com%5B/url%5D”>www.usna.com</a> today! As always your donations are fully tax deductible.</p>
<p>Highlighting the pre-game slate of Bowl events is the now legendary pre-game Annual Brigade of Midshipmen Bowl Game Tailgate, in its fourth edition on Saturday morning. It is not to be missed! Get your reservations to the first half of the buffo Navy one-two punch by going to Anthony Travel.</p>
<p>Make Meineke Memorable Keep the Naval Academy and Navy footballs tradition strong!</p>
<p>Go Navy! Beat Boston College!</p>
<p>Buy: tickets through NAAA and sit with Navy! Mention your Class, Chapter and/or Parent Club when you purchase let’s see which Class, which Chapter and which Parents Club has the most spirit! The best effort will be rewarded! Visit <a href=“http://www.navysports.com%5B/url%5D”>www.navysports.com</a> or call 800-US4-NAVY.</p>
<p>Donate: tickets for midshipmen and enlisted Sailors and Marines to attend the game and cheer for Navy. Be sure to give credit to your class, chapter or parent club include your affiliation when purchasing tickets through NAAA.</p>
<p>Book: travel through Anthony Travel, the Alumni Association’s travel partner for bowl events and special travel deals. Sign up for travel packages, room only option and all special events including the 4th Annual Brigade of Midshipmen Bowl Game Tailgate sponsored by Constellation Energy and Areva. The event is also generously supported by Navy Federal Credit Union, Maersk, DRS Technologies, AT&T and Lockheed Martin .</p>
<p>See you at the game!</p>
<p>* Major funding for the Brigade of Midshipmen Bowl Game Tailgate is provided through successful operation of the Academy’s businesses including the Midshipmen Store, the Naval Academy Gift Shop, Naval Academy Catering, official USNA Web sales, and the Drydock and Steerage restaurants. Your continued patronage of these activities makes Brigade of Midshipmen events such as this possible.</p>
<p>Published in today’s Baltimore Examiner:</p>
<p><a href=“Examiner is back - Examiner.com”>Examiner is back - Examiner.com;
<p>
</p>
<p>Published in today’s BS:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/letters/bal-ed.le.15ddec15,0,6657281.story?coll=bal-opinion-letters[/url]”>http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/letters/bal-ed.le.15ddec15,0,6657281.story?coll=bal-opinion-letters</a></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Transcript of Navy Head Football Coach Paul Johnson’s Comments Following Practice On Friday, December 15, 2006</p>
<p>In Attendance: Travis Thomas (WJZ-TV), Bob Socci (Navy Radio), Gary Lambrecht (Baltimore Sun)</p>
<p>Thomas: This is Navy¹s fourth-straight bowl game. Is there a sense of pride in that accomplishment?</p>
<p>Johnson: I hope so. I think there is. These guys have worked awfully hard to get to this point, but we also want to go to Charlotte and have a good showing in the bowl game for our football team and for the Academy so we have some work to do in the next week.</p>
<p>Thomas: Going against Boston College, a team from the ACC that people weren¹t expecting you to play, did you prefer to play Maryland?</p>
<p>Johnson: We didn¹t care. We knew we were going to play a good team and I think we are playing one of the better teams in the ACC.</p>
<p>Thomas: As far as preparation is concerned, do you prepare any differently for a bowl game than you would for a regular season game?</p>
<p>Johnson: Not really. We are going to approach it the same way. We do what we do. We might have a wrinkle or two, but you can¹t wholesale change everything.</p>
<p>Thomas: What¹s the book on Boston College?</p>
<p>Johnson: They are big and physical. Defensively they are in the Top 30 in the country and they led the ACC in passing so they have a prolific quarterback. It¹s going to be a challenge.</p>
<p>Socci: How does it feel to be back out here practicing?</p>
<p>Johnson: It doesn¹t seem like it¹s been that long. It¹s only been about a week and a half. It really isn¹t that much different for us because we play so late in the year anyway (with the Army game). I thought we had a pretty good practice today.</p>
<p>Socci: What¹s your reaction to Fisher DeBerry retiring?</p>
<p>Johnson: I have the utmost respect for what he¹s done. I think that anybody who has coached at a Service Academy can look at what he accomplished there and it¹s almost unbelievable. We were pretty fierce competitors when we played, but I have the utmost respect for Fisher and the job he did out there. He is certainly deserving of the Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>Socci: You look at a guy like him and his career at Air Force. Does it give you reason to examine things here and your situation?</p>
<p>Johnson: I don¹t think it¹s any different anywhere you coach. Look at all the good stuff he (DeBerry) had in the bank there and he has three bad years and he gets pushed out. It¹s a what have you done for me lately business. You just have to understand that.</p>
<p>Socci: BC. I guess you start up front with them, they have a tradition of having great linemen and they have an All-American at guard and a First-Team All-ACC quarterback.</p>
<p>Johnson: I was really surprised when I looked at their stats that they haven¹t run for a lot of yards. They are averaging about 115 yards per game. Now they have thrown for a lot, they led the ACC in passing, so they have kind of changed their identity. Defensively they are in the Top 30 and they have some huge guys inside. The size is the first thing that jumps out at you on both sides of the line. They can probably run the ball if they choose too. This year they have just thrown the ball more in year¹s past.</p>
<p>Lambrecht: They¹ve had so many good linemen through the years, what sets this offensive guard apart? He¹s obviously a good player. Does he do anything that jumps out at you?</p>
<p>Johnson: He¹s just a good player. He¹s big and physical. He¹s a good player. With most linemen nothing really jumps out at you. They are just big and physical and good.</p>
<p>Lambrecht: What about Ryan and the progress he has made?</p>
<p>Johnson: He¹s efficient. He¹s an efficient quarterback.</p>
<p>Socci: What do you remember about the last time you played BC?</p>
<p>Johnson: We turned the ball over a lot. They are a lot better football team now then they were in 2002 when we played them and I think we are better too. I know they are a lot better. We will see if we are on their level.</p>
<p>Lambrecht: How about Adam Ballard? Will he be back for the spring?</p>
<p>Johnson: He will be back for the spring.</p>
<p>Lambrecht: His surgery went well?</p>
<p>Johnson: Yes</p>
<p>Socci: After watching the tape against Army what is your assessment of that game?</p>
<p>Johnson: We were awful. I knew coming off the field that we didn¹t play very well, but after watching the tape we played awful. I¹m going to give Army some credit, but we played awful. If we don¹t play better against Boston College than we did against Army we will get embarrassed.</p>
<p>Mids beginp rep work for bowl</p>
<p>Published in the Annapolis Capital:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2006/12_15-56/NAS[/url]”>http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2006/12_15-56/NAS</a></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada is making the most of his chance as the starting quarterback</p>
<p>Published in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin:</p>
<p><a href=“http://starbulletin.com/2006/12/15/sports/story05.html[/url]”>http://starbulletin.com/2006/12/15/sports/story05.html</a></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2006
1-5 p.m.
NAVY Hospitality desk open in the Westin Charlotte Hotel lobby stop by and check in, get a schedule of events, maps and much more! Show us your USNA Alumni Association membership card and receive a special gift.</p>
<p>5-7 p.m.
USNA Alumni Association no host spirit hour. Bar 10 Westin Hotel. Stop on by and say Go Navy!</p>
<p>FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2006
9 a.m.5 p.m.
NAVY Hospitality desk open in Westin Hotel lobby.</p>
<p>noon-1:30 p.m.
Kickoff luncheon Convention Center. Join the teams, coaches, bands and others and show your Navy spirit. Buy tickets at Anthony Travel.</p>
<p>11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Uptown Street Festival- downtown Charlotte. Music, food vendors and much more.</p>
<p>5-6:30 p.m.
Uptown Pep Rally- players, cheerleaders, staff and fans from both schools. Come and show your Navy spirit.</p>
<p>Just Announced!
6:45-8:45 p.m.
Blue & Gold Come Around Hosted by the USNA Alumni Association. Join friends, family and other Navy fans at the Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery immediately following the pep rally. The Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery is located on the corner of Tryon and 7th (just a couple blocks north of the Pep Rally). 2 hours of unlimited food, freshly handcrafted beer, house wine, coffee, tea and sodas. $25 per person To sign up today <a href=“US Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation - www.usna.com”>www.usna.com/bowl</a>. Limited space so dont wait!</p>
<p>SATURDAY DECEMBER 30, 2006
8-10 a.m.
NAVY Hospitality desk open in Westin Hotel lobby.</p>
<p>10 a.m.-Kickoff
4th Annual Brigade of Midshipmen Bowl Game Tailgate
Open to ALL Navy alumni, family and fans!* Enjoy another awesome tailgate with all the food and fun. Sign up today!</p>
<p>1 p.m.
Game kickoff. Order tickets today at <a href=“http://www.navysports.com%5B/url%5D”>www.navysports.com</a> or call 1-800-US4-NAVY.</p>
<p>Buy: tickets through NAAA and sit with Navy! Mention your Class, Chapter and/or Parent Club when you purchase lets see which Class, which Chapter and which Parents Club has the most spirit! The best effort will be rewarded! Visit <a href=“http://www.navysports.com%5B/url%5D”>www.navysports.com</a> or call 800-US4-NAVY.</p>
<p>Donate: tickets for midshipmen and enlisted Sailors and Marines to attend the game and cheer for Navy. Be sure to give credit to your class, chapter or parent club include your affiliation when purchasing tickets through NAAA.</p>
<p>Book: travel through Anthony Travel, the Alumni Association’s travel partner for bowl events and special travel deals. Sign up for travel packages, room only option and all special events including the 4th Annual Brigade of Midshipmen Bowl Game Tailgate sponsored by Constellation Energy and Areva. The event is also generously supported by Navy Federal Credit Union, Maersk, DRS Technologies, AT&T and Lockheed Martin.</p>
<p>See you at the game!</p>
<p>* Major funding for the Brigade of Midshipmen Bowl Game Tailgate is provided through successful operation of the Academys businesses including the Midshipmen Store, the Naval Academy Gift Shop, Naval Academy Catering, official USNA Web sales, and the Drydock and Steerage restaurants. Your continued patronage of these activities makes Brigade of Midshipmen events such as this possible.</p>
<p>Published in today’s BS:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bal-sp.navynotes16dec16,0,6268840.story?coll=bal-college-football[/url]”>http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bal-sp.navynotes16dec16,0,6268840.story?coll=bal-college-football</a></p>
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</p>
<p>Published in today’s Kansas City Star:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/16257600.htm[/url]”>http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/16257600.htm</a></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>We’ve got 4 tickets in the club seating section - a friend of a friend of a friend knows someone on the ‘bowl board’ and was able to get us tickets - my son is thrilled and we are gathering up all our Navy gear so we are appropriately decked out!</p>
<p>Go Eagles…ha ha keepin it real!</p>
<p>BC '73</p>
<p>Posted on GoMids.com:</p>
<p><a href=“MidsDaily.com Football Recruiting”>MidsDaily.com Football Recruiting;
<p>
</p>
<p>GA … THIS is a most interesting interview. He doesn’t pull many of his punches, is straight forward. I especially appreciated his response to the notion of reassessing his status every year. Amen!</p>
<p>Now @ Penn State it’s done every half century or so. </p>
<p>And I love JoePa regardless.</p>
<p>I project that Johnson’s waiting for that one. And it could be a mighty good match.</p>