Putting a UGA slant on all these coaching changes
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
Glynn
December 13th, 2010
2:11 pm
I’ve never understood how anyone – even an alumnus – could support and take pride in UGA’s football team. When you look at their history for the past forty years, how can anyone ignore Jan Kemp and the “remedial studies” scam, the Jim Harrick fiasco, the DUIs in the athletic office, the DUIs and other arrests of players, the #1 party school tag (i.e., the most drunk students), the suspensions and outright dismissals, the Fulmer/Richt Cup, and on and on?
As disgraceful and humiliating as it is, I don’t see many alums and fans demanding an end to this sordid activity. It sets UGA apart as the kind of school most people abhor, and it’s become an embarrassment to the whole state of Georgia.
UGA, known far and wide as The Cesspool of the South.
Lakedawg
December 13th, 2010
2:18 pm
Where did all this Dan Mullen talk for Georgia come from? If he wants to go back to Fla as OC Muschamp might take him , I doubt it. Also do not think he would take OC at Georgia either. He has peaked at MS and Dawgs will beat him and Muschamp both next season. 11-1 regular season CMR coach of year in SEC. Take it to the bank
Time for change
December 13th, 2010
2:42 pm
What happens outside of Athens no UGA fan should be concerned about. What is happening inside the UGA football program is what we should concern ourselves with. And I for one say it is time for a change at the top.
TIME FOR CHANGE
waytogoRicht
December 13th, 2010
2:42 pm
Deductive reasoning and bringing Mark Richt back for better results don’t coincide. Richt has had ten years to “get it right” and hasn’t. He couldn’t get it right with Donnan’s players(who made up his best teams yet-13 and 1)and couldn’t beat Florida. With a pre-season number one with Stafford, Mareno and Massaqoi, he couldn.t get it done(lost every single big game). Anybody, including McGarity, who thinks it will be different is stupid.
UGA FRIEND
December 13th, 2010
2:44 pm
It is amazing to me that so many UGA fans are so negative and so unrealistic about the football program. Let us face the facts: Even the elite programs in a strong conference such as the SEC have down years and down cycles. If all these people who criticize CMR all the time really do not like him then find another team to pull.
Rick
December 13th, 2010
2:58 pm
Uh – correct me if I’m wrong – but didn’t Richt come to UGA with no HC experience? He seems to have done alright – at least until recently. Muschamp will be fine. He inherits more talent (and tradition) than Richt did. It never ceases to amaze me how UGA fans always say
“We didn’t want him anyway” about recruits or coaches once it’s obvious they won’t be getting them.
td
December 13th, 2010
3:05 pm
There are so many people spouting off at the mouth and do not understand what they are really talking about that it is sad. CMR has not forgotten how to coach in the past 4 or 5 years. He is still one of the top 10 coaches in the NCAA. Firing him is not going to solve the problems with the DAWGS. Why would Muschamp and Smart not come to coach the UGA last year? Why did CBVG really leave the program and what happened the year before CBVG left with President Adams?
President Adams got rid of CVD and took the athletic foundation. HE has been “stealing” money from athletics since(can we say indoor practice facility). He has established a committee that has final approval on admission for all athletes. How many great football players have we not been able to either get into school or could not even recruit because of this committee, not just because of grades either. Just look at how 1 great athlete changes a team (Cam Newton).
If you can not get those 1, 2 or 5 special players then you are not going to be a great team in the SEC. Now if you people really want to do something positive for the DAWGS and see them turn back into a winner then you really need to tell all those big money donors and everyone else you know to talk Deal into firing Adams or the program will never be great again.
All the rest of this talk is useless until this happens.
Bill King
December 13th, 2010
3:08 pm
My name is Bill King. I am an ignorant hillbilly with no connection to UGA. I went to Valdosta State.
That is all.
DAWGS forever
December 13th, 2010
3:09 pm
In my opinion this is a risky move. Could end up well but the no HC experience and then his younger age make it ifffy at this point. Lot’s of changes on the CFB horizon and longevity doesn’t seem to be a value.
I know Richt didn’t have experience either but he ran things a little more at FSU than Mush does or did at Texas. As a DAWG I hope he does well all except one game of the year and we still win the EAST each year.
Go DAWGS
Alabama Dog
December 13th, 2010
3:11 pm
No need to get upset about Muschamp here. Remember what happened to the last Texas DC who went on to become a head coach? His name was Gene Chizik, and he went 5-19! I know he’s had a good season this year, but I just wanted to point out that his 1st stop as a head coach was not a sucessful one. Chizik will be brought back down to his usual inept level when Newton goes to the NFL after the season.
FURMAN PALADIN DEATH DEALER
December 13th, 2010
3:13 pm
Evansdawg:
ALL THE ANSWERS, I AM IN AWE OF YOU…..WHERE DO YOU WORK AS THE AD OR HEAD FOOTBALL COACH…..YOU HAVE IT ALL WORKED OUT…..YOU COULDN’T GET A JOB IN A PIE FACTORY EATING EVERY 3RD PIE THAT CAME OFF THE BELT….
FURMAN PALADIN DEATH DEALER
December 13th, 2010
3:16 pm
Glynn:
CESSPOOL LOCATED IN YOUR MOUTH….GO DAWGS….BULLYDAWGS FOREVER……
DawginLex
December 13th, 2010
3:16 pm
Malzahn not going to vandy
glynn's boyfriend
December 13th, 2010
3:18 pm
I have tried to keep him off of these blogs but he is really secretly attracted to all the football players.
He loves tight ends and I’m not talking about Orson Charles or maybe again, I am……………….
DawginLex
December 13th, 2010
3:21 pm
The seat isn’t just hot for Richt next year, it is flaming.
Here is what better happen:
Win the bowl game
Beat Boise after a summer of keeping everyone out of trouble
Beat SC
Beat MSU
Going to UT will be tough but they are still rebuilding. That game is winnable.
It will all come down to beating SC and Florida. do that, and he can still lose a couple of games and still go to ATL.
Georgia alum and lifelong fan
December 13th, 2010
3:25 pm
I don’t blame Smart for not wanting to work with Richt.
Do_Tell
December 13th, 2010
3:42 pm
As long as you have pocket QB’s for pass or hand off to the running backs, you will never reach the NC game. You will coach only for the NFL and the players will leave college in their junior year. This is what Richt has been doing and continues to do. A QB must a threat other than passing the ball. With a great offense comes a dull defense!
td
December 13th, 2010
3:44 pm
Do_Tell
December 13th, 2010
3:42 pm
You are just plain stupid.
Touch Down
December 13th, 2010
3:47 pm
Boling can’t hold Stinchcomb’s strap. At least they got Free Safety & Strong Safety right!!!
Sic ‘Em!
Jim 007
December 13th, 2010
4:28 pm
Time has passed Richt by
He thinks he is Bowden and Georgia has now followed the FSU trail
1. Fewer wins
2. Lots of players out of Control
CANTONDAWG
December 13th, 2010
4:28 pm
6-6ers headed to Memphis ,
I agree completely with you on Cam Newton. When i was watching the Auburn game i was thinking how much Cam reminded me of Herschel. I’m not saying the Cam and Herschel are similar players in how they played but they both were once in a lifetime players and couldn’t be stopped. When a big play has to be made you can take it to the bank that they will make it.
CANTONDAWG
December 13th, 2010
4:30 pm
Anybody else on here that thinks Kirby Smart should be stripped of being a Georgia Letterman. It’s a disgrace to turn down your alma mater one year and go to their most hated rival the next.
Tide roll
December 13th, 2010
4:34 pm
Bill, Boling AND Jones. Not just Boling OR Jones. It’s Boling AND Jones. Ya’ll either like big stiff OLs or soft pudgy ones. The only thing they have in common is their lack of athleticism. Bill, any word as to when Xzavier Ward annonces for the Tide. It’s so obvious that he doesn’t have what Richt, bobo, searles and the Georgia people are looking for in an offensive lineman. And it’s something the kid can’t change. Pitiful.
Mr. Muschomp
December 13th, 2010
4:44 pm
Urban Oscar Meyer Wiener was so overrated. His success was a total FLUKE.
Florida sucks……… always has always will !
7576DAWG
December 13th, 2010
5:19 pm
I can’t believe that Smart turned us down last year but was willing to take a lateral to Florida knowing that if Muschamp was successful at Florida that he will never get the head coach job. They are approx. the same age. Florida must be paying him a ton , even though I have alway’s said that if a head coach is making lets say 4 million per year the great coordinators should make at least 2 million if not more.
Ed (The Original)
December 13th, 2010
5:22 pm
This hiring took me by surprise, too. But apparently Muschamp has always been a Gator at heart. I had no idea he grew up in Gainesville rooting for the Gators.
As with any Gator coach, I wish him nothing but abject failure on the field. But personally, I hope that he makes a ton of money, lives a long and healthy life, and enjoys every minute of it.
Hobnail Boot
December 13th, 2010
6:02 pm
Dawg Mike. I agree with you. I want pull for Muschamp and I will never pull for the Gaytors.
Hobnail Boot
December 13th, 2010
6:06 pm
Bill King, I think Ben Jones goes on the team only because he went after Nick UnFairley. Clint Boling nah…
JB
December 13th, 2010
6:08 pm
There will be a new man on the sideline in Athens in 2012. He will be the highest paid Div 1 coach in the country. He will be a household name. He will give sleepness nights to the rest of the SEC. McGarity will not trade a ford for a chevy. It will be big.
JB
December 13th, 2010
6:10 pm
Ed, true. He would have gone to Florida if good enough. And yes, He is a gamble. He has been with great head coach’s with great talent. The cord has been cut.
SowegaDawg
December 13th, 2010
6:49 pm
Why isn’t anyone looking at the UGA assistants for any of these openings? The silence is deafening.
Why all the UGA envy?
December 13th, 2010
7:06 pm
Everyone knows the Dogs are not up to their old Top Ten standards (six times in Richt’s tenure). Am wondering why fans of teams that are riding high at the moment are so jealous of UGA? Why not celebrate your team’s good fortune instead of being obsessed with UGA? Was someone close to you denied admission to the university? Don’t let bitterness rule your life.
Delbert D.
December 13th, 2010
7:47 pm
When Georgia decides to get a new head coach I just hope he’s not placid. I’d choose a brain over a self-perceived soul every time.
RJ
December 13th, 2010
8:49 pm
ATL XMAN,
Richt will loose atleast 5 games next year.We had no offense without AJ Green the first 4 games.There will be no AJ Green next year.With our poor defense we wont be able to score 31 a game without AJ.The first 4 games of this year will be what our whole 2011 season will be like.And remember folks Mark Richt had a loosing record aginst Ron Zook.Muschamp will be a better coach than Zook.
RJ
December 13th, 2010
8:54 pm
Enter your comments here
Jamie Eats Idiots Sandwiches
December 13th, 2010
9:02 pm
Mark Richt never been a hc till UGA. Mark won 2 SEC titles with Jim team nor has Mark played for SEC title with HIS OWN team. Last time UGA played in SEC title game was in 2005. Mark Richt has never played in a national title game at UGA. or never will.
DawgNutz
December 13th, 2010
10:04 pm
ATL XMAN-You seem to be wearing some very thick Red and Black sunglasses tonight.Let me guess a Red Bull and a good work out.You would make a great Clemson fan-They are very excepting of mediocrety.We have been heading south for at leat 3 years now.We missed the boat on a new coach and like it or not we are stuck with Richt for at least 1 more year. Yoda Dawg-I am not following, but I bet your mother is ready for you to finally move out.
DawgNutz
December 13th, 2010
10:13 pm
UGA FRIEND-You are so nice! I dont understand why all thes people are upset about a 6-6 season either.You people should be ashamed.
doggoneit
December 13th, 2010
10:18 pm
Here are the facts. Since 2001 Mark Richt has won 74.4% of his games. Florida has won 75.2% during the same time, and during Urban Myer’s tenure, Florida won more games and championships than any other major college program. No other school in the SEC has a better record than Mark Richt. He has averaged winning 9.6 wins a year since he came to Athens in 2001. Our record the last two years have been well below expectations, but before we throw Richt under the bus, look at our history since Vince Dooley retired before Mark Richt came to Georgia. Coach Richt has not forgotten how to coach nor lost his desire to win. When we were winning 10 plus games a year, his calm demeanor was viewed as an asset. Now that same calm demeanor is interpreted as a lack of passion and desire to win. Perhaps the most unfair criticism of Richt is that he is a good man. A win is a win and a loss is a loss, but to be fair, our losses to Colorado, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Florida were the result of a play or two not going our way. We were in those games with a legitimate chance to win up until the last minute or two of each game. I know that good teams make plays when they need to to win, and we didn’t, but it’s not like we are light years away from being a really good football team. I’m as big a dawg fan as anyone blogging here, I think Richt has earned the opportunity to turn things around next year. Based on our SEC schedule in 2011, we should win the east, and and I’ll be surprised if we don’t.
JRW7
December 13th, 2010
10:27 pm
NOBODY wants any of our (UGA) assistant coaches, WHY?
Good Lord
December 13th, 2010
10:27 pm
They should shut down this blog for the sheer idiocy of about 50% of the posters!
Lakedawg
December 13th, 2010
10:30 pm
JB. got it partially right. However I don’t believe we will pay CMR the highest salary in football. He will get a nice raise and extension after winning SEC and being voted coach of year.
DawgNutz
December 13th, 2010
10:31 pm
dagbernit doggoneit you are very nice too!probably a little to much eggnog and snickerdoodles though.You failed to mention that Richt can not beat Florida-not with red, black, or white jerseys.
JRW7
December 13th, 2010
10:34 pm
SOME Dawg fans are so nice, not even a 6-6 season, makes them point fingers at CMR!
icedawg
December 13th, 2010
10:41 pm
I could see Smart going with Muschamp before coming back to Georgia. As most people have overrated the recruiting classes so that also overrate the alumni appeal. Get real. This loyalty thing is Cinderella stuff.
doggoneit
December 13th, 2010
10:42 pm
DwagNutz–Oh, I bet you just forgot. Richt did beat Florida a couple of times, but I agree with you, that’s not enough. Just be sure not to let the facts cloud your objective analysis. Sorry I try to be a nice guy, but I bet you do too. Really, it’s not such a bad thing.
PMC
December 13th, 2010
10:59 pm
I just kind of wonder what would have happened had Richt made better hires in 2005. I understand the want for continuity and the benefits of a continuous staff, but his assistants especially defense, special teams and ancillary coaching positions haven’t been up to snuff whatsoever.
Here’s to hoping the new UGA staff members work out and they can get some of those dream team members.
Lakatos has had a big hand in those good UConn secondaries the last several years eventually once they bring in some new recruits who may actually listen to a coaching staff and play effectively in the scheme rather than looking to knock themselves out on a daily basis things may get better back there.
I think Belin has had a positive influence as well. It couldn’t get much worse under the last group really. I mean Willie and crew were Michigan bad.
PMC
December 13th, 2010
11:02 pm
Richt has a great scheme and a good plan. He’s a fantastic QB coach when the QB is receptive to coaching. He’s got a good offense too when he’s got guys that execute. There is a lot of talent on the offense if they can get it to blossom. Defensively though…. guys had better be fighting hard because there aren’t many positions locked down at all.
AuburnPride
December 13th, 2010
11:04 pm
All you UGA fans are pathetic. It’s no wonder you can’t get recruits. What kid is going to sign with a school who’s fans turn on the coach the minute things get a little rough. You guys are just a couple of players away from winning the East and you want to run your coach! UGA fans are WEAK! We’ve got the Heisman, the SEC Championship and, after a little Duck hunting, we’ll have the NC.
WAR EAGLE!!!!!!
PMC
December 13th, 2010
11:05 pm
Georgia fans want Richt to set his sights higher than the SEC East. They want to win NATIONAL rather than simply SEC championships. When guys can come in and in 2 years surmount all that seems unsurmountable for the Bulldawgs the last 30 years, it’s daunting. Georgia generally fields a nice competitive team outside of the last two years anyway, they just always find ways to lose the game they can’t afford to lose and keep their goals in order.