Georgia Tech hires new coach

New Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson is accustomed to winning the big rivalry games, something the Yellow Jackets haven’t done in a while.

The former Navy coach, unbeaten in six games against Army, was hired Friday to replace Chan Gailey, who had six consecutive winning seasons at Georgia Tech but was 0-6 against Georgia.

“I’m not going to shy away from that one,” Johnson said. “That’s a game that Georgia Tech needs to win and I embrace that.”

Overall, Georgia Tech has lost seven straight to Georgia, a streak that to many fans overshadows the fact that the Yellow Jackets (7-5) have received 11 straight bowl bids.

Gundy gets extension

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy had a one-year contract extension approved by the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents, extending his deal through 2013.

Fulmer gets raise

Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer will receive a raise and one-year contract extension through 2012.

The amount of the raise has yet to be worked out. Fulmer makes $2.05 million annually.

A&M buys out Franchione

Texas A&M regents approved a contract buyout for former football coach Dennis Franchione, who resigned Nov. 23, worth up to $4.4 million.

Laurinaitis wins Butkus

Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker.

Laurinaitis beat out Penn State’s Dan Connor and Colorado’s Jordan Dizon.

Four from Sky honored

Two University of Montana football players, one from Montana State and another from Portland State have been named to the Walter Camp All-America team for the Football Championship Subdivision.

Montana defensive end Kroy Biermann, Griz kicker Dan Carpenter, Montana State linebacker Bobby Daly and Portland State center Brennan Carvalho were honored.