Throughout the course of the 2017 season, Paul Johnson and Georgia Tech were working on a contract extension, and according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution that extension is close to being finalized and the two parties have a deal in place through the 2022 season.
The Yellow Jackets finished last season a disappointing 5-6, but in Johnson's ten seasons at the school, they've made 8 bowl trips and won a total of 75 games.
Johnson's new deal will get him back to having five-years remaining on his deal, and, in the eyes of today's recruits (and coaches at other recruits going after the same kids you are) there's a big difference in recruiting with three-years left on your deal and five-years left.
Interestingly enough, Johnson noted at the end of the AJC article that he's not even sure he'll coach out the full term of the contract. Johnson is 60 years old and has been a college head coach since 1997 at Georgia Southern (1997-2001), Navy (2002-2007) and Georgia Tech (2008-present).
“I said I’ll know when it’s not fun any longer. We’ll see. It’s not something I have to do, but as long as you enjoy it and it’s fun, yeah, keep going. I’ve always said I’ll know when it’s time.”
Johnson expressed hesitation when asked if he'd coach as long as Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer, who stepped away at 68 years old back on November 1, 2015.
“That’s, what, eight years? I don’t know about that."
Head here to read the full article, with more thoughts from Johnson and athletic director Todd Stansbury on the extension.