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Tyson Summers’ brief tenure at Georgia Southern ended today as Georgia Southern has decided to move on from the embattled head coach. Tyson Summers was 5-13 at Georgia Southern and was fired halfway through his second season.
The fan base was skeptical when Summers was promoted to replace Willie Fritz and when Summers began to alienate fans through a blocking spree on Twitter last year, it seemed like he had hardly any fans in his corner at the start of this season. Below, we’ve collected the reactions of fans, respected voices in the college football world, and the Sun Belt community.
Summers Relieved Of Georgia Southern Coaching Duties; Lunsford to act as interim head coach
— GS Football (@GSAthletics_FB) October 22, 2017
RELEASE: https://t.co/6v8CNJkAgY pic.twitter.com/kDspez1D2t
Not unexpected—the Tyson Summers era at Georgia Southern ends after 1.5 seasons, went 5–13, opened this season 0-6: https://t.co/834vyemYIO
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) October 22, 2017
Tyson Summers' departure from Georgia Southern is about a year too late. It's sad what was allowed to happen to that proud program.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) October 22, 2017
Georgia Southern’s problem is the fan base is so married to the triple option, and that inherently limits your pool. Tough spot.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 22, 2017
Georgia Southern isn't for everyone but it is a Top-3/4 Sun Belt job. Curious if they'll think outside the triple option box.
— Adam Hunsucker (@Adam_Hunsucker) October 22, 2017
If I were ranking #FunBelt jobs:
— Adam Hunsucker (@Adam_Hunsucker) October 22, 2017
1. Arkansas State
2. Troy
3. UL Lafayette
4. Georgia Southern
What say you?
about time https://t.co/xdfvt5mRUG
— Grant Williamson (@gtwilliamson33) October 22, 2017
Finally https://t.co/HZNXxBBqd8
— Trent Ware (@tTrentw13) October 22, 2017
I’m like a little kid on Christmas morning. I can’t get enough. pic.twitter.com/vzJfNam1pw
— Brian Stone (@WatchTheStone) October 22, 2017
GSU JUST GAVE ME THE BIGGEST PRESENT EVER!!! It’s about time!! https://t.co/DMXqJrEbre
— Paige Harris (@kpaigeharris) October 22, 2017
SUPPORT. THE. STUDENT-ATHLETES! SUPPORT GEORGIA SOUTHERN! Every donor, every ticket purchase. Every dollar. It matters. If you're an alum or fan you matter! And we need you.
— Ross Davis (@RossDavis402) October 22, 2017
This is without question one of the best jobs in the Sun Belt and one of the most passionate fan bases in college football.
With Summers now out of the picture it’ll be interesting to see which direction the Southern administration takes. Will they break away from the option? Will Southern fans tolerate a change from the option or will the next head coach enter on bad footing just like Summers?
Later this week we’ll dive in on whether the Georgia Southern community will be fine with a transition away from the option attack.