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
Tell the truth
January 5th, 2011
2:39 pm
Reverend Richt So you are a alumni???? I just know your SEC school is so proud of you. Did you mean alumnus?? Did you misspeak?
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
2:39 pm
What’s really ironic about your question is the fact that you didn’t go to college. THAT is funny.
Actually I did moron, graduated in 73 after 2 years in the Marine Corps and then went back in for 22 more years and retired in 95 as a LtCol. Were you the waterboy on the Plainsmen team?
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:40 pm
“How many offers did he have before the laptop thief played his one year in cowtown?”
You have the IQ of a carrot. Seriously, you are one dumb human being.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:40 pm
“Mark Richt = Bobby Cox”
Bobby Cox won a WS title.
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
2:41 pm
Seriously, you are one dumb human being.
Spoken by a fumb duck.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:42 pm
“Actually I did moron, graduated in 73 after 2 years in the Marine Corps and then went back in for 22 more years and retired in 95 as a LtCol.”
Funny thing about the internet is the fact that any loser can make up anything they want and try to pass it off as factual.
Marines don’t come on AJC blogs and try to start fights with other people. You must either be a deserter or one of the DADT clowns. Either way, you’re not smart.
“Were you the waterboy on the Plainsmen team?”
Comeback fail, moron.
Nahila
January 5th, 2011
2:43 pm
There were many problems for UGA starting with recruiting players who for one reason or another either had injuries in high school and in their early college careers especially those offensive linemen numbering near a dozen who were so severely injured that they contributed very little playing time but took up roster spots and UGA allowing them time to try to heal and when they may should have not had their scholarship renewed which is what other college teams seem to be doing so they can reload roster players. In other words UGA has been very considerate of players with injuries than their competitors.
Also, because of the offensive line injuries, UGA felt they had to sign more offensive linemen that took up roster spots from possible depth at other positions like running back and quarterback. The main problem however still lies in planning and not achieving proper spacing and depth at every position especially quarterback and running back. Red shirting roster players because they did not have the skill level or size to compete as freshman is understandable in some cases but when it is the norm rather than the exception, it means that UGA recruiting standards need some serious upgrading. When you sign 20-23 players and all but 3 or 4 get redshirted, you leave the mandated roster limit of 85 with fewer players to play more minutes which does lead to more injuries when those players are tired and having to play with injuries which can make them worse. UGA roster also always carries 2 or 3 injured players on red shirt in the upper class which further shrinks the number of available players. UGA has an advantage in that the HOPE Scholarship can and does provide partial academic scholarships that good borderline players could walk on and play some good football minutes and that program of signing walkons needs to be augmented with more careful planning,research, and recruiting by coaches that might find some real talent desiring to walk on at UGA and bolster any weaknesses in key positions of need. The walkon program is already a good one at UGA, make it a great one. Part of the problem is recruiting has become a big entertainment outlet for these high school players and they are taking advantage of all the whoopola that goes to unofficial and official visits and some are waiting to signing day in February to commit which can make or break a recruting class if just a few players choose a different school. The NCAA should consider setting up a commission and reviewing past studies as well as new ideas as to how to bring some sanity back to recruiting so that it does not take so much money and coaches time being taken away from the program.
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
2:44 pm
You remind me of the mommies boy on the commercial with Gunny Ermey.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:44 pm
“Spoken by a fumb duck.”
Please quit while you’re behind, Pyle.
Phil
January 5th, 2011
2:44 pm
Bobby Cox won a WS title in 1995 and we kept him around another 15 years based on the fact alone.
Richt won an SEC title back in 2005 so let’s him keep him around another 15 years based on that? God I hope not.
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
2:45 pm
Actually 2010 your were probably in the Navy.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:45 pm
“You remind me of the mommies boy on the commercial with Gunny Ermey.”
Comeback fail, tard.
Bama Stan
January 5th, 2011
2:46 pm
ga gator, Auburn fans will go back to normal next year and will fire Chizek once they go on probation. Leave the little girl alone please.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:46 pm
“Actually 2010 your were probably in the Navy.”
Like I said, English isn’t your strong suit.
Delbert D.
January 5th, 2011
2:48 pm
Rush Propst, who developed that great spread offense at Hoover HS is still a HS coach (Colquitt Co.). One of his proteges, Chip Lindsey, coached Lassiter when Hutson Mason was there (got beat badly by Colquitt Co. in the playoffs, by the way). Lindsey is now QB coach at Troy.
Put that all in context of Malzahn’s rise from HS coach directly to OC in the SEC.
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
2:48 pm
He can’t help it Bama. Hell Auburn canceled against FSU because they were afraid to play them.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:48 pm
Bama Stan
That 28-27 epic comeback over the 10-3 4th place SEC WEST Bammer team must still sting your 300 lb diabetic arse, huh.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:49 pm
“Hell Auburn canceled against FSU because they were afraid to play them.”
LOL!!!!!! That happened when?
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 5th, 2011
2:49 pm
Well it is official it is to mothing but the NAME CALLING time on the blogs. I guess the discussion was good while it lasted.
blazerdawg
January 5th, 2011
2:49 pm
SEC football – “God I love it so.”
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:50 pm
ga gator
Do you cry when you see that famous picture of Tebow crying at last years SEC Championship game?
Bama Stan
January 5th, 2011
2:50 pm
Like I said, go back and get some milk from you mommy. Cams gone and then Cheesedic and Malpractice will be fired.
Tell the truth
January 5th, 2011
2:50 pm
twice!
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:51 pm
5150 P.O.A.D.
It was until Private Pyle came in and menstruated all over the blog.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
2:51 pm
formerSubscriber — I’m just a writer, not a decision-maker.
Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2011
2:52 pm
JASon — OK, I’ll get right on that.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:52 pm
Bama Stan
I know it sucks for you to finish 4th in the SEC West, go 3-7 against Auburn in the last ten years, and have the biggest meltdown EVER in an Iron Bowl, but can’t you please be a little considerate to a team that is playing in the Championship Game?
PS: I know your diabetes are acting up.
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
2:52 pm
2010 SEC CHAMPS
No I cry when I realize that I decided to root for your sorry asses against Orebong, cause dumbasses like you make it difficult. One year in the limelight and you think you are the center of the college football world. Can’t wait until the NCAA strips you of the title in a few months.
Tell the truth
January 5th, 2011
2:53 pm
http://www.smackapparel.com/our-story/smack-hall-of-fame/1999—war-chicken-card-auburn-fans.aspx
1999 season
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 5th, 2011
2:53 pm
ga gator I thought Marines were in the Navy. ga gator yes the Marines are the Navy. Yes, I am sure the Marines are the Navy too.
UGA's NEXT COACH IS????
January 5th, 2011
2:53 pm
Mark Richt is making UGA a smoke and mirrors program………he mentions stats that make him and his staff sound like they are doing a good job…….outside of the GT game in 2008, when was the last time UGA beat a team even or ranked higher than them? Mark Richt will be the HC next year……..I think there are 3 things he needs to do:
1. Beat UF
2. Win the SEC (usually means a shot at winning it all exc: 2002, 2004, and 2005)
3. Cut down on the off-field issues mainly the player arrests.
Delbert D.
January 5th, 2011
2:53 pm
ga gator – Did you go through OCS at Camp Upsher?
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:53 pm
“Cams gone and then Cheesedic and Malpractice will be fired.”
Chizik = Coach of the year.
Malzahn = Assistant coach of the year.
Saban = ………………crickets……crickets…………..
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
2:54 pm
By the way 2010 when did you graduate and what was your major, or did you even go to school at Auburn?
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:55 pm
“No I cry when I realize that I decided to root for your sorry asses against Orebong, cause dumbasses like you make it difficult. One year in the limelight and you think you are the center of the college football world. Can’t wait until the NCAA strips you of the title in a few months.”
1: No one cares if you root for or against us.
2: You have NOTHING to prove that Auburn will ever get probation.
Bottom line: UF sucks.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:56 pm
“By the way 2010 when did you graduate and what was your major, or did you even go to school at Auburn?”
I’ll answer that question when you ask it in proper context.
Dogz
January 5th, 2011
2:56 pm
All you so called experts, need to back on the counter at your job at McDonalds,I truly believe this is deeper than CMR, and most of our problems were taken care by red panties one night. You have 2 choices, support the program and its coaches and leaders , or dont. If you want to give up your tickets, please do so, we need real dog fans not a bunch of whinners. GO DOGS-Season Ticket holder and supporter since 1975.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:56 pm
“1999 season”
This is 2011.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:57 pm
“Did you go through OCS at Camp Upsher?”
I’m thinking ga gaytor fell off the short bus at Camp Happy.
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
2:57 pm
No Delbert, Quantico where did you go Camp Mondavin?
Tell the truth
January 5th, 2011
2:58 pm
Classless then – still classless today.
ga gator
January 5th, 2011
2:58 pm
I’ll answer that question when you ask it in proper context.
At least you are not a liar.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:59 pm
“Classless then – still classless today.”
Who cares?
Bobby Lowder
January 5th, 2011
2:59 pm
I just love it when my Homies defend the Barn.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
2:59 pm
“At least you are not a liar.”
Ok, now I understand completely. You’re a manic depressive with a beastiality fetish.
Delbert D.
January 5th, 2011
3:00 pm
ga gator – PLC at Camp Upsher, which is part of Quantico but not mainside. Quonset huts and a big damn grinder.
Bobby Lowder
January 5th, 2011
3:01 pm
2010 don’t worry, I have destroyed all paper traces and paid Reverend Jackson…. I mean Newton an extra 100K for hush money.
Dawglasville
January 5th, 2011
3:01 pm
GT – come on. Richt’s first 3 years in Athens were more successful than Johnson’s at Tech. It maybe time for him to go but his volume of work is still pretty impressive.
For you “National Championship or Bust” guys I would like to ask you one question. Are you the very best in your field? Not just in your fish bowl, but in the country? Have you ever been the very best in the country for one year? Do you view yourself as a loser if you haven’t? Do you consider your parents, children, spouses losers if they have never been the very best in the country in their field for one year? It may be time for Richt to part ways with us but keep the lunacy out of it.
Tell the truth
January 5th, 2011
3:02 pm
Someone with class would care. You could not understand that.
2010 SEC CHAMPS
January 5th, 2011
3:03 pm
“Someone with class would care. You could not understand that.”
Says the guy who supports UGA……….