Progress pleases McGarity, but he’s still not ‘comfortable’
Greg McGarity is pleased but not content with Georgia's turnaround under Mark Richt. (Curtis Compton)
Greg McGarity is avoiding amusement parks and costumed cartoon characters this week. He found his own “Happiest Place on Earth” in Orlando – roaming the aisles of a Barnes and Noble while clutching a gift card.
“I’m going to spend all of this,” he said by phone.
McGarity loves books, particularly anything on leadership. His favorite is, “Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck — Why Some Thrive Despite Them All,” by Jim Collins.
“There’s a section in there on productive paranoia,” Georgia’s athletic director said. “I think all ADs have a level of that.”
It is why, despite the generally positive feelings that surround the Georgia football program these days, McGarity isn’t nearly satisfied. In fact, when asked if he felt comfortable about the program’s turnaround and direction, he all but chewed up the word and spit it out.
“I don’t think you ever get comfortable,” he said. “There’s always something that needs improvement. You always have to find ways to get better. Comfortable? No. I don’t think that’s the word I would use at all. I don’t think anybody should feel real comfortable with any part of our football program, or any program.”
Step on the gas.
McGarity walked into a mess in August 2010. He replaced Damon Evans, who was fired following a DUI arrest. He started work a week before the first game of what turned into a 6-7 football season. He watched as the Bulldogs started the following year 0-2, as speculation grew about Mark Richt’s future. So much for easing in.
As Georgia prepares for the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska, the view has changed significantly. The Bulldogs fell five yards short of going to the BCS title game, losing the SEC championship to Alabama 32-28. Since going 6-9 to begin McGarity’s tenure, Georgia is 21-4. The four losses: two in SEC Championship games (LSU, Alabama), one in a bowl (Michigan State), one in the regular season (South Carolina).
What does Richt get for this? A pat on the back, mostly. He didn’t receive a raise in June. His new five-year contract kept the salary about the same ($2.8 million) but doubled incentive bonuses ($200,000 for an SEC title; $800,000 for the BCS). Richt also was allowed to walk away at any time. No buyout. In other words: You want to go? Go.
“There were some things important to Mark and some things important to me,” McGarity said. “Performance incentives are important. They sort of make all of us work a little harder. I’m not saying that’s the end all, but if you have the opportunity to maximize your potential, any competitive person will justify that.”
Step on the gas.
There’s little sense of satisfaction with McGarity. Don’t misunderstand. He’s pleased with the program’s turnaround. “Gratified,” was the word he used.
He is holding off giving a final grade on this season because, “We still have a final exam against Nebraska. I would just say thus far I’m extremely proud of the way our team and coaches have approached the season. I see tremendous potential for the program continuing to develop, if we have that same commitment and that same drive.”
He understands there’s still an unhappy segment of the fan base. But he refers to them as, “the society of the miserable. They’re going to vent when things are going really well and when they’re not.”
McGarity could have listened to “the noise,” as he calls it, but he didn’t fire Richt after that 6-7 season. He took notes. He asked Richt what he needed and provided support. The nutrition and strength-and-conditioning programs were revamped. When there was a subject that bothered McGarity in the middle of the night, he would wake up the next morning, go to work and ask Richt about it.
College and professional sports aren’t any different in this regard: It’s still about leadership, laying out a blueprint and problem solving.
The 2010 season “wasn’t acceptable,” McGarity said. “Not to Mark, not to anyone. What you saw from that point was perhaps a refocus, a lot of hard work. Mark has said this before, but when the team was 0-2 there wasn’t a lot of finger pointing. Credit goes to the staff and everybody in the program for not disintegrating. The proof is in the record.”
The loss to Alabama still stings. McGarity called it one of the three most difficult defeats he ever has been associated with. The other two: Georgia’s 27-23 loss to Penn State in the Sugar Bowl (1982 season). The Florida women’s tennis team’s NCAA championship loss to Stanford (after leading 5-3 in the deciding set).
“What made the Sugar Bowl loss even worse was the winning touchdown was scored by a player named Gregg Garrity,” he said. “No relation.”
That game was for a national championship. The defeat four weeks ago wasn’t, but the stakes were almost as big.
“You’re fortunate in this business when the great wins in this business outnumber the tough days,” he said. “It just seems the tough losses stay with you the longest.”
The losses mean there’s room for improvement. The losses, and even fear of losses, keeps you a little comfortable. Maybe even paranoid. Nobody should expect that to change.
By Jeff Schultz
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364 comments Add your comment
Birdhair
December 28th, 2012
1:29 pm
Felt like our offensive line was very good last season…better than I expected. Nearly the entire o-line will return next seasonn and if we lock-in Tunsil our O-line could be borderline great.
I think Murray would be wise to return for his senior season. He needs to work on his calibration. Too many times he would stare down his receiver and he didn’t look around the field before making a decision. I’d also like to see him avoid taking so many sacks and just get rid of the ball out-of bounds!
I feel for Mason, but hope that he and Murray can successfully share time next season and can be a productive tandem without issue.
Definitely biggest questions lie within the defense since we are losing so many in the draft or to graduation. Will grantham simplify things for the young kids? We saw some tough growing pains under Grantham early in his tenure. Can he stay focused and coach-up these kids?
Buckeye
December 28th, 2012
1:30 pm
stevo and kj,
I am a big Murray being Murray big games Murray fan too.
RNB
December 28th, 2012
1:31 pm
DawgGirl, We want a winner. Petrino is a winner. Honestly I really don’t care what he does in his personal life as long as it’s not illegal.
Buckeye
December 28th, 2012
1:31 pm
stevo and kj,
I’m a “Tub” Jenkins fan too. Saw him at Waffle House. Asked for an autograph. He couldn’t put his fork down.
Buckeye
December 28th, 2012
1:33 pm
stevo and kj,
I also followed Isaiah, The Annointed One II, Crowell’s storied recruitment and dog career.
Them I followed his felony weapons charge
Red Stick
December 28th, 2012
1:36 pm
Big Crimson 75, UGA also plays SC the week after Clemson next season. It could be 4 in a row although if they show up they should be able to handle Nebraska next week.
If the Dogs make it back to the SECCG in 2013 that very well may be Richt’s best season considering the schedule and the considerable losses on defense.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
Joey
December 28th, 2012
1:37 pm
Does the name Terrelle Prior ring a bell, Buckeye?
KJ
December 28th, 2012
1:38 pm
I can’t imagine being this focused/obsessed with OSU’s football program. But I guess I don’t have to be obsessed, given how UGA has owned that entire conference for the last few decades.
RNB
December 28th, 2012
1:39 pm
Listen I have been a Georgia fan for over 30 years folks. I love this football program. Until we start demanding an elite program we are going to keep getting a average program.Richt is satisfied I just hope McGarity is sincere when hs says he is not.
dawggirl
December 28th, 2012
1:40 pm
“DawgGirl, We want a winner. Petrino is a winner. Honestly I really don’t care what he does in his personal life as long as it’s not illegal.”
I can understand the sentiment, but I’d bet my salary that you will never see Petrino in Athens. He’s toxic and would be a PR nightmare.
I am very interested to see who will be the replacement for Garner.
Steve
December 28th, 2012
1:40 pm
Ohio State vs. the SEC in bowls since 1989:
Hall of Fame – Auburn – Loss
Citrus – UGA – Loss
Cirtus – Alabama – Loss
Citrus – Tennessee – Loss
Outback – South Carolina – Loss
Outback – South Carolina – Loss
BCS – Florida – Loss
BCS – LSU – Loss
Sugar – Arkansas – Win
Gator – Florida – Loss
I see where the hatred and jealousy comes from.
BuckeyeFlatTireinLexDawgARJoey
December 28th, 2012
1:42 pm
Nope,
Doesn’t work.
No can do.
Buckeye
December 28th, 2012
1:44 pm
steveo,
Are you a dog or only a hide behind your conference kinda guy?
Also, the 0-9 argument is so 2011.
Buckeye
December 28th, 2012
1:44 pm
steveo,
How bout the dogs in the Liberty Bowl and vs. Michigan State in the last couple years?
Buckeye
December 28th, 2012
1:45 pm
stevo,
How bout the dogs in the last 30 seconds vs. Bama this year?
bubba4dawgs
December 28th, 2012
1:47 pm
I believe the DAWGS are on the right track. A tweak here and there will make a huge difference but it all starts with recruiting and it kills me that a lot of our star players leave the state and go to Alabama no less! DAWGS have to shore up this problem! Offense was bussing this year but the “D” line was on vacation most of the year. Is Gardner responsible for this? He has to be at least for part of it which includes the first point……recruiting!
Just an Old Dawg Fan
December 28th, 2012
1:47 pm
All of these people saying that next year will decide whether Richt stays or gets fired are the ones who are delusional. Get it through your thick heads. MARK RICHT IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE. He will be the Dawgs coach until he retires, and all the lies that The Society of the Miserable can broadcast are not going to change that.
Sherrill
December 28th, 2012
1:47 pm
From a member of the Society of the Miserable (me): McGarity is one of the most comfortable looking AD’s I have ever seen. He came back to Athens to experience the good life of being semi-retired and wants no controversy. Things will definitely continue to be “status quo” as long as he is in that position. Look forward to 10 win seasons and continued losses in the SEC Championship, along with downgrades in all sports. There is no requirement to excel, just “maintain”.
Steve
December 28th, 2012
1:48 pm
UGA lost to UCF in the Liberty and lost to Michigan State last year. This year, they lost to Bama at the end. Your point?
Alphare
December 28th, 2012
1:48 pm
Those who complain about UGA recruiting are simply silly. UGA has been top-10 ranked about every year as long as I can remember. BTW, recruiting ranking is not an exact science, you can be really #2 when you are ranked #9. In addition, UGA always gets its share of the prominent recruits, like Isiah Crowell. Believe me, you losses to BSU/Co/UCF are to due to recruiting.
The area UGA is lacking imo, some spirits, some luck, and some little things like coaching/TimeManagement/RosterManagement.
Birdhair
December 28th, 2012
1:50 pm
My hope is that we bring in a recruiting coordinator who will get out in front and offer the big-time players early in the process and at the same time give weight to the character of the person. We’ve wasted so much time and effort recruiting kids who only turnover after a year as a result of discipline issues. Let’s do better homework on these kids. Let’s also focus more on kids in our own back yard…like within 60 miles of campus! Winning and having great coaches will only help to attract kids from outside the southeast area.
It was time to turn the page with Garner. He looked too focused on frequenting the golden corral and attempting to recruit late the in game.
Buckeye
December 28th, 2012
1:51 pm
joey,
Actually, Pryor may see the field for the Raiders this week.
And, in truth, I think he and Isaiah “The Annointed One” fell in a similar trap Both made big to do’s of their recruitment, both came into programs with unrealistic expectations, proved too immature to handle the pressure and, in the end, were ostracized.
One difference through, Pryor has an NFL contract. Isaiah has yet to answer to felony weapon charges.
Buckeye
December 28th, 2012
1:52 pm
stevo,
Oh, you’re a conference guy afraid to reveal team affiliation.
Gutsy, steveo, Gutsy.
FLA DAWG
December 28th, 2012
1:54 pm
Ironic there was no mention of Richt’s record vs ranked teams over the past three or four years.
Alphare
December 28th, 2012
1:57 pm
Those who complain about UGA recruiting are simply silly. UGA has been top-10 ranked about every year as long as I can remember. BTW, recruiting ranking is not an exact science, you can be really #2 when you are ranked #9. In addition, UGA always gets its share of the prominent recruits, like Isiah Crowell. Believe me, you losses to BSU/Co/UCF/MSU are NOT due to recruiting.
The area UGA is lacking imo are, some spirits, some luck, and some little things like coaching/TimeManagement/RosterManagement.
GTBob
December 28th, 2012
1:58 pm
Last year UGA had an easy schedule, lost the SEC championship game and played in the Outback bowl. This year UGA had an even easier schedule, lost the SEC championship again and will play in the Capital One bowl. I guess that could somewhat be considered progress. The team had yet another season with a losing record against quality teams. The people who lead UGA apparently have really low expectations.
Steve
December 28th, 2012
2:00 pm
Afraid? I am a UGA fan. You asked what happened in those games and I answered the question.
UGADawg83
December 28th, 2012
2:01 pm
The fact is CMR has done a fine job with our program and has represented the University well. Other schools also have great coaches that represent their Universities well. I’m a Dawg fan and an alumnus of the University. I suspect a lot of the “miserable” folks on here never matriculated a day in Athens. In fact a lot of them probably need to look up the word matriculation.
Buckeye
December 28th, 2012
2:04 pm
go dogs, then, stevo
Birdhair
December 28th, 2012
2:06 pm
Mark Richt career 11-1 vs Georgia Tek. Btw Richt is 40-4 overall vs. non-sec (regular season). Only losses to Georgia Tech, OK State, Colorado, Boise State.
2001- 2012 Overall record: 117-39, .750 win %. Out of those 39 losses only 9 were against teams that were not currently ranked at time of game.
guy
December 28th, 2012
2:07 pm
UGA had as good a year as they will ever have under CMR. He is a good coach and an even better man. At least we are making progress in that we finally didn’t get blown out in a big game and could have easily won. That is a good thing and I am proud of the effort since the Florida game. Just continue with four quarters of hard nosed football and there will be a huge difference. CMR is beginning to add depth to the roster.
Joey
December 28th, 2012
2:08 pm
Pryor was Cam before Cam – if that makes sense – big, fast, strong-armed. Maybe he turns out more like Cam in the NFL, than like JaMarkus Russell.
Crowell will get a shot too, after next season. A big fast, RB is always in demand in the NFL. Lord knows what he will do with it, though.
Steve
December 28th, 2012
2:09 pm
Bairdhair don’t waste your time. All the sad people like GTBob and Buckeye are going to say is how Murray can’t win a big game, UGA is pathetic lately, etc, etc. They like to repeat themselves. They don’t like to look at the big picture. Instead, they like to look at just the past few seasons. Richt is obviously a fine coach. Almost every program has a down year sometimes like the pathetic 6-7 season UGA had a few years ago.
Birdhair
December 28th, 2012
2:14 pm
GTBob, can’t grasp that we were 5 yards and 1 short throw from a national title game appearance. I don’t care how you get there. The fact that we play-in the S.E.C is reason enough. It will be what, the 7 straight national titles won by the S.E.C? Dawgs were very close from winning that 7th straight for the S.E.C. How critical can u be?
TROTTINGHOME
December 28th, 2012
2:16 pm
I’ll take humping over buzzing any day….
Go Dawgs
Joey
December 28th, 2012
2:16 pm
guy, you should read your post again – at least the last 4 sentences.
It is accurate, but think about it:
1) we finally didn’t get blown out in a big game
2) proud of the effort since the Florida game (game #8) (after S Williams belittled the D for its effort)
3) we have to hope for 4 quarters
4) richt is beginning to add depth
Again, accurate, but damn sad that you are saying all that about our coach’s 12th season . . .
Moultrie Packer
December 28th, 2012
2:23 pm
Thank you AD Greg McGarity for providing true leadership to the UGA athletic program.
bhdawg
December 28th, 2012
2:28 pm
If when MR decides to go the mission, it should be TG as HC, but if not first call should be to Art Briles. Nuff said
GTBob
December 28th, 2012
2:29 pm
GTBob, can’t grasp that we were 5 yards and 1 short throw from a national title game appearance.
Sorry, but no one really cares about close. There is a reason that teams like Alabama continue to win games like that and teams like UGA can’t. In the last 5 years your team is 3-16 against teams that finished ranked. You are 16-20 in the same time frame against teams with winning records. You have all of the recruits, money, and resources in the world and that is the best you could do with it.
Birdhair
December 28th, 2012
2:32 pm
And anyone (directing this comment to you, GTBob), that calls any S.E.C schedule “weak” needs to get their head out of their a**.
A pathetic GT won an A.C.C division this past season. Now that is a joke. Shows you how “weak” the A.C.C is.
Miss State and Ole Miss would compete for A.C.C titles every season. Those two schools are typically 7th or 8th best in the S.E.C.
GTBob
December 28th, 2012
2:32 pm
Instead, they like to look at just the past few seasons. Richt is obviously a fine coach.
Richt was a fine coach before Saban, Meyer, Miles, Petrino, and Spurrier raised the level of coaching in the SEC. When the SEC started improving UGA and Richt started getting exposed.
GTBob
December 28th, 2012
2:33 pm
And anyone (directing this comment to you, GTBob), that calls any S.E.C schedule “weak” needs to get their head out of their a**.
Name UGA’s top 3 wins this season.
Sick And Tired
December 28th, 2012
2:34 pm
UGADawg83, There is no requirement to graduate the University Of Georgia to be a true football fan the last I looked. In fact I never attended college at all, but have built myself a pretty good business in real estate. Get over the fact not everyone is as dumb as you to fork out thousands and think you are better than every one else. The fact is the Georgia program is average and will remain average as long as CMR is the head coach. This is my opinion and will continue to express this until prioved otherwise.
Birdhair
December 28th, 2012
2:35 pm
Well, GTBob, the Dawgs are on the up-swing. If we continue to appear in the S.E.C title game at this rate under Richt then we will get a shot at the title game.
GT will just hope for a bowl appearance and a winning record every season. Hmmm.
Utah Dawg
December 28th, 2012
2:36 pm
Schedule was “easy” by SEC standards but still plenty challenging the last two years. We can make it a lot tougher by dropping the insects from the mix. Yea we outplayed the likely eventual national champs for large stretches of the game and came up a bit short, and our success is due a soft schedule. These observations come to you from idiot fans that have never competed at a high level.
Steve
December 28th, 2012
2:39 pm
Birdhair, like I said, don’t waste your time with GTBob. He totally proved my point by again listing the recent record against ranked teams, etc, etc. He is very uneducated when it comes to college football.
Birdhair
December 28th, 2012
2:43 pm
Steve, I hear ya buddy. I sense the jealous from GTBob. Maybe he’s also jealous of the beautiful “scenery” on our campus too.
Top 3 wins: Florida, Ole Miss, Vandy and will add Nebraska to that list.
GTBob
December 28th, 2012
2:43 pm
Well, GTBob, the Dawgs are on the up-swing. If we continue to appear in the S.E.C title game at this rate under Richt then we will get a shot at the title game.
I wouldn’t call two years in a row of easy schedules an upswing. I would call it beating the teams that didn’t really have a chance to beat you anyways. Do you expect UGA to be in the SEC title game again next year with a tougher schedule and losing most of their defense?
GTBob
December 28th, 2012
2:44 pm
He is very uneducated when it comes to college football.
Would you argue that UGA has overachieved the past 5 years?
Steve
December 28th, 2012
2:46 pm
Tech’s top 3 wins? I honestly could not answer. NC, Duke, BC??? Sad.