Big win doesn’t negate UGA’s need for change
Win over Tech shouldn't be a factor in the decision on Willie Martinez. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
One game, victory or defeat, shouldn’t determine the fate of any college football coach or assistant.
That’s why Saturday’s big win by the Dogs over Georgia Tech should not be enough to deter Mark Richt and the UGA athletic association from making the changes that are needed in order for the program to once again rank among the SEC’s elite.
We’re talking, of course, about the future of defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, whose job security has been questioned for the past couple of seasons as the Georgia defense generally has underperformed and routinely has allowed more than 30 points a game. From all accounts, Martinez is a good man and beloved by his players. But the results speak for themselves.
Martinez is not without his supporters, and I will concede to them that he is capable of getting his players to rise to the occasion. He did it late in the 2006 season and again at the end of 2007. And he’s done it a couple of times this season, most recently against Tech.
But getting good defense a couple of times a season won’t cut it in the SEC. Georgia needs consistency in order to succeed, and that’s where the defense has fallen short. The true blame may belong with the players, but the ultimate responsibility is Martinez’s. And if change is necessary in order to get the Dogs’ defense up to snuff, that means a new coordinator.
There’ve been plenty of rumors about Martinez’s departure already being a done deal, but most of those reports sound more like speculation than leaks. Richt might not want to get rid of his longtime friend and colleague, but at this point it seems unlikely that Martinez can stay. And you’d wonder why he’d even want to. It can’t be fun to be Willie Martinez in Athens any more; he gets blamed for everything that’s wrong with the program, even when it’s not his fault.
Hopefully, Richt and Damon Evans will bring in someone who can take the obvious talent that Georgia has on defense and make more effective use of it. That might mean cleaning house on the defensive staff, never a pleasant process or anything to celebrate.
But the good feelings generated by a season finale win over the traditional in-state rival shouldn’t overshadow the way Georgia’s defense has been trending ever since Martinez succeeded Brian Van Gorder.
Bulldog fans are delighted the Jackets were defeated and that a winning season was assured. We’re even pleased that the Dogs probably will get a slightly better bowl. But we’re not happy with 7-5 and getting drilled by the likes of Tennessee and Florida. And we haven’t forgotten the second-half collapse against an inferior Kentucky team.
It’s still time for Mark Richt to make a change. Judging by the noncommittal way he talked about his staff after the Tech game, he appears to recognize that fact.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
273 comments Add your comment
DawgFan24
November 30th, 2009
2:59 pm
Methinks Willie will resign to save face. Rodney Garner will be the new D-Coordinator. Will this solve our problems? Probably not.
One question I want to pose off topic: Why wasnt Michael Moore used more often in our offensive schemes? They guy consistantly caught the ball when his number was called. Seemed like he was too often shelved for the younger players to step in. I applaud your play Michael Moore, wish you were used more!
GO DAWGS!
dr
November 30th, 2009
2:59 pm
I don’t think Willie did an outstanding job by any means, but any defensive coordinator would have struggled with this team this season. Coming into the Tech game, we had given up 34 touchdowns. 4 were scored when the D was on the sideline. Another 13 were scored when the opposing offense started in UGA territory. All in all, 17/34 TDs allowed either didn’t involve the defense or weren’t on a long field. If the offense and/or special teams does better this year, fewer people would call for Willie’s head.
Don’t get me wrong. Willie completely is to blame for the UTK debacle. His failure to adjust was maddening. But here’s what I know: with our offense and special teams constantly giving the other team remarkable field position, UGA fans would be calling for the DC’s head regardless of who it was coordinating the D.
dr
November 30th, 2009
3:01 pm
Swimtrunk, I think Oklahoma might be better than us this year…And UTK is probably better, too.
FLDAWG
November 30th, 2009
3:02 pm
We must get a new DC, I like Martinez, but you can not be successful in the SEC spotting teams 2 touchdowns. Where are all the yellow jackass’, saint simons, gt for life, where did these guys go? I guess the beat down is still hurting. I hope all the jackass’ enjoy the A.SIS.C. conference championship, what a great game between two teams that couldn’t beat two sec 6-5 teams. Polish those we beat UGA every 10 years rings and STFU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Losers UGA will always be top DAWG in Georgia, and the yellow jackass will always be 2nd fiddle, it is you destiny! accept and embrace it losers.
Ed
November 30th, 2009
3:04 pm
The goodwill Richt bought himself in the first half of this decade is running out fast after a mediocre season following a disappointing ‘08. If Richt doesn’t make staff changes, then he better be right and win big in 2010 or the grumbles will turn into howls…for HIS firing.
If you had told me a year ago that this would be the situation, I’d have told you that you were crazy. But the program is in decay and the growing perception is that Richt has no clue how to turn things around. A 6-point win over a tight Georgia Tech team doesn’t erase that. Besides, wins over Georgia Tech quit being a benchmark for Georgia teams early in the Dooley era.
Georgia is starting to look a lot like Notre Dame and Michigan – tradition-rich programs with players that look great in uniform but who can’t perform when the heat is on. Georgia’s meltdowns against Florida look a lot like Notre Dame’s games against USC.
Steve
November 30th, 2009
3:04 pm
I hate to see Willie go – I actually believe he is getting better – and it kills recruiting – and who will we get that is better. Remeber, the RAy Gump era ended when we start getting Marion Campbell and that great recruiter – the revolving DC usually means the death of a program. Hope we have a good replacement in mind before we do this, with assurances he will actually come.
And don’t be suprised if Richt does an “integrity” thing, and steps down saying the coaching staff rises and falls together. He would be th hottest commodity out there (can you say Notre Dame?). No easy decisions here…..
coach smith
November 30th, 2009
3:05 pm
Bring Kirby Smart home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NC Dawg
November 30th, 2009
3:06 pm
Isn’t it nice to have a discussion on here without all the Georgia Tech aholes ruining it? So sweet. Oh yes, Free Willie.
SwimtrunkDawg
November 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
Georgia-Oklahoma would be a great bowl match up. We could get some revenge against that state.
Rival?
November 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
WM has to go! All the Assistants need to go also. The dawgs are a poorly coached team. DEFENSE WINS BALL GAMES. ASK ALABAMA AND FLORIDA! THERE WAS A FEW GAMES THIS YEAR FLORIDA AND ALABAMA’S DEFENSE WON IT FOR THEM. THERE CAN NOT BE ANYMORE SEASONS LIKE THE LAST 2. A TON OF TALENT WITH NO CLUE WHAT SO EVER. UGA FLAT OUT STUNK. HARD AS HELL TO BE A UGA FAN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. THE MONEY IS THERE TO HIRE SOME COACHES THAT ARE NEEDED.
Thugs R Us: UGA Theme
November 30th, 2009
3:10 pm
Another criminal arrested in Athens: Bulldog lineman arrested – Five so far this year and counting
DawgFan24
November 30th, 2009
3:10 pm
I dont care who we play in a bowl game, as long its not another ACC team. Will be like playing Hawaii again in a bowl game. ACC = Bunch of losers.
YellowJacket
November 30th, 2009
3:10 pm
FLDawg your team still sucks and don’t burn the fries.
cmac
November 30th, 2009
3:12 pm
While it was a great win Saturday night, the consistant beat downs of the UGA defense over the last two years make it obvious that coaching changes are needed. I know the coaches don’t play, but they recruit the players that do & it’s the coaches that are responsible for getting them better & producing sound game plans. The UGA defensive staff has FAILED miserably in this area with alarming regularity!
I understand that the ineptitude we have seen from Cox this year contributed to the defenses problems. But with the exception of Saturday night after King’s fumble, did the defense ever hold the opponent to just a field goal after a turnover?
To further make the case against martinez, he is also the secondary coach. As a whole, that group is terrible! i honestly do not think we have a cornerback that can tackle. The performance of Cuff on Sat night was horrific. Just when I was glad that we are only 1 game away from never seeing Evans play another game again, now Cuff looks ready to take his place as the most clueless & terrible DB!
The bottom line is, if your gonna get paid ALOT of money as a coordinator, you had better perform. The number of games that UGA’s defense has allowed over 30 points in just the last two years is reason enough for a change to come! Like in his defense of Doug Flutie’s Hail Mary pass for Miami v Boston College, Martinez has whiffed at UGA & deserves to pack his bags!
DawgFan24
November 30th, 2009
3:12 pm
Thugs R US: Still stinging from that loss two nights ago? Glad to see it still hurts!
30-24 hahahahahahaha!!
339 Yards Rushing, hahahahahahaha!!!
Thugs R Us: UGA Theme
November 30th, 2009
3:13 pm
Fire Mark’s Rectum, Mutts
Osama bin Bama
November 30th, 2009
3:14 pm
YellowJacket, if GA sucks, what does that say for GA Tech? Nice Iron Curtain defense. LOL!
2007 was an illusion
November 30th, 2009
3:14 pm
2007 season was a joke so cut the crap . Remember UGA lost at home to a pathetic SC team and did not score a single T D.. Creamed by UT and barely beat Vandy and whoopee big Hawaii in the Sugar. Please cut the crap because # 2 just dont get it like the rest of you blind homers.
Rival?
November 30th, 2009
3:14 pm
Who are some DC coaching potentials? Kirby Smart? ???? IDK anyone else. Is Garner still coaching he DL? He don’t teach fundamentals at all. DBs coach needs to go also. No fundamentals either.
Murray's Head
November 30th, 2009
3:15 pm
HIRE TOMMY WEST AS DC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill King
November 30th, 2009
3:16 pm
Dean:
No, Willie is not responsible for all the problems in the Georgia football program. Mike Bobo runs hot and cold as an offensive coordinator. Special teams is a fiasco. Its coordinator, Jon Fabris, is hopeless in dealing with kickoffs, but a good defensive ends coach. Overall, though, the downward trend with the defense over the last three or four seasons is undeniable and unacceptable. Getting rid of Martinez won’t necessarily fix things, but standing pat sure won’t.
mcdaviddawg
November 30th, 2009
3:17 pm
For the first time this year, Richt appeared to have coached. Not bad, you get 3 mil for coaching a game. Maybe if we’re lucky he’ll coach in a bowl, but don’t count on it. Richt is more of a problem than CWM or BOBO.
Thugs R Us: UGA Theme
November 30th, 2009
3:17 pm
Hire Bugs Bunny as DC Mutties, ah promise to go easy on you.
Rival?
November 30th, 2009
3:17 pm
2007 was an illusion. Your right. How many teams in the last few year that the dawg beat by the skin of their teeth. alot.
Rival?
November 30th, 2009
3:18 pm
CMR actually got a lil pumped up for a change.
jayb
November 30th, 2009
3:19 pm
Here is an offensive play: pass to # 12….he is always open and beats his man on his route. If Cox doesn’t over throw him or throw behind him, he has got the ball….Cox needs to learn to look at more than one receiver!
DawginLex
November 30th, 2009
3:19 pm
It’s gonna get even worse for our friends in ATL. Word is that Bob Stoops is #1 on ND’s list. Guess what Big 12 school wants to go back to running the wishbone? Guess who Oklahoma’s #1 choice is?
Good ole’ offensive genius himself Paul Johnson. Think he wouldn’t leave to go to Oklahoma? In a NY minute.
FLDAWG
November 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
Yellow Jackass’ too bad your great 10-1 team with the great coach can’t beat that sucking team, the A.sis.C is a joke and so is tech,the A.sis.C. should not even get a BCS birth this year, and i eat fries, i learned how to cook in college jackass, you were studying and dreaming of beating UGA!!!!!!good bye assclown!!!!!!!!!!!!30-24 hahahahahahaha
GADAWG47
November 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
I have to agree. The defense has not been a normal GA D since Van-Gorder. Mabey Martinez just needs to be demoted.
david bowies cha cha changes
November 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
Strength and conditioning coach need to fired today! He is a nit wit. he is behind the times like Mickey Andrews defense at Fla. State.
UGA 4 LIFE
November 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
Glad to see the techies are classy as ever….you represent your species well thugsrus….GO DAWGS! Ain’t nothing finer in the land than shocked and sad Georgia Tech fans!
UGA 4 LIFE
November 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
Enter your comments here
jaxdawg
November 30th, 2009
3:23 pm
A friend of mine in FL coaches baseball at the high school of one of our commitments and he was asking him what he would do if Georgia fires Willie Martinez and his response was….who’s Willie Martinez?? No lie….and this is comeing from a defensive player.
UGA 4 LIFE
November 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
Let me rephrase….SOUR and sad Georgia Tech fans…mostly they probably aren’t shocked they know their rightful place in the big scheme of this rivalry
Sanford Drive
November 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
I don’t think PJ has proved himself enough to go to OU even if Stoops decided to bolt for ND
DawgFan24
November 30th, 2009
3:27 pm
I saw that GARRISON SMITH went soft on his commitment to UGA. Can anyone provide some REAL insight as to why?
45ACP
November 30th, 2009
3:28 pm
Cuz – I need change for the future.
The house payment is due tomorrow.
Bill King
November 30th, 2009
3:28 pm
B-Daddy:
It depends on how much Evans is willing to pay and whether they want a “name” or an up-and-comer. I think Kirby Smart is probably a longshot. Dick Bumpas from TCU is a possibility, but a lot of folks will be looking at him and he might be considered a bit long in the tooth. More likely they’ll look at midlevel programs. Van Gorder came from Central Michigan, after all.
SHOCK
November 30th, 2009
3:29 pm
Yes, you Dog fans are still hoping, praying, wishing that CPJ will take another job!!! You’re running scared. You had a fluke of a win on Saturday & it still doesn’t appear that the UGA football team impressed anyone. Go look at the current college football poll rankings.
And, some of you folks are dreaming or smoking some bad stuff if would even think that Notre Dame would hire Richt. Notre Dame would be more interested in Al Groh than Mark Richt.
dawg07
November 30th, 2009
3:30 pm
Johnson to OK and Saban to ND.
Bulldog Buttsniffer
November 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
Rev. Richt should recruit a better bunch of thugs next year!
http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/bulldog-lineman-arrested-in-219336.html
Sanford Drive
November 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
Actually, Shock, we’re OK with CPJ staying.
EricADawgFan
November 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
Enter your comments here
Rich Rodriguez.
November 30th, 2009
3:33 pm
Georgia players are out of shape and have
not endured strenous practice sessions prior
to the season beginning.
They should be in mid season form by the first
game and look forward to kicking arse.
EricADawgFan
November 30th, 2009
3:33 pm
Well They Fired Coach Charlie Weiss from Notre Dame Today….
TCDAWG
November 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
Ain’t nothing finer in the land than shocked and sad Georgia Tech fans!
45ACP
November 30th, 2009
3:35 pm
You going to blame a kid for celebrating?
30 – 24.
SEARCHI
November 30th, 2009
3:37 pm
Enter your comments here
dawgster
November 30th, 2009
3:38 pm
I am always amazed at the coaching knowledge of some of the people on these blogs, you would actually think they have coached or played a little ball…I mean does anyone hold the players accountable for their play, yes the coaches should, but how many times over the past few years have you seen the dawgs defense miss tackles, drop sure interceptions, be out of position or have a penalty at a crucial time…sure coaching gets the blame, but at some point the players have to make the plays, the dawgs have not been doing that last two years…Will a new DC and other coaching changes suddenly change that, perhaps, but at some point you have to be realistic and say to yourself that we may not have the talent we think we have as compared to the gators, bama and others…while i believe that some changes are inevitable we need to be careful as to not completely throwing everything that we are trying to do out the window and starting over…I know many of you feel we should and that is your right, but for as long as i played and coached it really came down to how i performed on the field or court once the game started and how i reacted to situations in front of me…Yes, coaching did play a huge part as it should and will but ultimately it had to do with how we matched up against the other teams players and how we performed, sometimes it was very good and sometimes it wasn’t so pretty, in victory or defeat it was the playere that had to perform what we had been taught, sometimes we did everything right but at other times, not so right…My point here is that it may be more than coaching as to what the problems are on this team, but can we be realistic and ask ourselves are our players over the last few years as good or better than what they have at Florida or Bama, i’ll use these as a measuring stick as they have set the bar high, with the SEC you can still lose on any given day if you don’t play well….
AltamahaDawg
November 30th, 2009
3:39 pm
Bill, don’t you think its already a done deal? recruiting, and job hunting is critical for everyone in the coming days, as the dominos are already lining up around the country. No way is anyone on this staff unsure of what their status is today.
As far as personal feelings go, he certainly wouldn’t be doing Martinez a favor to let him sit another year as its likely to be a very mediocre defense, and I truly believe that Martinez wants what is best for Richt and the UGA program, (and the negativity around him certainly wouldnt be) so I would bet it was pretty much a mutual agreement.