Richt needs to end speculation about Martinez
If Willie Martinez has coached his final game in Athens, we should know soon.
I’m not sure what to read into Mark Richt’s sudden decision to cancel his scheduled Sunday night conference call with media members because of a reported “family function,” other than, well, a reported family function.
But with strong and protracted speculation that there are going to be significant changes on his coaching staff at Georgia — including either firing or demoting defensive coordinator Willie Martinez — Richt should not let this matter linger much longer. Either announce the staff will remain intact or make changes. The public guessing game helps nobody.
This generally is the week firings happen. (Virginia already has fired Al Groh.) It’s an important time in recruiting, and teams also want to get an early jump on potential replacements. There’s no reason to wait until after bowl games. Bowls generally are inconsequential, as it relates to a coach’s job security.
All that said, it would stunning if Martinez is back, certainly as coordinator. Martinez’s supporters shouldn’t get too drunk over the 30-24 season-ending win over Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs played better defense at times against Tech than they had this season. But the Jackets were held to only a field goal in the first half largely because Georgia’s running game kept Tech’s offense off the field. They had only four possessions. (The others: missed field goal, interception, time expired.) If any coach redeemed himself Saturday night, it probably was offensive line coach Stacy Searles, not Martinez.
In the second half, Tech scored touchdowns on three of its first four possessions and fumbled to end another drive near midfield.
As our Tim Tucker points out, Richt has done little to defuse speculation that he’ll make changes. Sometimes saying nothing on the subject — as he has done most of the season — is a greater indictment than anything else. Bottom line: Martinez’s body of work, and certainly the Dogs’ defensive problems the last two seasons, speaks loudly. Change is needed.
But regardless of Richt’s decision, he needs to clear the air quickly.
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481 comments Add your comment
Barry from Eastenders
November 30th, 2009
12:10 pm
Jeff — You do have my respect in that you do not attempt to censor criticism on your blogs, unlike Mr. Bradley. So kudos to you for that — seriously. However, with no foul language, no racist comments, or any other out of bounds rhetoric, Mark seems to believe it is okay to censor comments that take issue with his nonsense. Censorship is especially rich for someone who make a living from the 1st Amendment.
My apologies to you on the previous post, Bradley is clearly the title holder of “Baghdad Bob”.
HopefulDawg
November 30th, 2009
12:10 pm
“I agree” (12:01), Just remember who’s been coaching #9 for the past 3 years! You’ll see how overrated he is come NFL draft day……
mcdaviddawg
November 30th, 2009
12:11 pm
Richt showed what coaching can do, to bad he’s not been interested until the end of the season. We cannot have successful seasons without coaching. Next year will be the end of the Richt era. We had the boys to do the job this year and will again next year. Don’t expect any better results. Richt actually talked to players and coaches during the game, something he’s not done all season. Now with the win he’ll feel that he can go back to doing nothing. Please get us a real coach.
Wozzo the Wonder Dog
November 30th, 2009
12:12 pm
Borrowing from Dilbert, use humor: Coach Richt – “Knock, knock.” Willie – “Who’s there?” Coach Richt – “Not you anymore.”
Ted
November 30th, 2009
12:12 pm
oops
Metal Jacket
November 30th, 2009
12:12 pm
The game should have been won by the team who had the ball last. It was a good rivalry game. Johnson’s play calling was very uncharacteristic and awful on the last series. Johnson needs to get more serious about this game. Good victory DAWGS, glad to see you’re back. GO JACKETS!!!!
Taint Simons
November 30th, 2009
12:13 pm
Hey maggots, get ready for 362 more days of ((((30-24))))!!!! hahahahahahahaha
Billdawg69
November 30th, 2009
12:13 pm
No more turmoil needed. We’ve got a bowl game to play. Let CMR run the team, not a bunch of fair weather fans and newspaper goonies.
jim
November 30th, 2009
12:15 pm
This is reminds me of the Tiger Woods story this weekend. The longer you let it sit there, the more rumors,etc. will start. Richt needs to be pro active and announce one way or the other re: Martinez. Frankly, I say cut him loose or demote him. However, do something now.
RD
November 30th, 2009
12:16 pm
8-4, 7-6, 6-7. Get used to these numbers bulldog fans, these are your future records with the talent you have and will have with your coaching staff. Maybe you can secede from the SEC and join the ACC to win another championship, it’s your best bet.
GT
November 30th, 2009
12:17 pm
You got at least two teams in this state in need of defensive talent, Tech more so than Georgia. Tech is going to recruit as hard as it can while this is brewing in Athens. Also if you keep Martinez there is a good argument that a player at Tech will be better utilized since Georgia is filled up with five star recruits on defense that disappear one they are signed. Martinez is like the parent that loved his children too much. They ran the streets undisciplined losing games to lesser opponents and coming out against Tech only because of the humility teaching them what a good coach could have save them learning the hard way. Now Martinez will start with a new set of players who have learn nothing from this and chances are he has learn nothing either.
Dawgdad
November 30th, 2009
12:18 pm
Jeff, what do you know about sports anyway? It is noon on Monday and you expect action from Richt promptly on your schedule. How about, you explain how you and the other “experts” continue year after year to fall in love with these teams, who play no one of any quality and beat them by big margins. You then have no explanation for your enthusiam for the overrated teams once they meat a quality team and get their comeuppance. The ACC continues to pile up numbers against their own patsies and you experts get impressed. The first game of the season, FSU will beat VT and oh, you guys just fall in love, FSU is back better than ever. Then as the season progresses, you learn that neither team is worth a bucket of spit, but it is so much fun to get excited during that first game. I remember the hype over the FSU/Miami game this year. Two big powerhouses in full battle to the death. What a joke. Never forgert Terrance Moore and Bill Curry several years ago declaring that the ACC had arrived and was better than the SEC. Oh, we do love you analysts, as your poor judgement gives us fodder to ruminate on.
ACC champions!
November 30th, 2009
12:20 pm
UGA > Tech
USC > Clemson
UGA > USC
Kennesaw Dawg
November 30th, 2009
12:20 pm
Well, as I said about a week ago…. I heard UGA VII already went to Richt and said, “It’s either me or Willie…one of us has to go”. And we all know how that turned out. So I don’t expect that Richt is going to dump Willie now.
Saluki Mike
November 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
Agree! Start the inquisition forthwith.
dawggirl
November 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
What happened to the genius on Saturday . . . got beat by a team that is on the downward spiral? Jeff, why can’t you remove yourself from PJ’s backside for just a minute and admit that he . . . got out coached, out played and give UGA the credit that they deserve. They came out and wanted it more. Maybe CPJ will now understand that maybe this game is important to the Tech program.
Ted Striker
November 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
I don’t need to know what Richt is going to do about Martinez right now. Which means none of you — or even anyone else that matters — do either.
SaintSimonsPlaysWithMyNuts
November 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
Martinez is gone — so is Saint Simons stupid year long posts.
After 7 strait loosing seasons, tech gets lucky. Not this year…
((((30-24))))!!!! hahahahahahahaha
((((350 yards rushing))))!!!! hahahahahahahaha
cantondawg
November 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
mcdavidawg,
I knew we could depend on you to come up with the dumbest blog of the day. I had great faith in you. I believe you’ve won that contest 7 days running.
Bobby Cox
November 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
Keep Wilie. He’s a decent man and winning isn’t everything..great recuiter
Bubba
November 30th, 2009
12:22 pm
I’m sure Coach Richt appreciates your advice, Jeff. And after being right on all of your predictions and pontifications about the Georgia program, I’m sure he’ll act immediately.
Shannon
November 30th, 2009
12:24 pm
I agree with Tom, the Resident Georgia Fan.
Keep Willie but not as DC.
Please come back Saint Simons!
November 30th, 2009
12:25 pm
We will welcome you with open arms! Blahahahahahaha!
Mark "Baghdad Bob" Bradley
November 30th, 2009
12:25 pm
This just in, Tech defeats Ga on The Flats 30-24!!!!!
With a daring last drive offensive strategy, Paul Johnson orchestrated a thrilling comeback with an aerial assault reminiscent of Joe Montana’s last minute heroics against the Cowboys in the NFC Championship. Paul Johnson is 2-0 vs. Georgia and is closing in on Paul “Bear” Bryant, Eddie Robinson and Joe Paterno as the greatest coaches of our time. Truly, he is the new standard by which all other coaches are measured.
Big time?? Not
November 30th, 2009
12:26 pm
Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes. tech/clemson winner takes 5th in the SEC East
mcdaviddawg needs a brain transplant
November 30th, 2009
12:28 pm
To all fellow dawg fans,
It’s become obvious that base upon his comments that Mcdavidawg’s brain has stopped functioning. Can everyone please pitch in $1 to help him get a brain transplant. It won’t take much to replace the one that he has now since it’s very small.
boots
November 30th, 2009
12:29 pm
I am all for having the strongest coaching staff, and it is necessary to make some changes on the defensive side of the ball – we have had two years of giving up way too many points. However, since this is the week to make announcements, let Richt make the announcement. Publishing a call to announce first thing on Monday is ridiculous.
Marco Escuandolas
November 30th, 2009
12:29 pm
Give Me A Break…methinks your are m, Saint Simons, or Yellow Fuzz with a new name. Which is it? Why can’t you just take your medicine like a man you coward?
I think we need to get rid of Martinez…and that will happen soon judging from his teary eyes towards the end of the game. We also need to get rid of Bobo. He is not good.
As for DC? Get the guy from TCU and pay him enough to keep him for at least 5 years. Garner? If he wants to leave after the next DC is hired so be it. If his recruiting was that good, we wouldn’t have busts like Bryan Evans and frankly Rashad Jones before this past Saturday.
Incidentally, Rashad looked great Saturday.
Fabris should have his bags packed already. Even on a night with a great showing by 2 sides of the ball, Special Teams were still not special.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul!!!!!!!!!
Einsteindawg
November 30th, 2009
12:29 pm
Whoever has Saint Simmons and Yellow Fuzz, please keep ‘em…the check’s in the mail. As far as Willie, I think CMR is working out the details for him to take a coaching job at a smaller school (just like with Callaway); maybe DC at Memphis? I still think Kirby Smart will be our new DC. We have too many Steve Greer positions on the UGA payroll. Perhaps a better solution would be to eliminate some and hire a dedicated Special Teams coach rather than doing it by committee. Anyway, great win by our Dawgs!
Ronnie Reagan
November 30th, 2009
12:30 pm
Consider appointing him as a defensive czar! You don’t have to be qualified to be a czar! It would help if he owed back taxes! It’s only taxpayers oops………………athletic funds you will be spending!
Charleston DAWG
November 30th, 2009
12:30 pm
Anyone seen Saint Simmons???
Herschel Talker
November 30th, 2009
12:31 pm
Schultzie –
Completely agree. Especially since everyone already knows what’s going to happen, so why prolong it and keep people/recruits in the dark. Watching Martinez on Saturday night, he was wearing it on his face. He is a goner.
Dawg'94
November 30th, 2009
12:31 pm
Garner is the ONLY defensive coach that should stay. AND PLEASE Richt….you need to call the offense.
Robert08
November 30th, 2009
12:31 pm
One more time … 30-24
Coach J
November 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
I have followed much of the UGA coaching drama from a distance here in Tallahassee this year, so I am not privy to all the talk radio and speculation up there. But, Coach Searles is not the problem. Yes, there are changes needed at DC. Kickoff Coverage and DE, sure. But folks, take a long, hard look at the UGA Strength program. When was the last time a kid came in at 6′4″ 260 and bulked up to 290/300? Has AJ Green gotten any more ripped or faster since his 2 years in the program? No. Coaching starts in off-season drills, get the kids physically and mentally tougher during the off-season so they don’t have to get in shape and grow up in the first 30 days of the fall. Discipline begins with getting up at 6am to go lift weights on those cold FEB mornings. And that is the one area that will affect every position on the field. Go get Dick Bumpas from TCU, Maybe Bill Johnson from the Saints and Chris Doyle from Iowa.
backroads
November 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
Jeff — PJ obviously didn’t use his 2-weeks effectively to prepare for the Georgia game. Coach Richt had less than a week and the DAWGS were extremely well-prepared. According to you and Mark Bradley, PJ is a superior strategist. I think this proves that PJ may just be a “flash-in-the pan” coach who has had some luck. It also doesn’t hurt to play in a weak conference where the best teams would be in the middle to lower part of the SEC. After the first quarter, it became obvious that Tech isn’t used to the physical and hard-nosed game that is played in the SEC every week.
Give it Up Shultz
November 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
Shultz, just admit it, you blew it. You jumped on the GT bandwagon and the tires fell off. Live with it. Richt can do what he wants to, he’s a coach, you’re a dweeb loser. Like your early days of sports writing you should only charge the AJC $5 per article. You’d still be coming out ahead.
LCDawg
November 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
Our recruits are fine. Read dawpost.com, uga.rivals.com etc NOT the AJC for those updates. If the recruit only wants to go to UGA because of Willie…oh well. NEVER let a recruit(s) dictate that kind of decision. Rumor has it that Tuberville is all lined up. Maybe Willie is willing to stick around as a DB coach?
Gen Neyland
November 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
Schultz is right about this. Gotta look at the season as a whole and not a couple of games in which things went well. There have been way to many undisciplined occurences on the D side the past few years that I’d be willing to bet didn’t happen up under the likes of, say, Erk Russell…If they did then I’ll admit I don’t know what my eyes and stats tell me.
JB
November 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
I’d hate to be Mark Richt this week…..Willie Martinez is not only a friend, I think they are BEST friends….
I’ve heard rumors that Coach Martinez has/will resign, because he knows it’s the right thing to do for his BEST friend and that Mark is trying to figure what he ( willie) can do at UGA, based on other rumors we’re hearing, aka Garner leaving. He could become Recruiting Cord. ????? We do need help on D, and the man just can’t improve it. Mark has been around the college game long enough to know that just because you get a new Def. Cord, things will improve. Then here ya go. We lose a lot of beef on the front defensive line, and for the sake of me, who’s coming back. I think we’re pretty darn good on offense next year, and regardless of who is coaching the Defense, they will be in for a tough job.
Willie Martinez Showed Up
November 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
Bobo’s O gave up 3 or 4 TO’s in 4 out 5 losses.
No DC could win with that kind of ball protection.
Willie’s D gave up 0 100 yard rushers ALL SEASON. Richt NORMALLY wins about 93% of those games.
Willie took on the #1 2007, 2008, and 2009 OC and beat them (Gus’s Aubrun, and Tech PJ).
Bobo got killed when he took on a good D like Tenn or Flo.
Bobo called a 54% pass play mix the 1st 7 games of this year, when teams like Florida are calling a 66% RUN play mix.
Bobo has only RECENTLY SWITCHED to a run strategy under EXTREME scrutiny.
Dawg Days
November 30th, 2009
12:34 pm
The speculation also needs to end for any promising defensive recruits that might be coming our way. “Are you going to be there Mr. Martinez?”
VolNation
November 30th, 2009
12:34 pm
Keep Willie Martinez!
Alabama Jack
November 30th, 2009
12:34 pm
Darn, we gave up 3 BCS points from 7th to 10th to keep Willie’s job and allow the dawgs to be in the final regular season top 50. Don’t go throw all that away. Besides, I hear the red head one has at least one half year eligibility for the games this year in which he did not actively participate.
Also would the dawg who left the extra small jock strap in the ladies room at BDS come forward and claim same.
murfdawg
November 30th, 2009
12:34 pm
We have six weeks after the bowl game to keep recruiting. If any recruit would not come to UGA because WM is not there, we don’t want him.
Mark "Baghdad Bob" Bradley
November 30th, 2009
12:35 pm
The keys to the Jacket victory over the Dawgs this past Saturday was the determined effort at stopping the run. Georgia tried time and time again to run against a stalwart Jacket defense, but to no avail. Dave Wommack matched Bobo in a battle of wits and was the clear victor. The other keys to the game were the dynamic running of Jonathan Dwyer who repeatedly gashed Georgia up the middle in what almost certainly was a Heisman solidifying effort. Colt McCoy will be invited to the Downtown Athletic Club, but it will only be a formality as Dwyer is the presumptive winner after his 320 yard performance against the defeated Dawgs.
30-24 GO DAWGS
November 30th, 2009
12:36 pm
I highly doubt anything will be announced until AFTER the bowl game. Recruits? Georgia is doing just fine with recruiting, Shultzy. I don’t think it will mess up our recruiting that bad. And Mark Richt & Co. still has one more game to coach, until the season is officially over, I don’t expect him to say one way or the other about Martinez.
Dawg Days
November 30th, 2009
12:36 pm
And why weren’t we running the ball up and down the field all season instead of just this last Saturday? Cox is not talented enough, as we have all seen, to pass the ball consistently. Did Bobo think he would somehow morph into a Stafford?
True Dawg Fan.
November 30th, 2009
12:36 pm
Jeff
Please stick to writing about sports and leave the coaching to those who do that for a living. You can report on whatever takes place. Coach Richt will do whats right as he has a thing called integrity.
Thanks and GO DAWGS !
Dawg Fan
November 30th, 2009
12:36 pm
Garner will be the next DC.