9:10 am December 13, 2010, by Bill King

A former UGA player coaching the Gators ... who'da thunk it? (Associated Press)
Will Muschamp, huh? Like just about everyone else, I didn’t see that coming. It’ll be interesting to watch what having a former Dawg in charge in Gainesville does to the rivalry.
And if Muschamp manages to lure Kirby Smart away from Alabama for a lateral move as defensive coordinator, as rumors have him trying to do, what would that say to Mark Richt, who was unable to do the same with Smart last year? Think that would get Smart drummed out of the Georgia Lettermen’s Club?
It’ll be fun to see where Gus Malzahn winds up, too. And how long Dan Mullen remains at Mississippi State.
Meanwhile, what did you think of the UGA team of the decade they announced Saturday night? Do Ben Jones and Clint Boling from the underperforming current offensive line really belong on that list?
So there’s a lot to talk about and you can continue to do that here, even though I’m on vacation this week. The Blawg will return next week. Until then …
Go Dogs!
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223 comments Add your comment
droopydawg
December 13th, 2010
11:02 am
Foley Folly: good point about great coordinators not necessarily being great HC’s. That is also why I am not excited (as some fans seem to be) about the prospect of firing Richt to hire Smart. Also, UGA has a zero percent chance of hiring Peterson, Patterson, or Harbaugh if Richt were to be fired. I may change my mind if we have another bad year next year, but right now Richt is definitely the best option UGA has and I suspect we may be pretty good next year in year two of the 34 if we can recruit or a train a legit NT.
ATL XMAN
December 13th, 2010
11:03 am
I Would list it as a top 5-7 job. being in the sec has its advantages.
ATL XMAN
December 13th, 2010
11:05 am
doesnt really matter though as coach richt has it and will for about 15- 20 years. the guy wins. and he knows how to coach. period. end of story. uga would be laughed at if they let a coach this proven go when all these other schools are scraping for coaches.
Huntsville Dog
December 13th, 2010
11:11 am
You can’t get rid of Richt unless you have a really good replacement. I’d rather keep him that be searching for 5-6yrs for someone to duplicate his success. He raised the bar at the beginning and now that success is making recent seasons look even worse.
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:11 am
“Will Muschamp, huh? Like just about everyone else, I didn’t see that coming.”
Yeah, that’s because UGA fans are too busy talking about how awesome they will be next season.
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:12 am
“It’ll be fun to see where Gus Malzahn winds up, too.”
No one knows what’s going to happen. Wa Post, a washed up liberal rag, reported yesterday that he’s taken the job. Rivals says that he turned the job down.
Gotta love “gotcha jourNOlism.”
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:14 am
“Gus Malzahn (Auburn-Vandy) – This is also a big plus for UGA. Take Malzahn away from a team with talent that makes his offense dangerous and put him at Vandy. His schemes are great but he’ll never get a Cam Newton at Vandy to hurt the dawgs. Another big plus”
No team will ever get a Cam. Cam is a one of a kind player.
Glad he played and won the Heisman at Auburn.
droopydawg
December 13th, 2010
11:16 am
6-6 headed to Memphis > 6-6 headed to Shreveport after losing to your main rival.
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:24 am
droopydawg
Auburn is 13-0. You were saying?
Observation
December 13th, 2010
11:25 am
Looks like Mark Richt has one of his family members posting on this blog. Good god, talk about delusional.
Observation
December 13th, 2010
11:27 am
The Barn was a whopping 13 – 12 the last two seasons before this. Enjoy this fluke season, because it’s back to the middle of the pack next year.
GatorBait 18-3
December 13th, 2010
11:27 am
droopydawg
Foley Folly: good point about great coordinators not necessarily being great HC’s. That is also why I am not excited (as some fans seem to be) about the prospect of firing Richt
right now Richt is definitely the best option UGA has.
You people kill me. Is everyone on the blog unaware that your great HC Mark Richt
had no HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! when he came to UGA from FSU as their OC.
I guess you people forgot that Bob Stoops, the Gators DC had no HC experience when he became HC at Oklahoma.
BTW do you folks know that John Madden had no HC experience when be became HC of the Oakland Raiders—————–how did those two guys work out??????????
Answer——-A lot better than RICHT
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:32 am
“Enjoy this fluke season, because it’s back to the middle of the pack next year.”
You mean Auburn will be like UGA? Oh wait, UGA is a bottom of the pack team.
droopydawg
December 13th, 2010
11:33 am
6-6: Cheaters never prosper…call me in 5 years when the championship and Heisman are stripped.
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:34 am
“The Barn”
Gotta love southerners in poor southern states, making fun of a school for having a VET school.
Stay classy, 6-6er. Hopefully your thugs will stay out of jail just long enough to help CMR win the Liberty Bowl. LOL
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:35 am
“Cheaters never prosper”
Who cheated?
“call me in 5 years when the championship and Heisman are stripped.”
Why, so you can deliver a pizza to me?
droopydawg
December 13th, 2010
11:35 am
Gatorbait: check your reading comprehension. No one ever said that good coordinators NEVER become good HCs. In fact, I suspect that Muschamp will be a pretty good coach. It is just not a sure thing. I love how people amp themselves up to 11 every time they read a comment they don’t like.
droopydawg
December 13th, 2010
11:35 am
I didn’t know pizza delivery went to the sex offender shanty towns.
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:36 am
“I didn’t know pizza delivery went to the sex offender shanty towns.”
Now, are you referring to UGA’s AD who got caught with an underage girl or the guy who UGA hired with child porn on his laptop?
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:37 am
“check your reading comprehension. ”
Talk about calling the kettle black.
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:38 am
“I suspect that Muschamp will be a pretty good coach. It is just not a sure thing.”
Florida could hire Stevie Wonder, and UGA would never beat UF.
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:40 am
GatorBait 18-3
One thing you have to understand about UGA fans is their lack of common sense.
Grim Reaper
December 13th, 2010
11:44 am
I’m here to collect all you idiot Dawgs again, will you ever learn? You sold your souls for Hushel Walker 30 years ago. Mickey Mouse can coach the Gators and you will still lose the next ten and then you will be 3 and 28 in the last 31 meetings. This is better than where I’m sending you, a living hell with a former player spanking you puppies with a wet rolled up bewspaper, a newspaper with headlines that read: “Dawgs Lose Again!”
Oh, just so you know, Dan Mullen isn’t leaving the Bulldogs for the bullcrap Richt will leave behind, you better go dig up Erk Russell…
Grim Reaper
December 13th, 2010
11:48 am
GatorBait 18-3 said:
“You people kill me. Is everyone on the blog unaware that your great HC Mark Richt had no HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! when he came to UGA from FSU as their OC.”
Georgia fans aren’t posting it, but if they did, they would say he still doesn’t have any Head coaching exp….
However, the AD knew how to coach head…..
GatorBait 18-3
December 13th, 2010
11:49 am
6-6ers headed to Memphis
One thing you have to understand about UGA fans is their lack of common sense
That’s not the only thing they lack, these folks have no memory. I guess they think Vince Dooley was HC somewhere before he came to UGA.
I’m afraid it may not be a lack of common sense, but just plain ignorance.
GatorBait 18-3
December 13th, 2010
11:50 am
Grim Reaper
Spot on
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:53 am
GatorBait 18-3
I did find it interesting that UF put out a press release right before the Heisman ceremony the other night. Sort of reminded me of when the Red Sox won the WS and how the Yankees announced that A-Rod was coming to town.
Supes
December 13th, 2010
11:55 am
I think this is a great move for Muschamp…I think FLA could have done better.
Is this a “bad hire”…no way to know until a few years down the road.
If Kirby Smart goes to FLA to work with Muschamp, it won’t be a surprise but for Kirby it could be a way to get out of Saban’s shadow. I guess as long as he is working under Nick Saban, he won’t get the full credit for the Bama’s defense and their success (nor should he btw)…
As a UGA fan I have mixed feelings seeing one former bulldog, possibly 2 (if Smart goes there) leading FLA…but it would be understandable.
It pains me to say this, but FLA is one of the top 5 premiere jobs in College Football right now.
I saw where know it all Barnhart already crowned FLA 2011 SEC East champs….I think that’s premature for sure.
Carolina will and should be favorites as long as they are healthy in all the key positions going into the 2011 season. (never thought I’d say that before).
I’d put FLA, GA, Tenn all behind South Carolina (in no particular order).
After SC there is no clear challenger for the SEC East 2011, someone is going to emerge from that group…yes it could be FLA but I wouldn’t be surprised if Tenn or UGA gives SC a run.
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
11:59 am
“I saw where know it all Barnhart already crowned FLA 2011 SEC East champs….I think that’s premature for sure.”
Poor dawg.
Grim Reaper
December 13th, 2010
12:01 pm
6-6ers headed to Memphis said:
I did find it interesting that UF put out a press release right before the Heisman ceremony the other night. Sort of reminded me of when the Red Sox won the WS and how the Yankees announced that A-Rod was coming to town.
Where there’s smoke, put out the fire, kind of like the media sweeping the stealing and cheating under the rug, Cecil a no show and the obligatory “no comment” answer to ANY QUESTION pwertaining to the scandal if he would’ve been there. Of course after the BCS title game is over, slow news, ESPN and others, Thayer Evans, etc will start digging One and Done’s and A’barns graves for them, Midgets with plastic beach shovels, yeah, about five years to strip away the truth….
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
12:04 pm
“Thayer Evans, etc will start digging One and Done’s and A’barns graves for them, Midgets with plastic beach shovels, yeah, about five years to strip away the truth…”
Uh huh.
Bo
December 13th, 2010
12:09 pm
The only way I see Kirby going to UF for the same position would be if he is unhappy with some people at UA or if he thinks that he has to step out of Saban’s shadow.
In either case, I don’t think that it says anything about Coach Richt. It’s been a year since UGA talked to him and a lot of things can change in a year.
bart
December 13th, 2010
12:14 pm
I have been a huge fan of Mark Richt, and it hurts me greatly to say this; but, he is slowly driving the once great Bulldog program into the ground. He seems clueless since Van Gorder left. He is a very good OC, but a mediocre head coach; and unfortunately, he has surrounded himself with mediocre assistants, with the exception of Van Gorder. Grantham is a joke, and a very expensive one at that. Hopefully, McGarity has him on a very short leash, and unless there is dramatic improvement next year, he and his staff are history.
Dawg_Mike
December 13th, 2010
12:15 pm
@ 6-6 :
Do you realize that the gators are 7-5 which is exactly ONE win better than UGA this year and if UGA wins the bowl game and the gators lose we will have identical 7-6 records?
Or do you need me to do the basic math for you?
7-5 teams chest thumping…amazing.
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
12:17 pm
“Do you realize that the gators are 7-5 which is exactly ONE win better than UGA this year ”
Yes, and I also realize that UGA didn’t beat UF.
“Or do you need me to do the basic math for you?”
If I wanted stupidity, I’d call you up.
“7-5 teams chest thumping…amazing.”
No, more like 13-0, ma’am.
Einsteindawg
December 13th, 2010
12:18 pm
Neither Muschamp nor Smart have any loyalty to UGA anymore. Adams has ruined the game-day experience for the fans and Richt has ruined the game. Guess the inmates are still running the asylum while the fans pick up the tab.
collegeballfan
December 13th, 2010
12:22 pm
droopydawg at 10:59 am
I completely agree. UGA is not the top flight job in the SEC. Here are the records that matter for the last 30 years.
Since 1980, (30 years) UGA has 1 national title and 5 conference titles.
Since 1980 ALA has 2 national titles and 5 conference titles.
Since 1980 FLA has 3 national titles and 8 conference titles.
Since 1980 LSU has 2 national titles and 5 conference titles.
Since 1980 Tenn has 1 national titles and 5 conference titles.
Since 1980 AUB has 0 national titles and 5 conference titles. But AUB is in the title game this season.
In the last 30 years FLA, ALA and LSU have been the class of the Southeastern Conference.
Tenn & UGA, and maybe AUB this year, are the second tier of schools in the conference.
Of interest, the U of Miami has 5 national titles in the 30 year period.
Will they ever return to that form?
6-6ers headed to Memphis
December 13th, 2010
12:29 pm
“Since 1980 AUB has 0 national titles and 5 conference titles. But AUB is in the title game this season.”
And they have 3 undefeated seasons.
“In the last 30 years FLA, ALA and LSU have been the class of the Southeastern Conference.”
LSU has only been relevant since 2003. UF was nothing before Spurrier arrived.
TN won the title in 1998.
The train wreck in Athens
December 13th, 2010
12:33 pm
UGA man here, Class of 71 & 73. UGA football is a train wreck right now. It began with the Damon Evans crap and then the summer of fun and frivolity. Our two year record validates that too. No schools are calling our coaches because they are not top caliber …………..additional validation of the train wreck.
What U of F does with a K Smart or now W. Muschamp, has no real bearing on UGA. Our job is to assemble a team and win games. Now, come end of 2011 ……………and the Dogs are yet one more 7-5 or 6-6 team ……………………. or worse …………… we will get a new train.
For now ……………all we can do is to play ball in September 2011 vs Boise State and everyone else on the schedule ……………….. THAT will take care of everying ……………..one way or other. Every coach now on the UGA football team is being evaluated. THEY ALL KNOW …………….2011 is THE YEAR for them, one way or other.
Let see what they’ve got.
Go Dogs.
Supes
December 13th, 2010
12:39 pm
The arrogance by SOME FLA fans is amazing…
Do you believe that RIGHT NOW you are better than South Carolina??? The same team that gave you a beat down in your own stadium this season to win the SEC East???
This is the people who believe Barnhart who already crowned FLA’s a&&es as 2011 SEC Champs.
This is why nobody like FLA fans…arrogant and obnoxious to no end.
GatorBait 18-3
December 13th, 2010
12:40 pm
Einsteindawg
December 13th, 2010
12:18 pm
Neither Muschamp nor Smart have any loyalty to UGA anymore. Adams has ruined the game-day experience for the fans and Richt has ruined the game.
You are right about Muschamp and Smart, they played at Georgia but the learned their trade under Saban.
As a matter of fact, they now think SEC stands for “Saban’e Ex-Coaches”
Honky Talkin'
December 13th, 2010
12:41 pm
UGA has become irrelevant in the SEC. There are 5 or 6 other schools wih a better head coaching job than Richt’s mediocre position. The Dawgs better get used to being a 2nd tier SEC team for many years.
Grim Reaper
December 13th, 2010
12:42 pm
Supes said:
This is why nobody like FLA fans…arrogant and obnoxious to no end.
Kind of like Gawga fans of the 70’s thru 1980, before they became obsolete…
'94 UGA Grad
December 13th, 2010
12:48 pm
Hey Canton Dawg,
Excellent posts on here. Thanks for the good reads.
Vince Dooley
December 13th, 2010
12:49 pm
Florida’s program is light years ahead of UGA, even with a 7-5 season. With CMR running the show, you better accept mediocrity at best. Kirby Smart and Dan Mullin wouldn’t think about taking over UGA’s 2nd tier program.
GatorBait 18-3
December 13th, 2010
12:56 pm
Some of you folks have shown concern for the Gators new head coach.
NOT TO WORRY, BUT THANKS FOR THE CONCERN
QB recruit Jeff Driskel spoke with Will Muschamp, still committed to Gators.
Muschamp made a strong impression on Driskel and his family in their phone call, and Driskel’s mother said he remains intent on joining the Gators.
“He’s fully committed,” Mary Driskel said. “He got his classes set up. He’s on his way Driskel (6-4, 230, 4.5 in the 40-yard dash) is rated the No. 1 quarterback prospect in America by Rvals.com and No. 2 by Scout.com. He was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida as a senior this season.
We will be alright.
UGA Alumnus
December 13th, 2010
1:04 pm
You people are out of your minds if you think Bobo is going to the University of Florida as the OC. It’s not happening. Muschamp won’t even pursue Bobo.
Observation
December 13th, 2010
1:31 pm
Muschamp would be insane to hire Bobo the clown as OC. The only coach that is clueless enough to think he’s doing an awesome job is Richt. Don’t you find it interesting that absolutely no school in the country at any level has shown any interest in Bobo or any of Mark Richt’s coaches?
Look at Mark Richt’s coaching tree, or lack there of. Outside of Van Gorder, none of his coaches have been pursued by other schools, and I’m not counting Calloway because he was UAB’s last choice, they only reason they went with him was because of Alabama politics preventing them from getting who they really wanted (Bama rules that system).
1eyedJack
December 13th, 2010
1:53 pm
It appears there is going to be devastating disappointment on North Ave. when UGA does good next year.
Kenai
December 13th, 2010
2:07 pm
No decent coach will be going to Athens anytime soon. The culture of recruiting illiterate gangbangers, the all-out drunkeness of students and players, and the memories of sleazebags Jim Harrick, Vince Dooley, and Damon Evans will keep decent people away.