Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, January 7, 1992 TAG: 9201070128
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Landmark News Service and Associated Press reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
ECU COACH TAKES OVER GA. TECH
Although it had been rumored for weeks, some East Carolina football players and recruits still were surprised Monday when Pirates coach Bill Lewis took the head coaching job at Georgia Tech.But Lewis isn't looking back.
"If I'm an offensive player tonight at Georgia Tech, I'm excited because I really believe that we will bring one of the most exciting offensive concepts in college football," Lewis said Monday night after being hired as the ninth head football coach in Yellow Jackets history.
Lewis' wide-open attack was on display in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta on New Year's Day when East Carolina beat North Carolina State 37-34.
"This opportunity is one of the remaining goals of my career, to coach at an institution that believes in the concept of the student-athlete," he said.
Lewis, finishing his third season at East Carolina, guided the Pirates to their best record in history, an 11-1 mark that earned them a final No. 9 ranking.
Yet some think that's exactly why he should have stayed put.
"I just think it's pretty sad he would leave after he's built up this team the way he has," said ECU junior David Kibler. "I think it's a crying shame he has to go where the money is and not where his pride is."
Lewis, who spent two years coaching defensive backs at Georgia Tech in 1971-72, succeeds Bobby Ross, who resigned on Jan. 1 to become coach of the San Diego Chargers.
Ross had a 31-26-1 record in five seasons at Georgia Tech. His 1990 team finished No. 1 the United Press International poll with an 11-0-1 record. That team finished second in The Associated Press poll.
Lewis was signed to a five-year contract, terms of which were not disclosed.
He had three years remaining on his East Carolina contract and said he will pay the amount of a buyout clause.