With the way that Richt reiterated his message to the young players via Monday morning’s press conference, he seems to know something the rest of the college football world doesn’t know. But the chance to take over at Georgia may be too enticing to pass up.
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As he walked out of the football complex, Jenkins appeared upset after receiving the Richt news. “I see where I am, Georgia sees where they are and everybody is going to do what they feel to have success in the future”. Richt worked hard on trying to keep his job last month.
“In the past 15 years if I’ve had a headhunter call me and say: ‘Are you interested in this job, are you interested in that job, or whatever job that may be, it’s always been a real simple answer for me, to say no, this is where I want to be”, Richt said on his radio show.
Many considered this a make-or-break year for Richt and the Bulldogs.
The vibe on Monday had more in common with a funeral than a celebration. “Georgia has been my home, and Athens has been a true blessing to me and my family”.
McGarity had generous praise for Richt, who ranks second in all-time coaching wins at the school. Why fire a coach with Richt’s proven credentials?
McGarity said he has had mixed feedback from fans. I know the Bulldog fan base is split on keeping Coach Richt or letting him go, but I also know a lot of them would be willing to give him another year or two to straighten things out.
“I think that expectations have been built to a point where if you don’t win a championship, it’s kind of miserable around here”.
Now there’s a head coaching change for him and other recruits to consider. UGA just does not win national championships.
When asked how he wants the Richt era to be remembered, he said, “That he loved Georgia and he did it the right way, and he did it hopefully in such a way that it was well pleasing to the Lord”.
Georgia closed the regular season with four straight wins, but that was not enough to save Richt’s job.
McGarity, however, was evasive when asked why Richt won’t be returning. “To think that I had a part to play in that”.
But for all the well wishes and positive thoughts offered to Richt, there wasn’t much defense left for Richt the football coach.
“I’ve heard really good things about him being a great role model, a great like, father figure for the players and so, sports sometimes is more about-it’s more than just winning games”, reasoned Chandria Person, a senior from Columbus.
Mark’s record on the field was outstanding; however, his impact on college football goes well beyond the gridiron.
But Richt’s time in Athens is now over. Dooley, who as athletic director hired Richt, attended the news conference.
“There’s a lot of good (coaches) out there”, Dooley said.
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He also will not be a cheap hire, but Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank would help in the finances for a coach that could put Maryland back on the map. It was clear after the game Richt had no plans to step down. If opportunities present themselves over the next few weeks, Richt said, he’ll listen. Prior to Sunday’s announcement, the coach had planned to hit the road recruiting for the next 14 days. Gales said on his Twitter account Sunday that Richt “understands that football is about more than winning”. That means more coaching on the horizon.
