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
Reality Check
November 30th, 2009
12:37 pm
Johnny Test – Why in the world would that happen? My guess is it will be this week or after the conference championships sometime next week. You obviously don’t have a clue. This isn’t pro football.
The Sham
November 30th, 2009
12:37 pm
Jeff (the real one): Richt may not have said much over the last month, bc he proclaimed it earlier that Willie’s not going anywhere! These 2 are like brothers. He may demote him, but it would be a cold day on the Flats before he sends Willie packing.
Saint Simons: Where you at big dawg? I guess we won’t be hearing from you until Haley’s Comet comes around again??? My guess is you’ll still be living in your mama’s basement then!
WOW
November 30th, 2009
12:39 pm
I see the Dawg Fans lined up on Bradley’s column and hardly a glimmer here about the UGA program. Is it that you care more about GT and the ACC than you do about the SEC and UF and UT and the other opponents that you have on your schedule? You beat a GT team that was ranked #7 and going to play in thier conference championship….GREAT WIN FOR UGA!!!! But what about your own conference? What about the Fire Mark Richt and Willie Martinez and Mike Bobo chants that were heard for most of the season? I know that most UGA fans are realistic and are generally civil but you have way tooooo many sidewalk fans who talk smack and cannot even tell you who half the players on UGA are!!!!! Please be intelligent folks and make a good argument. You beat GT and wanted to fire your Head Coach, Def. Coordinator, and Off. Coordinator the week before this game you just won.
Where was the defense that played GT been this year? Why did UGA wait till the last game to let the RB run and play? Where was the OL play? All these are valid questions for a UGA fan to be asking….Not calling for a firing of your Head Coach like you were doing. In Bradleys column he said that CPJ said the game was not that important….that is BS in the players and fans mind…..In his mind it is just another game and it is HUGE for recruiting and for the future of the program. But do UGA fans really care more about beating GT or Florida? So then answeryour own question….GT wanted to win that game and a loss hurt GT more than it helped UGA. If (and remember a few years back when UGA beat Florida) UGA would have beat UF then the GT game really means more. As for the smack talked by GT fans….take a reality check pill UGA fans you talk way more smack when you beat UF than GT fans ever talk.
That said…..To Be The Best You Have To Beat The Best!!!!!! UGA played the best game that they played the whole year…..5 penalties for 35 yds when thier avg was 10 for around 85 yds. They got only the 2nd fumble recovery of the yr against GT. They only turned it over 1 time. And the offense moved the ball and the OL played GREAT!!!! So did UGA deserve to win? YES!!! Did GT make too many mistakes? YES!!! So they lost. On to the ACCCG and then see what happens. For UGA some more 5 star recruits that perform like 3 star against UF 3 times every 20 yrs. So does it make you gloat taht you beat a team on the field that you out recruit, that plays in your words a weak conference, and that you have beaten 8 of 9 yrs. Go ahead.
But what you need to think about is what happened to the FIRE chants of the last couple of weeks and is all forgiven and forgotten. You beat GT and lost to the team that is constantly winning the SEC East and doesn’t every team play for championships? Gt is and Uf is and Texas is……..What is UGA playing for? The GA state title in recruiting and beating GT? Guys stop being obnoxious and start realizing that you win some and lose some but it is a game and name calling is childish and asking that someone lose thier job because you disagree is wrong. What if your coworkers, clients, customers asked that you be fired because they didnt like you or your work….How would you feel? This is just a reality check for MOST UGA Fans!!!!!
Willie Martinez Showed Up
November 30th, 2009
12:39 pm
Bobo was:
LAST in the NCAA in # of running plays called after 7 games.
LAST in rushing in the SEC for most of the season.
LAST in time of possession for most of the season.
LAST in offensive giveaways per game.
d
November 30th, 2009
12:39 pm
Stacy Searles? Thats the first i’ve heard of him being on the hot seat. I considered him one of the stronger parts of our coaching staff. Granted we haven’t run the ball well this season (minus the tech game), but we have had injuries. Also, i think recruits like Brent Benedict choose UGA because of the strength and reputation of our O line coach.
GW
November 30th, 2009
12:39 pm
Blogging has ruined AJC sports. Shultz(Hogan’s Heros???) and Bradley couldn’t research a real story for the love of money. Of course it is cheaper to pay two bottom rate sportswriters to sit at their computer and speculate. Neither has any conviction about a stance they take. They both change daily.
UGA FAN
November 30th, 2009
12:39 pm
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs075.snc3/14254_1231591306067_1117650446_30752385_1928007_n.jpg
Achem, check this out ACC FANS!!!!
SEC FANATIC
November 30th, 2009
12:39 pm
We love Willie!!!!
Chuck Uga
November 30th, 2009
12:40 pm
HEY JEFF:
Mark Richt needs to make (and will make) his decisions on HIS timetable, not any particular sportswriter’s or Georgia Fan’s timetable. It’s not exactly an easy process to demote (or worse yet) ask one of your best friends and college roommates to resign. He will make the correct decision, he doesn’t have any choice. But a slightly irrelevant newspaper and a bunch of fans aren’t running the Georgia football program. Any anyone who does think they are that important needs to check into rehab. This issue is between Damon Evans and Mark Richt. Period. The rest can taka a hike!
True Dawg
November 30th, 2009
12:40 pm
One day people will realize that Mark Richt does not run his program based on what bloggers, fans and sports writers who have never played a down of football think. He will make his announcement on his time and will do what he, and he alone, thinks is best for the Georgia program. Despite the disappoinment of the past two seasons, Mark Richt’s calm memeanor and level head have stood us in good stead for the past nine seasons. If football programs were run by public opinion Urban Meyer would be the only coach whose employment is secure…and his might be in question after Saturday.
HBTD
November 30th, 2009
12:41 pm
Jeff. I’m just not sure if Willie is totally at fault here. For example, against tech, he had players perfectly positioned to make plays on two occasions that would have ended tech drives that led to a TD.
1. CB is in position to tackle Thomas on 76 yard gallup, but gets stuffed. That’s not Willie’s fault. The player has got to make the tackle or at least slow him down until help arrives.
2. DE is in perfect position to make tackle for loss on the reverse in 3rd quarter, but does not wrap up. Play goes for 26 yards instead of 5 yard loss. Drive ends in a TD.
These two plays alone led to 14 tech points, but should have ended in tech punts IF the players execute what Willie has schemed.
Andy in Athens
November 30th, 2009
12:41 pm
Why don’t you allow him to do the job we pay him to do? The man is a head coach at a major D1 program for a reason. He knows how to run a football program. Let him do his job. Maybe he wants to get a replacement lined up, maybe he’s trying to work out the logistics of how this will play out and what will happen to Martinez. Maybe he’s trying to have respect and allow Martinez to line up a job elsewhere. No matter what he’s doing, it’s none of our business until he decides to tell us. I’m a contributing Alumni and deserve as much as any fan. It’s a business decision and should be on a need to know basis. While all of us want to know, none of us needs to know. Carry on, CMR, and do the great job you’ve always done. Go Dawgs.
LESD
November 30th, 2009
12:41 pm
Jeff, the guy has had 36 hours since the game ended. Whatever is going on behind the scenes might take a couple more days to coordinate. Go cover Tiger Woods. By the time you’ve gotten Tiger on the record, Richt will be ready to answer your questions.
By the way, Tech is soft.
HBTD
November 30th, 2009
12:42 pm
One other thing I’m sure CMR must weigh into the decision is the effect that a change in coaching staff will have on recruiting.
goober
November 30th, 2009
12:42 pm
Hire Will Muschamp as the new DC. Offer Willie another job where he can’t do any damage, keeping CMR happy. Or let Willie choose another team.
Why Muschamp? He’s a fiery, intense competitor and a proven defensive success. He’s coached with some of the best around … Nick Saban, Mack Brown, and Auburn. He’s a Georgia man through-and-through, with deep roots from Rome GA and UGA from ‘91-’94. Forget the “head coach-in-waiting” thing at Texas … Brown will be there for many more years, plus FSU and Jimbo Fisher are proving that is a dangerous and unproven concept. The lawyers can handle the legal end of things. GA will pay him at least what he is making now.
Don’t think he’ll come? Ha! When Mama calls, he will come. UGA is Mama, the dear alma mater, the loving nourishing Mother, calling Will Home. Ray Charles sang it best:
Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through.
Just an old sweet song, keeps Georgia on my mind.
I said Georgia … Georgia, a song of you.
Comes as sweet and clear, as moonlight through the pines.
Other arms reach out to me, other eyes smile tenderly.
Still in peaceful dreams I see, the road leads back to you.
I said Georgia, ooh Georgia, no peace I find.
Just an old sweet song, keeps Georgia on my mind.
Just get Dooley, and Herschel, and CMR, and Damon, and a few old teammates (though not Bobo), and go see Will Muschamp. And tell him, “Mama’s calling you home, Will. And we’re not going home without you.”
I’ll let someone else handle replacing Bobo.
Fort Worth Dawg
November 30th, 2009
12:43 pm
If y’all want I can drive over to TCU and ask the current DC to come to Athens. His name is Dick Bumpas, and here’s his bio: http://gofrogs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/bumpas_dick00.html
dawgster
November 30th, 2009
12:43 pm
Lets not forget that Coach Garner who is a very valuable recruiter and coach for the dawgs may be in the mix and should be if Coach M. is removed. I have a feeling that if he is not named DC he will be going elsewhere…Would Coach M. accept another position on the coaching staff, maybe, but not sure how that would work if Coach Garner was made the DC..What DC out there now that we would want make a lateral move to take over the Dawg defense? Muschamp, Smart, Van Gorder..I hope everyone will not rush Coach Richt into this decision just for change sake…keep in mind whatever happens will affect recruiting very much so and we will probably lose some committments, however if the right choice is made then we also may gain some that were not previously in the picture…Very tough decisiion for Coach Richt as the DC is not the only coach on staff that will be affected by a major chamge…Next year may have to be viewed as an adjustment year and can the dawgnation accept that with alot of changes….
john
November 30th, 2009
12:44 pm
Gosh darn Jeff, maybe CMR should give you a call and ask what will work out best for you. The new defensive coordinator is already known. Sorry Jeff, you didn’t make the short list. I suspect the short list you are on is not one all would appreciate. Delt is reay when you are!! Dawgs gonna be just fine. It will be 90 wins in 9 years. Hey Jeff, don’t you wish you could knock one out of the park just one year with your employer. Happy Holidays!! John
Middle Dawg
November 30th, 2009
12:44 pm
The correct spelling is: S-e-a-r-E-L-s. He’s been at UGA three years now. It’s past time you sportswriters learned how to spell his name.
30-24 GO DAWGS
November 30th, 2009
12:44 pm
Dawg days… our offensive line did not step up at the beginning of the season. You can’t run the ball if they can’t block and create holes for them to run through. We went through five different O Line rotations until we found one that WORKED. Saturday was a prime example of the big boys on the line working and creating gaps. We’ve been missing that kind of effort most of the year. As for Cox, he can throw an alright deep ball but can’t throw a ten yard screen to save his life. And Stafford always over threw the deep balls. We need a Cox/Stafford blend.
Richt's 1 Question
November 30th, 2009
12:45 pm
Why do we keep losing to Florida?
If he can figure that one out, he will beat Florida every year, win the SEC, and be playing for Natl Championship many times.
The Dirt
November 30th, 2009
12:47 pm
Take this for what it’s worth, but while home in South GA for Thanksgiving, spoke with a high level financial supporter that said Martinez is gone. He turned in his resignation before/during the Auburn game (hence the long hug between CMR and CWM after the game). Basically understand that CMR asked for the resignation. Again, take it for what it’s worth.
JB
November 30th, 2009
12:47 pm
There was an election Saturday night. There was a new Sheriff elected. His name is MARK RICHT. He had little hope, little to run on and not many people to listen to him. No one at the AJC gave him ANY chance. Some said the old Sheriff, this Johnson fellow, had a tongue as silver as Obama, and nearly cussed as well also. But low and behold, the people spoke, and THERE is a new Sheriff in town. His name is Mark Richt. law and order is restored. His first act was to put out a APB on this “m” fellow. LMAO.
uga_b
November 30th, 2009
12:47 pm
As much as I am ready to see Willie step down as DC, I respect the man as a person. From all I have heard, he is a classy individual and I wished it had worked out better for him. I support our team doing this the right way and it is possible that they are waiting til after the championship games to talk to Kirby Smart or someone of that ilk.
Mark "Baghdad Bob" Bradley
November 30th, 2009
12:48 pm
With Saturday night’s victory, the Jackets continued their reign of dominance in this series. Georgia Tech has now won 8 of 9 in this series and there is no sign that Georgia will be able to turn the tide during the tenure of Paul Johnson. Tech imposed their will upon the Dawgs and were clearly the more physical ball club.
30-24 GO DAWGS
November 30th, 2009
12:48 pm
Forth Worth Dawg… I’d love to have Bumpas. He’s one of the best in the business. And I’m positive Georgia has the $$$$ to get him to leave TCU. Frankly, I think he’s worth being a head coach somewhere, but I’d love to see us snatch him up.
Coach J
November 30th, 2009
12:48 pm
True Dawg and Chuck you are right on. CMR will make his decisions on his timetable. After all, he is the only one out of all the writers, bloggers and posters here who can claim he gets paid $2M plus to coach football. So, I think he would know a thing or two about running a program.
That said, I think even he realizes sometimes you need new blood, some new perspectives and new ideas. So, I expect he will make some changes. But he is still the best football coach in GA and I trust he will do what is best for UGA football.
Fort Worth, I will venture he has already been given a phone call.
outkasted
November 30th, 2009
12:49 pm
I say Richt give this staff one more yr b4 changes r made…. Next yr on Defense DEs- Houston Jr, Washington So, Robinson So DTs-Tyson Jr, Jones So, Dobbs Sr. LBs- Gamble Sr. Dowtin Jr. Williams Jr, Gilliard So, Vasser Rfr DBs- Boykins Jr, Smith So, Rambo So, Pugh So, Commings So, Banks Sr, Cuff Sr, Love Rfr, Williams So…. I see a lot of young athletes with alot of speed on that defense next yr…. glad to see bryan evans gone (if Banks wasn’t injured evans wouldn’t have been playin) hope jones goes pro but if he stays l hate the refs took that hit from him against oklahoma st… hope curran leaves too but if he stays thats good too but he cant cover in the pass gm… also looking for some freshmen to possibly contribute ie Olgetree… glad prince miller is gone too…. on offense new qb either Gray Jr, Murray or Mberger Rfrs, Rbs- Ealey So, King Jr nice 1-2 punch, Wrs- Green Jr, King So, Wooten So, Durham Sr, Troupe Jr, Brown So, Rogers Fr TEs- Charles So, White Jr, Figgins Sr (really hurt not having him blocking in the run gm early in the yr) Fbs Chapas and Munzenmaier return as Srs Ol- Anderson Jr, Boling Sr, Both Davis Sr, Glenn Jr, Jones Jr, Hopefully Sturdivant Jr, basically the whole line returns and hopefully eliminating the penalties which cost them plenty of 1st downs that hurt all yr….. that being said basically 9 or 10 returning on offense and 5, 6 or 7 returning on defense with Both walsh and butler returning Jrs…..with the schedule they have i’m very excited about next year…. thats my opinion so u dont have to try and persuade me otherwise u think what u think and i’ll keep thinking my way plus Jeff u have never done recruiting so u dont know the relationships that have been form so please give it a rest why dont u talk about Ga tech and what they sould do with their coaching staff………
Carroll Dawg
November 30th, 2009
12:49 pm
Garner is gone. History. Been a done deal for 3 weeks
jokurone
November 30th, 2009
12:50 pm
Damon step up and get a big time DC to go with CMR and win the long awaited MNC GO Dawgs!!
mudcat
November 30th, 2009
12:51 pm
If he strikes out a lot, he could take Greg Norton’s old job.
Alabama Jack
November 30th, 2009
12:51 pm
My, my how you dawg fans ratlle on…Have you made your plans for the SEC Championship yet? We will be in Tampa trying to win the ACC Championship and you will be ?????
Maybe Notre Dame will Hire Nick Saban as head coach, Urban Meyer as defensive coordinator,. Les Miles as offensive coordinator, Layne Kiffin will take his Dad with him to the pros, Rich Brooks and the old Ball coach will retire, so then all you have to worry about is Vanderbilt, Auburn, Ole Miss, Miss State, Arkansas, and whomever you play out of conference. Wouldn’t that be nice?
BTW, CPJ is staying at Tech.
Porty
November 30th, 2009
12:54 pm
Willie is gone. Garner is gone. One rumor I have heard is that the DC is already on the staff.
goober, why would Muschamp leave Texas, as the heir apparant to Brown, to be DC for a team that is peaked and is spiraling downward? He’s making big cash at Tx and it’s a much bigger program.
DUMBO
November 30th, 2009
12:55 pm
JEFF GO CHASE THE STORY ON TIGER WOODS, NOBODY CARES WHAT YOU THINK!! YOU DON’T MAKE QUICK DECISION’S ON SOMEBODY’S JOB NO MATTER HOW BAD THEY HAVE DONE! MAYBE THE AJC NEEDS TO LOOK AT SOME OF IT’S SPORTS WRITERS JS!!
More Miles
November 30th, 2009
12:55 pm
About 50% of the dogs fans posting here are idiots. How do you morons get through the day without getting chewed up in a piece of machinery or killed driving the wrong way dwon an interstate? You win your biggest game of the year and all of the sudden, all sportswriters are fools. I hope Richt keeps the whole staff. We bounced Tech last year. You morons gort lucky at the end.
More Miles
November 30th, 2009
12:56 pm
GOT, not gort.
Jackoffs can't carry a dawgs jock
November 30th, 2009
12:56 pm
Can Willie’s ass NOW…. Let him coach in whatever bowl game… However, let all know that he’s (like so many other coaches this time of year) a lameduck coach…
JB
November 30th, 2009
12:56 pm
Alabama Jack………………We can still smell the stinch of Bama BS ( before Saban) and the record number of lawyers trying to keep that program from the death penalty, so run along and beat Florida this week, I’ll be pulling for you while holding my nose, but you better bring a better game than you did to Auburn.
Dawgs73
November 30th, 2009
12:56 pm
Jeff, I agree that timing is everything but Richt has proven to be very weak when making needed changes. I honestly don’t think Martinez will be gone. Here’s my rationale.
If Mark was to going to make a change, it would have already happened. He will allow slick Willie to remain in place and whatever weak opponent UGA plays (in whatever bowl they go to)will be Richt’s reason to keep him. He will refuse to look at Martinez’s complete body of work and excuse the HUGE deficiencies that slick Willie has displayed.
My suggestion: Keep slick Willie as the assistant to Mark’s wife and anoint him the prestigous title of Water Boy. He could serve up the finest H20 and still allow Richt to weasil his way out of firing him.
Richt's 1 Question
November 30th, 2009
12:58 pm
Why do we keep losing to Florida? If we beat Florida, we can win the SEC, then play for the Natl Champ a few times.
Why do we keep losing to Florida?
2009- 3 TO Giveaway Int’s (Georgia Loses)
2008- 4 TO’S Giveaways (Georgia Loses)
2007- 0 TO’s/Giveaways (Georgia Wins)
2006- 4 TO’s Giveaways (Georgia Loses)
30-24 GO DAWGS
November 30th, 2009
12:58 pm
Yeah we “gort” lucky alright. 339 yards rushing and only needing 14 passing plays is getting lucky. We’re definitely not 50% idiots, but you’re definitely 100% azzhole!
BayouBenjie
November 30th, 2009
1:01 pm
You losers beat Tech and now you are number one in the country? You lost 5 games morons. The buttsniffers ain’t schitt! Enjoy that toilet bowl you’re going to.
J-DAWG
November 30th, 2009
1:01 pm
Where’s VanGorder??????????
Georgia Girl
November 30th, 2009
1:02 pm
The AJC should fire Jeff Schultz now before another day passes!
sore loser
November 30th, 2009
1:02 pm
Jeff Schultz is just being a sore loser. He clearly wanted tech to win, and now has to find some other way to attack the bulldawgs. What a queer
Eric
November 30th, 2009
1:03 pm
You are simple, Simon. Any SEC team who plays error free ball will win 9 out of 10. Duh!
Dude, where's the logic here?
November 30th, 2009
1:04 pm
Willie better be let go from the whole damn staff. HE is terrible. And Jeff and all Georgia fans, have you gotten how bad Bozo The Clown is too? C’mon people. This whole thing falls on Richt. HE’s dedicated to the point of self-desctrucion.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
November 30th, 2009
1:04 pm
UGA was good at three things this year – punting, field goal kicking and turning the ball over. We will miss Joe Cox and his 15 interceptions next year and, just see, the defense will miraculously be a lot better.
Bubba
November 30th, 2009
1:04 pm
Shultz Brilliance:
This season has confirmed what we suspected last season: Tech is a program on the rise and Georgia is the one sliding.
Ger P
November 30th, 2009
1:05 pm
Schultz, how much football did you play beyond midget league and how many organizations, companies, or work groups have you managed. You’re a writer because there’s nothing else you’re capable of doing ….leave the man alone and write something of substance.