Mark Richt was gracious during Monday’s press conference following the announcement on Sunday he would not return as coach next season.
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“I love our fans and respect our fans”, Richt said.
“I said, ‘Be patient, ‘ ” Richt said. A news conference was scheduled for Monday.
“I appreciate the opportunity of serving the University as well as considering any other options that may present themselves in the future”.
Richt regularly landed highly-regarded recruiting classes and thought it was just a matter of time before he could take the program to an even higher level.
Parker Hicks, a sophomore from Gainesville, said the news made it clear that the Athletic Association has higher aspirations for the football team.
As Rutgers fans debate the names and candidates for the future of the football program, one name hasn’t been thrown out by any credible reporters, either locally or nationally: Mark Richt.
According to The Macon Telegraph, Richt said he talked to Eason on Sunday night.
“A handshake means something here”, McGarity said.
Richt has a 145-51 record at Georgia, with his. I was all for that. “That’s probably about all I’m going to say about it”. McGarity said he would use a search firm in some capacity and that the search was “wide open”.
“I expected it”, McGarity said. Mark has tremendous support. And Coach, if you happen to read this, I hope you do not mind I shared. “Those things will really remain between Mark and myself”.
The University has become a nationwide search for a new coach, but it is widely believed current Alabama Defensive Coordinator and former Bulldog Kirby Smart is the top choice.
Richt, a coach for the last 33 years, said he misses the “hands-on” aspect of the profession, especially working with quarterbacks.
“If you don’t win a championship, it’s kind of miserable around here”, he said, sitting next to Athletics Director Greg McGarity. “These things takes twists and turns along the way … but I don’t anticipate that happening”.
Ray Tanner has played his cards close to the vest since Steve Spurrier resigned as the Gamecocks coach. He’s outgoing, he’s got a good personality, I think he’ll do a good job in all of the other areas that you’re talking about. “I don’t have any question about that at all”.
While Georgia has continued to win consistently, it has been unable to keep pace with the elite teams in the SEC. He began his career as a graduate assistant (1985-88). He’s a UM alum, he’s a great recruiter with extensive recruiting ties in Florida and if he can win 9 or 10 game per year in the SEC, think of what he could do in the ACC. Richt won the SEC title twice, which was two more than the two coaches preceding him. The Cougars plays in the American Athletic Conference championship game Saturday.
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Should Richt continue living in or around Athens, he would follow in the footsteps of his three predecessors: Jim Donnan, Ray Goff and Vince Dooley.
