Richt’s plan for change is good, but why did it take so long?
Georgia coach Mark Richt is coming off his worst season as a head coach. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
Mark Richt is not going to fire offensive coordinator Mike Bobo but he did suggest Wednesday that he’s going to be more hands-on with the offense and the team in general from this day forward.
Comment: That’s probably a good idea, given that it’s his job on the line.
Question: Why did it take a loss to Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl for Richt to realize something was wrong?
In his season-ending press conference Wednesday, via our Tim Tucker, Richt said that he’s going to have more time freed up in his schedule “to [spend] more time doing the things I love the most, which is study the game of football …”
Later, he reiterated, “I’m going to have the ability to have the time it takes to truly study the game of football, the trends and what’s going on, so a higher percentage of my time is going to be able to be used for that.”
Those are interesting statements. They suggest that non-coaching activities have been taking up too much of Richt’s time and adjustments will be made in his schedule to prevent that from happening again.
I don’t doubt that can happen. The demands on a college football coach can be enormous, let alone a coach in the SEC. If Richt is going to tweak his weekly schedule and athletic director Greg McGarity does some things to give him more time to be hands on with his players and the game plan, that can only be good for the program.
Loading ...But it shouldn’t have taken a 6-7 season for Richt to realize something was wrong. There have been signs of the program sliding for a few seasons, going back even to the 10-3 season in 2008. The Dogs were preseason No. 1 but were flattened in key games against Alabama and Florida. Both opponents looked better prepared. Both played with a physical and mental edge that the Dogs generally have lacked.
Things obviously have deteriorated since. Georgia is 5-9 in its last 14 SEC games. Since 2009, they’ve lost to LSU, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Auburn. (Also, Florida twice.). Perception that the Dogs have been passed by other programs in the conference is now reality.
For what it’s worth, I believe the criticism of Bobo has been a little excessive. He deserves some credit for Aaron Murray’s development. In the last seven games of the regular season — before the 10-6 loss in the Liberty Bowl — the Dogs scored 41, 43, 44, 31, 55, 31 and 42 points.
What’s the bigger issue, the offense or Todd Grantham’s defense? In the SEC, Georgia finished fourth in scoring offense and seventh in total offense; seventh in scoring defense and fourth in total defense.
I’ve never believed the problems are as simple as changing plays or schemes on offense or the defense. It’s big picture stuff: preparation, mindset, toughness, focus, edge, consistency. It’s having an identity, knowing what a Georgia team is going to give you from week to week. That whole, “Finish the drill,” thing has been an empty rallying cry.
It’s great that Richt believes that something needs to be done. It just shouldn’t have gotten to this point. The question now is whether this is too big of a hole for him to dig out of so quickly.
– By Jeff Schultz
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575 comments Add your comment
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
12:46 pm
Tampa_Dawg — Thanks. You need not consume crow. You’re entitled to change your opinion. Obviously I thought there was a problem before some Georgia fans did but that’s OK — sports fans are passionate and emotional and I’ve always understood that. If people disagree with, I’m cool with it. And yes, we agree the problems are big picture. … As for McGarity, I just think he really believed Mark deserved another year and he was going to do anything in his power he could as AD for Richt to be successful before he made the decision to make a change.
Mobile Dawg
January 5th, 2011
12:47 pm
OK, it really hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s not CMR’s fault at all. When Munson retired, he took the heart right out of the Dawgs. Think about it….Munson was UGA football.
AthDawg
January 5th, 2011
12:48 pm
When was the last time Georgia……
1. Ran a fake punt?
2. Ran a fake FG?
3. Ran the No Huddle?
4. Blocked a punt?
5. Used clock management with a minute to play before halftime?
6. Coach showed energy and motivation on the sidelines?
Bobo and Searls have under- performed. We had a month to prepare for UCF and that’s the best Bobo could do? Ridiculous. Searls line was rated Top 5 in the nation. He hasnt been able to “coach up” his players since his arrival.
This team and program has adopted Richt’s lack of motivation, energy and excitement. Change is needed. He needs to start first with his own sideline and locker room demeanor. Then he needs to grow a pair and evaluate his assistants with an open mind.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
12:48 pm
POAD — Polls=Poll dancing. Your mind works in mysterious ways.
wreckmaniac
January 5th, 2011
12:49 pm
I’m all for kicking the dawgs when they’re down and especially when they’re not but Tech is so clueless these days that I can’t really get after UGA. I know they have their problems but after watching Virginia Tech, the ACC’s best team Monday night, more than ever its certain that the ACC is not competitive.
Va Tech is a good team that was embarrassed. All other ACC teams with the except of FL State are mediocre to poor. Tech not only lost 7 seven games they lost to 6 mediocre to poor teams and lost to Va Tech. This is a huge hole to dig out of. I know PJ can run an offense over anybody but he needs a quality special teams and defensive staff.
blazerdawg
January 5th, 2011
12:49 pm
Bigeasy – I think the SEC West is as tough as any division/conference in football, but I could be misunderestimating the Ducks. I like Auburn’s d-line in this game; could be wishful thinking though. No doubt these are the two best teams this year.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
12:50 pm
Carlton–Hah, you should’ve held a press conference yesterday, I would’ve quoted.
UGA Rules
January 5th, 2011
12:50 pm
Just more BS to keep his job. We have heard similar rants the past couple of years with no changes. Simply put….it is past time he was removed! Why the extra year to avoid the inevitable???
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
12:51 pm
Boog — There’s no question McGarity and Richt have an open relationship.
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 5th, 2011
12:51 pm
Jeff you assume my MIND does any work at all. AHHAHA You know about that Assuming thing don’t you?
Milton Dawg
January 5th, 2011
12:52 pm
I thank we got us a big pile of horse**** over in Athens. Coach Richt worries more about his tan status and hair color than he does the Dawgs. Bobo needs to GoGo and please take the tanned one with you. I think UGA will be lucky and I MEAN LUCKY to win 6 games next year. But Richt will still get his millions and fade off into the sunset or should that be suntan???
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
12:52 pm
Dawgdad (The original) — Actually, you’re right, he didn’t cite any specifics. But that’s not unusual for Mark (or most coaches).
JB
January 5th, 2011
12:53 pm
McGarity seen at 12:30 filing papers in Richt’s office while eating lunch……..Richt seen “studying” football……………………..This is too much…………Smoke and mirrors while Adams and McGarity “GIVE” him his ONE YEAR.
Mobile Dawg
January 5th, 2011
12:53 pm
Jeff, I’m not a Richt fan but I believe your perception of McGarity is right. I’ve said numerous times before, a man with Richt’s integrety would have a hard time working for Evans. Evans focus obviously wasn’t on the UGA athletic program, he had other things distracting him. I’ve worked in the corporate world, without a good boss to help develop you, support you, and give you the tools you need, it’s hard to be successful.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
12:53 pm
DBC — Personally, I think Searles deserves a lot more heat than Bobo. A lot of the problems start on the OL.
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 5th, 2011
12:54 pm
OPEN RELATIONSHIP? EWUIE that just sound so creapy. Are you sure the Water Girl puts up with that?
Really Richt needs to stop talking and start doing.
AthDawg
January 5th, 2011
12:55 pm
When was the last time Georgia……
1. Ran a fake punt?
2. Ran a fake FG?
3. Ran the No Huddle?
4. Blocked a punt?
5. Used clock management with a minute to play before halftime?
6. Coach showed energy and motivation on the sidelines?
Bobo and Searls have under- performed. We had a month to prepare for UCF and that’s the best Bobo could do? Ridiculous.
This team and program has adopted Richt’s lack of motivation, energy and excitement. Change is needed. He needs to start first with his own sideline and locker room demeanor. Then he needs to grow a pair and evaluate his assistants with an open mind.
Sandman053
January 5th, 2011
12:55 pm
Yeah we haven’t been the same without Munson.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
12:55 pm
UGA OCHO — Actually, I’m on record and have written several times that Richt deserved to come back for another year. So before you take shots, you may want to get your facts straight.
JB
January 5th, 2011
12:56 pm
Mobile Dawg, I wonder if Saban feels that way? Just Asking.
5150 P.O.A.D
January 5th, 2011
12:57 pm
Fire Paul Johnson!
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
12:57 pm
JP — It’s hard for me to answer what Mark can do different from last year because I’m not with him 24/7. But if, hypothetically, he has an 80-hour work week and he spends 30 of that on “non-coaching” things, maybe that shrinks to 15. But I’m just speculating.
JB
January 5th, 2011
12:58 pm
That’s coming POAD………..He’s missing 2/3 rds of the Game………………..D and special teams
BIG DOG
January 5th, 2011
12:59 pm
Yeah Kramer, everybody screamed and whined to get Martinez fired and has the defense gotten any better. Hell no. All this crying and gnashing of teeth, just makes me mad. We need to support what goes on. You can’t make decisions on 300 people’s view of what needs to be done. CMR is still a great coach in my book. There’s no telling how far down the tubes we would be w/o his coming to UGA and I, for one, am glad that he’s here. Shultz, I really enjoy reading your columns. You make me think.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
12:59 pm
AMS Jacket — He was asked about the Marcus Dowtin situation and said he would have something to say in a couple of days.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
1:00 pm
Marie — First time in a limo, doctor?
wildbill
January 5th, 2011
1:00 pm
It will still be, Run, Run, Pass, Punt. It is in their DNA.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
1:01 pm
Mike — There’s some truth to what you say: toughness and aggressiveness are traits as much about mindset as physical strength.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
1:02 pm
UGA 72 74 — How many times should they have played?
JB
January 5th, 2011
1:03 pm
I think something being overlooked other than coaching is the”state” of this roster. We are thin in places which affects depth and growth for younger players and after this year, have no proven “stars’ to build around, Horrible OL, Average to below running backs, unproven receivers and unable to stop the run up the middle……….Coaching maybe the least of our troubles next year.
T'VILLE DAWG
January 5th, 2011
1:05 pm
I admire CMR greatly, he’s probably one of the the top people personaly in his profession, no I take that back he is the finest christian man I know of in college football, but I have a feeling the only way now is to go back to calling plays. I have and will always support him, but after all of this I’ve been swayed somewhat.
Mobile Dawg
January 5th, 2011
1:05 pm
Big Dawg, do you think he got the best possible candidate for DC, or did he just panic and take CTG on Brad Johnson’s recommendation? Me thinks he may have gotten a little antsy. It’s easy to second guess but I’m not a CTG fan either. To many character issues his first season, maybe trying to fit a role, rather than being himself?
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 5th, 2011
1:05 pm
Nice try FAKE 5150 poad.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
1:06 pm
Big Dog — Thanks for the comments.
Dr. Phil
January 5th, 2011
1:07 pm
Richt’s fixes, study the game of football and wait for the “Dream Team.” Richt has dug a very deep hole, and it will take a number of years and a new coaching staff to get out of it.
willie robinson
January 5th, 2011
1:07 pm
with uga they need to get much better on the o-line and firing bobo and coach richit calling the plays of getting a new oc won’t change anything uga line did’nt play well and uga has got to bigger, stronger, and better on the o-line if they don’t they won’t win simple as that.
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
1:09 pm
Mobile Dawg, I wish he would hire Brad Johnson as a QB Coach and Coordinator unless there is a UGA rule which would prevent him hiring a relative.
JB
January 5th, 2011
1:09 pm
Watching some of these other Bowl teams play really exposes our problems.
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 5th, 2011
1:11 pm
I heard a guy saying that a couple of houndred million dollars in stimulas money would fix the american economy. That didn’t work either. Come on Richt you’re on your last leg and you bring out the HOPE & CHANGE Obama crap? Do you really the dwag fans to be as stupid as the american voting population? The dawg fans are not that smart given, but we are talking FOOTBALL not politics. Dawgs are smart in their passion for UGA football. The Hope & Change sales pitch ain’t going to work. Only results matter. I think the recruits UGA is going after ain’t that smart so they might buy this crap, but the fans will hang you if things don’t get better.
saban
January 5th, 2011
1:12 pm
Richt has gotton lazy.
He will waltz away with a lot of money singing, “glory, glory to old Georgia”
Look Richt is a bartender. He has just served up another round of cheap booz at an inflated price.
He is a bartender that surrounds himself with folks that are entertaining and will drink his bad booze. Then out the backdoor with all the loot.
At least I leave them with a smile and national championships.
JB
January 5th, 2011
1:12 pm
Richt hiring a high profile OC would be like a Dentist calling in the hygienist and asking her, Does this look like a cavity to you ?
DuluthDawg
January 5th, 2011
1:14 pm
So in the words of Richt he thinks Searles and Bobo “have done a good job.” REALLY???
I think he must be one of the only people that think that is the case. So, if Grantham and Bobo have done a “good job” per Richt, then where is the problem? Richt is stating that he will have fewer administrative duties this year so that he can study offenses. Does ANYONE other than Richt think that this is the real problem and the real solution to the problem?
I’m afraid we are looking at more of the same next year and I fear that if we get off to a bad start like 2010 that the proverbial writing will be on the wall and we will have a lame duck head coach about mid-season. Which will only further erode UGA’s attractiveness for a new HC, will really hurt recruiting, and will cause the players to go into a funk causing even more losses.
If you’re a real Dawg fan this is simply not good not matter how you look at it.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
1:14 pm
“An Cam Newton is a one man show for Auburn.”
So all three running backs, 3 receivers and Nick Fairly are nothing? LOL
willie robinson
January 5th, 2011
1:15 pm
on defense georgia needs to get bigger, stronger, physical, and better on the front seven their back 4 is as talened as i’ve seen but when teams run the football down your throat and if you when you have tyson as your nose tackle don’t get me no wrong he is a good player but he is a d-end there is a problem for a 3-4 to work you must have a nose tackle that causes problems for the other team there were too many times that uga did’nt get that from the nose plus they need a beter overall pass rush this year only justin houston provided a pass rush. their linebackers were’nt that phyiscal uga has get to get bigger, stronger, and phyiscal on defense.
Delbert D.
January 5th, 2011
1:15 pm
Coach Richt’s comments are always simple and plain-spoken. That’s just my observation, and I haven’t been able to figure out what to make of him in that regard.
JB
January 5th, 2011
1:15 pm
Well, one good thing, Schultz and Bradley have plenty of Red Meat to throw to us between now and November, 27th,2011………( That’ll be the day it happens, the Sunday after the Tech game)
Mobile Dawg
January 5th, 2011
1:16 pm
Ga Gator, I wish they would roll the dice and hire Joey Jones, a relative unknown nationally. Living in Mobile, I can follow South Alabama football easily. He’s on the radio quite often and he impresses me when he communicates. Further, you see the results of the work he’s done show up on the field. He’s got a great resume of accomplishment wherever he’s been. I think a guy like this could use his formula anywhere and be successful.
01HAWK
January 5th, 2011
1:16 pm
Marcus Dowtin…………….In trouble again after altercation in Maryland. It just never stops with CMR and the non discipline in this program. He is the 12th Georgia player to face criminal charges since the beginning of 2010.
UGA should have done what Michigan just did. Give him the BOOT.
And to think that BAMA offered RICHROD the job before the BENJAMINS came to SABAN.
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 5th, 2011
1:17 pm
UGA football the new show on TBS titled “Are We There Yet?” The question is who is asking that QUESTION?
JSS
January 5th, 2011
1:17 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
How’s that trying to keep the pedophiles and stalkers of 18 year old boys out of the Athens Boy Scout Jamboree SEC Least going today?