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
pilgrim
November 30th, 2009
2:59 pm
Richt needs to end speculation:
1) How many seconds allowed with the Gatorade bucket when margin of victory exceeds 6 points?
2) What is the TIME OUT for penalties in non-critical situations?
3) What is the ratio of coached-up five star recruits to non coached-up five star recruits?
Joe Isuzu
November 30th, 2009
3:00 pm
Jeff, there you go stirring up the natives again, LOL. This is all simple, he’s bringing in Kirby Smart but can’t announce anything until after the Fla-Bama game this weekend. I know this from watching episodes of The Mentalist while sleeping in a Holiday Inn Express. You have my word on it.
Sambo
November 30th, 2009
3:00 pm
Garner not staying. This will be second time passed over for DC
gdawginkalamzoo
November 30th, 2009
3:02 pm
Richt can’t promote from within either. No way. It would be worse than that coach-in-waiting thing at FSU. When does Jimbo get a say in how things are done? Or does he already have a say? If so, why are things so bad there? Jancek was promoted to Asst. DC why did things get worse this year? Damn I ask a lot of questions.
Stats
November 30th, 2009
3:04 pm
Weis has officially been fired at Notre Dame (see espn.com). Fire WM, if Kirby Smart won’t take the job, hire Jon Tenuta.
LAKE OCONEE DAWG
November 30th, 2009
3:04 pm
COACH RICHT:
GUESS YOU BETTER LISTEN TO SCHULTZIE, HE SHOWS BY PICKING TECH LAST WEEK THAT HE IS ONE TO LISTEN TO…WHAT A DUMBA$$ HE IS TO INTERJECT A TIMETABLE OVER UGA ATHLETIC DEPT. BUSINESS TO COACH RICHT AFTER RIDING THE BULLDOG COACHING STAFF AND PLAYERS INTO THE GROUND ALL YEAR WHILE RIDING ON THE LOVE TRAIN WITH PAUL JOHNSON AND THE YELLER JACKETS…SCHULTZIE, YOU STILL GOT A BUNCH OF EGG ON YOUR FACE, SO PLEASE TRY TO EXPLAIN TO THE READERS HOW YOU COULD HAVE GOTTEN SOMETHING SO WRONG…OH, YOU WERE BRASH, YOU JUST KNEW IT WAS GONNA BE A BLOWOUT, PAUL WAS HAVING YOU AND BRADLEY OVER TO HIS HOUSE AFTER THE GAME, AND THEN “KAFLUEE”….YOU AND BRADLEY WERE ABOUT TO GET PAUL JOHNSON MIXED UP WITH THE REAL PAUL, PAUL “BEAR” BRYANT….THE “BEST LITTLE PLAYCALLER OF ALL TIME” WAS OUTFOXED BY OLE WILLY ON SATURDAY NIGHT, 33 YDS. TO THE BIG STUD WHO WILL BE A #1 ROUND DRAFT CHOICE…AND 41 MORE TO NESBITT, WHO SEEMED CONFUSED BY WILEY WILLIE’S 4-3 SCHEME….DAWGS BLEW UP THE MIDLINE, ONLY THING CONSISTENT WAS THE QUICK PITCH…SCHULTZIE HAS HAD THE “FIRE WILLIE” SIGN UP ALL YEAR, YET YOU SAY LITTLE ABOUT TECH’S DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR…YOU AND BRADLEY LEARNED ONE THING FROM OLE TERRANCE MOORE BEFORE HE LEFT, HOW TO PICK A LOSER AND HOW TO MAKE EVERYONE HATE YOU FOR YOUR ARROGANCE…TERRANCE NEVER ADMITTED MAKING A MISTAKE IN HIS WRITINGS, EITHER….
Bulldog
November 30th, 2009
3:08 pm
AJC needs to end speculation about Schultz.A person that could not compete in “putt-putt” hiding
behind a typewriter.
DROCK
November 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Not a WM fan …but the Dawgs were ranked 31st in total yards given up by defense…we need a change but you must also look at the fact that the Offense/Special Teams gave the ball away which led to easy scores for the other team…and turn over ratio….I think our best defensive move might be to find an new Offensive Coord
Shankit
November 30th, 2009
3:15 pm
I would hire Chris Hatcher as my offensive coordinator,
if he would come. Best quarterback coach in the country.
Won the Harland trophy as a player.
Coached Dusty Bonner at Kentucky as a sophomore, led SEC in passing.
Coached Dusty Bonner at VSU, won two more Harlan trophies.
Won national championships as player and coach.
Got a bad rap by GSU.
Guarantee you he would put points on the board with his schemes
and misdirection with the talent Georgia has.
Tailback U
November 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
Jeff, I know that Martinez has to go but I trust CMR to make the right call pertaining to the time table as to when. I got to say that
saturday’s game is validity to my assertions and complaints I have
stated previously about CMR’s coaching philosophy. I read a lot of
of criticism about Bobo and his poor play calling and trust me I share
some frustration about his decisions, but they reality is that he was
trained for his position by CMR and carries on CMR’s philosophies.
I read occasional posts wanting CMR to take over playcalling duties.
Do you folk not remember the calls for CMR to surrender those duties
to someone else? Georgia always has been at its best when it puts
the proper amount of emphasis on the running game. Look at championship SEC play in the past . Florida and Alabama have done
a good job stressing a good rush game albeit they go about it in a
completely different manner. With the exception of the Spurrier
days the way to winning SEC championships has been and will continue
to be ground based. Gotta run well and gotta stop the run.
If we think that just getting a new DC fixes everything we are likely
in for more disappointment. Tubberville once claimed that CMR would
eventually learn that they way to go in the SEC is to run the football.
Personally I have not seen much evidence that he has learned that lesson
up to this point. CMR is all about “balance” and that is why even when
the running game is dominant he will try to throw the ball . I am not
calling for CMR to be fired because his overall coaching is a fine fit
for UGA. But I am convinced that we Dawg fans may as well get used
to the idea that in years like this one in which we don’t have
superior quarterback play we can expect more than our fair share of
needless losses. Good news is this coach can recruit top notch
quarterbacks with the best of them.
Ron Roberts
November 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
Their being best friends, to me, will only make this easier. If Willie has his best friend’s interests at heart, he’ll know that a demotion (if offered) is best for the organization and its head coach (aka his “best friend”).
I think Richt’s not making a decision at the moment has more to do with recruits who like Martinez who want reassurances that he’s still going to be there. That’s fine; get ‘em here, sign ‘em, then let the decision-making happen. He’s been instrumental in RECRUITING great talent; it’s at the X’s and O’s that he’s failed the program, not evolving as the S.E.C.’s offenses have.
Pi$$onaDog
November 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
We lost but I am still full of myself!
gdawginkalamzoo
November 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
Seems to me that Garner has a great position as it is. Makes plenty. Gets recognized for his talents and there doesn’t seem to be any criticism thrown his way.
Afternoon links: Ingram will be limited | Gulf Coast GameDay
November 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
[...] Jeff Schultz of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says Georgia coach Mark Richt should end the speculation and make a quick decision on the fate of defensive coordinator Willie Martinez. [...]
South GA Dawg in Exile
November 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
Get rid of BOBO and Martinez, put Richt on 1 year probation. Either Richt wins against FL and TN or he is gone…Stop the nonsense with having quiet time with the players, etc…How about running wind sprints up and down Sanford Stadium steps when you draw a penalty or make a stupid play…There is no good excuse for the number of penalties caused by our team – it indicates a complete lack of discipline and attention to detail…The butt grabbing after good plays, etc should be replaced with get your butt back in the huddle and get ready for another head busting play up the middle..Boys we need to get tough and play smash mouth football..Richt needs to lose the hair gel, designer slacks and polo shirts and start jerking some knots in some butts up there in Athens…This team is uncoached and undisciplined…He has squandered talent and opportunities at 2 national championships if he had the testicles to fire martinez several years ago….We need another Brian VanGorder or a reincarnated Erk (God Rest His Soul)….I can still picture the blood on the forehead of Erk from head butting players with his bare head….These players and coaches need to start understanding that it is a priveledge to play football at UGA and start acting like it…Get some testicles and start playing well disciplined tough football instead of playing some panty wearing Miami or FSU leftover trickery…I am fed up with the whole coaching staff…Heck – fire them all and start over!
Ron Roberts
November 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
Oh, and Tenuta did little to enhance Notre Dame’s defense. No thanks.
Sambo
November 30th, 2009
3:29 pm
Richt is fighting the changes per my sources
Possible he is going too
sorry for Richt
Gator Fan
November 30th, 2009
3:33 pm
UGA better acquire some better football players first! I do not see many NFL players on this roster. Sometimes the players have to take the next step in becoming better football players.
Coach Meyers is making his players better every game! Gator Chomp!
UGA fans do not even think you will have a chance to win next year!
Atlgator
November 30th, 2009
3:35 pm
Richt – biggest putz in the land. Orders his troops in 2007 to celebrate their first score against the worst Florida D in 50 years like a pack of wayward puppies. Then berates his guys for dumping ice on him with 30 seconds left in the GT win. I had respect for him. After watching his “zeros” explanation afterward I nearly puked in my mouth. Putz.
Alabama Jack
November 30th, 2009
3:37 pm
Hey, 30-24 GO DAWGS – at least our guys aren’t in jail, a$$hole..
boog
November 30th, 2009
3:38 pm
Surpisingly enough Schultz, I agree with you 100% … But on to more poignant matters…
After Clemson beats Tech too are you going to realize that Paul the Great …ain’t and Tech will always suck hind tit to Georgia…as much as you hate to admit.
Shankit
November 30th, 2009
3:39 pm
South Georgia In Exile
You have hit the nail on the head.
Georgia players are out of shape,
don’t practice hard enough,
and nobody seems to care.
They never go on the field expecting
to beat a rival.
Sanford Drive
November 30th, 2009
3:40 pm
Yes, let’s talk about the 2007 endzone dance. That’s about as relevant as the Florida Flop.
SEC fan
November 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
Jeff,
GT has allowed over 200 yds rushing 3 times this year. All 3 times to SEC teams who ended up middle to bottom of the SE Conference. Wanna talk a little more about UGA’s defense problems? How bout GTs defense? Anytime they play an SEC team their defense looks weak. LSU embarassed GT last year in the chicken bowl and LSU was not in the top of the SEC. Now UGA beats GT and piles up the most rushing yards of any game since RIcht has been at UGA. GT needs to either get a decent DC or forget about ever being significant. Offense at GT is really good but defense is equally as bad. Looking forward to your future articles regarding the ineptness of the GT defense.
Dawgs88
November 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
Fire Willie Martinez and Bobo!!!!!
superDawg
November 30th, 2009
3:53 pm
Shultz you fired!
Pi$$onaDog
November 30th, 2009
4:01 pm
Are all gator fans transplanted yankess?
JB
November 30th, 2009
4:02 pm
florida always wants to talk about the end zone dance, but not the 55 minutes of beat down they did not answer that day. I know, tebow was hurt, but he don’t play defense. They only remember what they want to, which is a lot, but no talk of that game ever leaves their lips other than ” THE DANCE”.
Buckhead Bulldog
November 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
I’d MUCH rather see BimBobo hit the pavement. The O put our D in some pretty bad situations, and kept them on the field the entire game because of the 3 and out or the quick hit TDs. As much as BimBobo would like to think he is a pro style play caller, his crap doesn’t work in the SEC. It took him a season and a half to run power football AT Georgia of all places? Good God….the entire fan base knew to keep it on the ground.
jostens
November 30th, 2009
4:06 pm
Willie will be promoted to head our RING DESIGN department, where he will stay busy working on the series of rings commemorating our ongoing state championships. This years will feature the score and “I RUN THIS STATE” prominently along with a GT fish fry scene and a cluster of diamonds, each representing an attendee at the ACC championship game in tampa
.
November 30th, 2009
4:12 pm
Fire Michael Adams….where the real problem is!!!
Nesbittch
November 30th, 2009
4:13 pm
i wonder where saint simons is….
30-24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHEF MENTUER
November 30th, 2009
4:14 pm
They won Give Martinez a raise & extend his contract!
CHEF MENTUER
November 30th, 2009
4:15 pm
Oh yea GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAINTS!!!!!!!!!
Dawg-gone-it
November 30th, 2009
4:16 pm
Can’t anyone see through the beer induced haze? Ga Tech did not care about this game. It had no real consequences. Georgia was a 5-5 team coming into the game, ranked high at the beginning of the year and failing miserably throughout the season. Tech, even with the loss remains #10 in BCS, 10-2 season so far and will be playing for a conference championship and a major bowl. Georgia, even with the win can not claim anything like this. For a school with close to 60,000 students to beat a school with about 19,000, is like a AAAAA high school team trying to beat a AAA team. WOW, now we can celebrate. This game did not matter.
CHEF MENTUER
November 30th, 2009
4:17 pm
Wish I could be in the QRTR tonight!
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2009
4:18 pm
South Ga Dawg in Exile: well said.
CHEF MENTUER
November 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
Wish I could be in the QRTR tonite
Thogwummpy
November 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
Fact is, our defensive scheme is almost cowardly…little pressure on opponents’ QB’s, rare blitz packages…just playing reaction, on our heels. That dog don’t hunt in the SEC—where defenses DICTATE the game to opponents. Throw in horrid tackling skills, no on field leadership, and silly personal foul penalties; and Willie-Fence is a joke. Seems like Martinez must get nightmares about long passes, and puts a near “prevent” plan on the field. We need a DC in Athens that determines how the cabbage gets chewed, that is willing to play traditional aggressive UGA defense. Is there a coach with Erk attitude ready to fill the role? Let’s hope so!
.
November 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
Poad – UF fans..not students..are either super rednecks or greased up Yanks for sure. You know how the scuzzy state of Florida attracts the freaks!
how2fish
November 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
To: The Entire Dawgnation sorry you don’t speak for all of us..I’ll go with what ever CMR does…and Alabama Jack…rarely have I heard more shivelling…do everyone a favor and just STFU please and thank you…
jostens
November 30th, 2009
4:21 pm
i can make st simons a ring and add 33 diamonds for dwyers rush yards at no charge …call 1-800- i run this state
how2fish
November 30th, 2009
4:22 pm
Dawg-gone-it
Seems like UGA was right where the Bugs are this year last year and it mattered then..difference will be when we WIN a bowl game.
Dawg-gone-it
November 30th, 2009
4:24 pm
how2fish
Take your muffler with you to the bowl and get it autographed!!
Herschel Talker is a goober smoocher
November 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
We need to fire Coach Richt and here’s why
79% winning percentage – dang should be at least 150% with what we’re paying him.
2 sec titles – dang it he should have 21 now like the Bear
7 out of 8 victories versus GT – Should be 10 out of 8
Needs to get mad more. i DON’T care if he has to manage every aspect of the game. a dang good coach would go kick over the water cooler a couple of times.
so what if he has several 10 win seasons. IF i were coach, i could win at least 15-20 games a year by meself
Charles
November 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
It’s Searels, not Searles. Don’t you people have editors?
Who's Your Daddy
November 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
Cox Enterprises need to end the speculation and fire Jeff Schultz. Then, Coach Richt can hire Schultz to be the Georgia’s Defensive Coordinator. Jeff can show everybody how to game plan and how to make adjustments during the game and at halftime. No one can do it like Jeff Schultz. Jeff has the best football mind in America. HIRE JEFF SCHULTZ as UGA Football Defensive Coordinator.
Dawg-gone-it
November 30th, 2009
4:33 pm
I repeat—
Can’t anyone see through the beer induced haze? Ga Tech did not care about this game. It had no real consequences. Georgia was a 5-5 team coming into the game, ranked high at the beginning of the year and failing miserably throughout the season. Tech, even with the loss remains #10 in BCS, 10-2 season so far and will be playing for a conference championship and a major bowl. Georgia, even with the win can not claim anything like this. For a school with close to 60,000 students to beat a school with about 19,000, is like a AAAAA high school team trying to beat a AAA team. WOW, now we can celebrate. This game did not matter.
gdawginkalamzoo
November 30th, 2009
4:35 pm
Dawg-gone-it, yeah right it didn’t matter. Might not have mattered to the team (doubt it), but to hear all the smack talk run by the bee’s fans this past year it was the Super Bowl BCS Championhip game all rolled into one when you won last year. We knew we weren’t going to be very good this year. We didn’t think it would be as bad as it was but it is what it is and you couldn’t even beat that. So have fun at your Thursday night championship game and fun in Miami at the Orange bowl. That will at least help pay for the contract extensions that you guys give PJ after every win.
Who's Your Daddy
November 30th, 2009
4:37 pm
Fire Mark Richt? Are you kidding me? For all you football geniuses out there, who are you going to hire to replace Coach Richt? Before you answer my question, get your check book out and write a $20 thousand check to the UGA for next coach salary. The next coach will command at least $3 Mill a year plus perks. Then you geniuses need to formulate a plan of how to convince these great athletes to choose UGA over USC, Texas, Florida, etc.