Damon Evans on UGA football: ‘I do have some concerns’
Damon Evans in a lighter moment at the Cobb Galleria. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Georgia athletics director Damon Evans said today via e-mail that he does “have some concerns” about the state of his football program. Responding to an e-mail asking for his feelings regarding the Bulldogs’ season — they’re 3-3 for the first time since 1996 — Evans offered this:
“I do have some concerns about where we are at this point of the season. I know Coach [Mark] Richt, the assistant coaches, the players and our fans have the same concerns with our current record and the way we’ve been playing.
“Coach Richt and I have talked just as we do periodically throughout the season. I think his focus right now is on the immediate future, which is the Vanderbilt game and doing everything possible to prepare our team. That’s where it needs to be.
“Beyond that, I have total confidence that Coach Richt will properly evaluate our team, address concerns and prepare the right path that will direct us back into the position we all want to be in — competing for championships.”
As statements go, Evans’ would seem both pointed and nuanced. He didn’t pretend to happy with current events, but he didn’t issue a directive for immediate “significant improvement.” (Vince Dooley, Evans’ predecessor, did that with Ray Goff back in 1995, which turned out to be Goff’s last season as coach.)
If you’re Mark Richt, Evans just said what you want to hear: That his boss has “total confidence” in him. But if you’re a Georgia fan, Evans just said what you want to hear as well: That certain “concerns” might need to be addressed and, put simply, that the University of Georgia expects more from its football team.
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593 comments Add your comment
Yellow Fuzz
October 12th, 2009
8:03 pm
coach smith,
lol. YOU are not qualified to call anyone an idiot.
Kirby Smart has a wife and kids and Nick Saban has donbe a hell of a lot more for him at LSU, MIami and Alabama than any one at Georgia. You can’;t just type it and make everything right azzhole. Otherwise you and your pathetic team and program would be 6-0 instead of 3-3 (4-4 since we last kicked your azz!)
Get your tee shirt, shorts and tennis shoes laid out for work in the morning-L-O-S-E-R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
McDawg
October 12th, 2009
8:04 pm
what Damon Evans needs to do is sit down w/ the SEC and talk about the officiating–not that it will solve our problems but it is a problem and CMR is not in a position to do it
Pit bull
October 12th, 2009
8:04 pm
Listen Up, you don’t replace one Def. Cord that’s mediocre to get another one just like him. You have to try and get the best one you can get. A proven winner. There are many Def. Coaches that would loved to work for a boss like Mark Richt. Ga’s program is worthy of the best Coaches in the land. Expect nothing else or you will see another several yrs. down the drain!
Pit bull
October 12th, 2009
8:05 pm
Listen UP! Coach Richt has admitted he has serious problems. Everybody back off now and let him alone to correct them. He’s our Coach and a damn good man!
Lane
October 12th, 2009
8:05 pm
Everyone needs to settle down and take a deep breath.
Remember what has happened to FSU, since MR’s departure-NOTHING GOOD!!!
Dooley, Bryant(who was tanked 90% of the time, which led to cheating) all had bad seasons.
Georgia’s problem is a lack of talent and poor fundamentals, which does not resolve talent issues!!!
One concern is the way Kiante Tripp has been handled. MR and players were implying that he was potential NFL talent as and OL,this has been very troubling.
Certain none of you had ever had a bad year or day.
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:06 pm
ApopkaDawg
Good post
I would only add for Bobo open the play book more or copy some schemes from other programs or playstation 3 games
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:06 pm
Bubba I said the same thing about Vangorder when he came to GA. We can forget about Vangorder. He is doing what he left GA to do. I have no problem with that. There has to be someone out there somewhere that is a hell of a DC that we can get. I don’t know who but I know there is someone.
Bubba
October 12th, 2009
8:07 pm
Folks, quit responding the the flamers. That’s all they want. If you respond, you’ve made their day. Ignore them and they’ll go away.
Yellow Fuzz
October 12th, 2009
8:07 pm
coach smith,
Sorry for that last post. It had a lot of typos because I started laughing while while I posted.
This is revised.
lol. YOU are not qualified to call ANYONE an idiot.
Kirby Smart has a wife and kids and Nick Saban has done a hell of a lot more for him at LSU, MIami and Alabama than anyone at Georgia. You can’t just type something and make it reality azzhole. Otherwise you and your pathetic team and program would be 6-0 instead of 3-3 (4-4 since we last kicked your azz!)
Get your tee shirt, shorts and tennis shoes laid out for work tomorrow morning-L-O-S-E-R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Edwardo
October 12th, 2009
8:08 pm
What’s with saying “Georgia team” and “Georgia program” on second reference? We all know on second reference the team and program to whom is being referred. It was used in one of the posts above. The Dool used to say that as well — saying “the Georgia team” when “the team” was fine.
That nonsequiter aside, has Damon Evans ever coached a team, football or otherwise? At least Dooley had coached a few.
GATORMAN 722
October 12th, 2009
8:11 pm
Evans, needs to give the dog coaching a big raise and do whatever it takes to keep them together and dancing for 10 more years.
Troof
October 12th, 2009
8:13 pm
Besides him “coming home” why on God’s green earth would Kirby Smart come to UGA as DC? It’s not like Bama wouldn’t match any salary. He’s proven more willing to work with Saban than worrying about “going home.”
Damon Evans on UGA football: 'I do have some concerns' | Mark Bradley « Blogging
October 12th, 2009
8:13 pm
[...] See more here: Damon Evans on UGA football: 'I do have some concerns' | Mark Bradley [...]
Yellow Fuzz
October 12th, 2009
8:14 pm
coach smith,
I am revising this again to apease Edwardo. I appologize in advance if it is not perfectly written this time. I will do my best but am an engineer not a journalistic poet.
lol. YOU are not qualified to call ANYONE an idiot.
Kirby Smart has a wife and kids and Nick Saban has done a hell of a lot more for him at LSU, MIami and Alabama than anyone at Georgia. You can’t just type something and make it reality azzhole. Otherwise you and your pathetic team and program would be 6-0 instead of 3-3 (4-4 since we last kicked your azz!)
Get your tee shirt, shorts and tennis shoes laid out for work tomorrow morning-L-O-S-E-R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:14 pm
That Loud Mouth Scott Howard is asking stupid questions so he can keep caller off of the air. Its time for a new play by play man as well. I am tired of him already.
ApopkaDawg
October 12th, 2009
8:16 pm
Do dog fans and writers realize just how bad a decision it was to hire Willie Martinez? The past two years aside, the man had no business coming to UGA for any coaching position.
Just a quick resume review:
Grand Valley State (Def. Coord. / Def. Backs)
1992 went 8-3; gave up 45 to Indiana
1993 went 6-3-2; gave up 34 to Indiana, 38 to Hillsdale
Central Michigan (D-Backs)
1994 went 9-3; gave up 52 to Iowa, 52 to Las Vegs, NV
Central Florida (D-Coord / D-Backs)
1995 went 4-7; gave up 34 to E. Michigan, 48 to W. Michigan
1996 went 5-6; gave up 55 to Virgina, 46 to Miami (OH), 51 to Kent St.
Eastern Michigan (D-Backs)
1997 went 4-7; gave up 44 to Missouri, 38 to Toledo, 41 to Kent St., 47 to Ohio, 48 to Marshall, 41 to W. Michigan
Central Michigan (D-Backs) (2000 became Asst Head Coach / D-Coord)
1998 went 6-5; gave up 38 to Iowa, 38 to W Michigan
1999 went 4-7; gave up 47 to Syracuse, 58 to Purdue, 38 to W. Michigan, 31 to Bowling Green, 32 to Toledo
2000 went 2-9; gave up 48 to Purdue, 31 to Wyoming, 47 to Boise St., 41 to Toledo, 52 to Ohio, 38 to Ball St., 31 to E Michigan, 40 to N. Illinois
THEN HE GOT HIRED AT UGA?!?!?! CMR should have never let this guy anywhere near our Defense. Any reasonable coach who did not have personal ties to Willie Martinez would have taken one look at his resume and would have immediately turned on the shredder in his office. Instead, CMR has allowed his personal feelings to cloud his judgement when it comes to Willie Martinez. It has been that way since the day Willie stepped foot on the UGA campus. These are the same personal feelings that could cause him to follow Willie out the door. Willie Martinez will leave UGA either before or after then end of this season. CMR needs to decide if he is going to allow his loyalty to drag him out the door with him.
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:17 pm
Is there a place I can listen to the Richt call in show online can’t pick it up on radio
junkdawg
October 12th, 2009
8:18 pm
Due to embarrassment, I watched the 4th quarter of the GA/Tenn with a paper bag over my head…how many bags will I need to watch the GA/FLA game? will Tebow’s concussion keep the score in the 50+ point range? TECH must be chomping at the bit for 2 wins in a row…
Jeremy
October 12th, 2009
8:19 pm
Uh Mark I don’t equate Richt’s two rings as an assitastant on the same level of Charlie Storngs 2 rings as a defensive coordinator and this year will make 3. So its obvious you and everyone else doesn’t understand my choice for a new hire then explain why Les Miles, Nick Saban, and Urban Meyer have done more in less time than Mark Richt has done the entire time at Georgia. Georgia had the best offensive weapons last year and still failed I called that a down year. This season qualifies as a change of coach year. Somebody prove me wrong. Mark?
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:19 pm
ApopkaDawg
After reading that resume can you ship me some PEPTO
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:19 pm
super dog where are you located?
Assessing Georgia’s path out of (relative) rock-bottom | Sports News Images and Videos
October 12th, 2009
8:20 pm
[...] that the Bulldogs don’t really know how to do anything. Even the athletic director had to publicly acknowledge that he has some "concerns," possibly code for yes, the defensive coordinator is on the [...]
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:23 pm
Macon can’t here it on the am station
ApopkaDawg
October 12th, 2009
8:24 pm
Believe me Super Dog, I own stock in PEPTO after this season. I start the game with a beer and by half I need the Jack just to keep from throwing my remote through the TV. I got 2 tickets to the UGA/UF game, but I’m not sure if I want to sit through that embarassment again this year.
icedawg
October 12th, 2009
8:24 pm
Whoa. If ApopkaDawg’s stats are accurate how could that hire have been justified?
The Ghost Of Coach Johnny Griffith
October 12th, 2009
8:24 pm
Wonder what kind of statement Evans will release when we lose to either Vandy or Kentucky, or both.
I’ll be glad to tell you all about A.D.’s and their statements. I would know.
Maybe I failed because I didn’t pull an Urban Meyer and give my QB one of those “man-kisses” or a good “nuzzle” or whatever you call the thing he and Teabow engaged in. Man, the world in 2009 is a weird place.
Albert
October 12th, 2009
8:25 pm
It’s been downhill ever since that retarded dance in the endzone of the Florida game a few years.
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:25 pm
super dog i am 2 hours from athens and i can get 106.1 fm out of athens. try moving a portable fm radio around in ur house and sit it in a window. you may can get.
Pit bull
October 12th, 2009
8:26 pm
Great Post Apopkadog, I must admit I’m SHOCKED! If this is correct, and I assume it is, this doesn’t speak well of my beloved Coach Richt at all!!!!!!! You can’t put personal interest ahead of you JOB! When you tell Damon Evans and Vince Dooley you will “do your best’, you should be compelled to do it. I just can’t believe it! But I do.
Darius
October 12th, 2009
8:26 pm
Bye bye to Richt/Bobo/Martinez. You know it’s the right thing to do. Richt has had his best years, and it’s not going to get any better. UGA has the big bucks to hire a winning coach, so do it. It’s not the players, it’s the coaching staff.
UGAissolastyear
October 12th, 2009
8:27 pm
That he (Evans) would even say anything is wrong and classless. He should stay out of it. Richt is a good guy and a good caoch. The team is just average this year.
Tom
October 12th, 2009
8:27 pm
We look terrible during the two periods before and after the half, but has anyone noticed the Fire Goddess at the Half. Whew!!!!!
Joe "I Could Care Less" Cox
October 12th, 2009
8:27 pm
I wish that Coach Richt would nuzzle me the way Urban nuzzles Timmy Teabow.
I would play better if he did.
Do you think he still cares?
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:28 pm
super dog if u use yahoo messenger i will put my mic by the radio and u can listen over ur computer
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:28 pm
If there happens to be any big time boosters reading this and have pull
Us poor folks will buy you dinner at your restaurant of choice if you will go to Van Gorder cut him a check ask forgivness for allowing such stupidity as ApopkaDawg has shown us
Meanwhile...look to the big leagues for help
October 12th, 2009
8:29 pm
If coaching is the issue, why not look to an organization that has had a successful run on that front, the Atlanta Braves?
Why not consider Braves pinch hitter Greg Norton as a replacement for Willie Martinez? He may be available for the right price, and based on his record, he seems to be have a unique ability, even as a batter, to place defensive players directly in front of the ball so that they can be successful.
twodawgs
October 12th, 2009
8:31 pm
Evens fires the first (soft) volley. The clear implication is that the status quo is not acceptable. Add to that:
Florida a given loss
Auburn and Tech probable losses
Kentucky and Vandy toss ups
Tennessee Teck probable win
Dawgs probably won’t play a bowl game this year. THEN the pressure will surely mount. Hope CMR understands and can make the tough decisions. Don’t want to throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Darius
October 12th, 2009
8:31 pm
ApopkaDawg makes some excellent points about Willie Martinez. How did this guy ever get hired at any SEC school, much less UGA??? Answer: Richt hired him.
Talk about a millstone around UGA’s neck!
Damon “Concerned” « The Grit Tree
October 12th, 2009
8:32 pm
[...] 2009 Uncategorized Leave a Comment Damon Evans said today in an e-mail to the AJC that he does “have some concerns” about the state of his football program. He goes on to say that he has total confidence that Coach Richt will get the program back on track [...]
joe taxpayer
October 12th, 2009
8:34 pm
Stop this 1 bad year nonsense. In the big games we have had bad 3 years.
DanDawg
October 12th, 2009
8:34 pm
PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEse let Bobo goooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!! Its funny how we always here about Coach Martinez. Both coordinators and our Special Teams graduate assistant need to go. I love the Dawgs but am very frustrated.
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:35 pm
Matt Sterbation
I think it is my computer I can usually hear it on 960 the ref and 106.1 over the internet but for some reason its not downloading same for Yahoo it might be one of these pop up blockers
Any way anything good or are they just screening calls
junkdawg
October 12th, 2009
8:35 pm
apopkaDawg, I am in the same situation with the FLA game, I may go to the game in disquise as a florida fan (puke), to avoid embarrassment…
Darius
October 12th, 2009
8:37 pm
At this point, the worst thing would be for UGA to get warm and end up 8-4 or thereabouts. Better for them to be 5-7 or 6-6 so some some serious housecleaning can take place.
junkdawg
October 12th, 2009
8:37 pm
I think Richt will bail when FLA State offers him Bobby B’s job after the season…but then what do I know…I don’t even have a job…
cantondawg
October 12th, 2009
8:38 pm
Windy City Dawg, You’ve got to be kidding me to think about Van Gorder as a head coach. He took over a Georgia Southern team that made it to the second round of the playoffs and was considered a title contender. The result was a 3-8 record in only one year. The worst record in GSU history. He quit on GSU when the going got tough
Yellow Fuzz
October 12th, 2009
8:39 pm
lol
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:39 pm
Super Dog a couple of callers gave it it MR pretty good. He did say it is unlikely that one of the young QB will get playing time this year. On call said the last 3 years that the GA D is avg giving up 30 ppg and and the 3 years before that only 1 or 3 times did a team score 30. But we all knew that.
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:39 pm
DanDawg
Thanks for the slap to the brain
the kicking coach has to go
I also posted several weeks ago %93 of kicks in the endzone never get past the 20
But stupid fans like us do not know that directional kicking gives us the best field position for our team usually around the 35 or 40 right Fabris
joe taxpayer
October 12th, 2009
8:40 pm
CMR is not going to FU the buyout is way to big.