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
8:40 pm
I hope you azzholes know that every Georgia coach and player (and their families) reads these blogs.
LOL
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:40 pm
I am thinking about wearing a paper bag over my head at the FL game. Anybody else want to do that?
joe taxpayer
October 12th, 2009
8:40 pm
thats FSU (sorry)
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:41 pm
I guess i would be a Ga WhoDat
TXDawg
October 12th, 2009
8:41 pm
What a country…where else in the world can the lack of maturity and inconsistency of 18+ yr old young men affect older men’s jobs and completely bring out the open mouth, stick foot in mouth syndrome among so many people? CMR is a quality man that has the stress of being successful blending big business with a game (so do many other good coaches around America). However, CMR excels in the area of developing these immature young men into becoming self reliant mature young men that make a difference in their families, communities and country. The man will do what is right for UGA football, the university, the players and the coaches but he will do it in his own time. Why, you ask? …the man is too fine a gentleman to destroy a man’s (coach) credibility and family just to appease the criticism of the crowds that have never been in the areana. What if your employer treated you the way that you want CMR to treat his employees? What if you were under the same scrutiny that the UGA staff is under? What would you do if people were shooting at your job performance when they didn’t have the slightest idea of what you really do? Stress makes all of us perform better or if under the weight too long, it will eventually destroy. How would you handle being in any of the coach’s shoes that you so readily criticise? Do you really believe you could handle it? Naw, I don’t think you could handle it either. Maybe it’s time to show some patience and grace for those who are making the effort.
Earn the Right
October 12th, 2009
8:41 pm
Damon Evans, earn your AD position first, then you can pop-off but for now – shut up!!
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:43 pm
Matt Sterbation
Thanks
I would like to tell him that if Murray or Gray doesn’t get playing time we are starting all over again next year and probably a 3 or 4 loss season without a QB with game experience. Thats if we get a DC worth a crap
GT fan
October 12th, 2009
8:43 pm
Mike Bobo ’s playing calling is: play action fake deep pass to double cover AJ Green( who might be the best recieve in the nation) then a run then third and long. Cox is not a good QB and why A. Murray not starting these games? Why start 2 different QBS in two different years? I like Easley and think he could be a star. On defense the sencondary is weak just like Techs. With no pass rush the D will be reeling all day. But in defensive of the D you can not turn the ball over 2-4 times a game and expect the other team not to score.
I look forward to November and remember your football program has had 9-10 wins for the last 4-5 years. This program is good just having a tough go at it. CMR is a great coach and it would be in your best intrest to keep him around. Had to replace a man like that.
Oh by the way Bobo needs to go and willie has not been good since BVG left for the Falcons.
GO Jackets
cantondawg
October 12th, 2009
8:43 pm
Junkdawg,
I’m sure FSU will pay Jimbo Fisher 5 million dollars and break the agreement they have in place for him to be the head coach in 2010. Then turn around and pay Georgia 3 million dollars for Richt to get out of his contract. 8 million dollars in contract termination fees sounds reasonable to me. You need to know what’s going on before you type something
lawton
October 12th, 2009
8:44 pm
after the coming florida beatdown, something will change. lol
GT fan
October 12th, 2009
8:44 pm
hard to replace a man like that
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:46 pm
CMR just said again that he had no plans of playing Murray or Mettenburger
junkdawg
October 12th, 2009
8:46 pm
Matt, I am trying to decide how many bags to wear to the FLA game…
ApopkaDawg
October 12th, 2009
8:47 pm
Best case scenario for the Dawgs at this point:
1. Fire Willie immediately and put Rodney Garner as temporary D-Coord. He could hardly do worse.
2. Sit Joe Cox down or at the very least let him start the first quarter and sit him down. We appreciate your loyalty to UGA, but it is time to concentrate on your studies and worry about life after football or pick up a clip board and start working on your own coaching career.
3. Start Logan Gray or Aaron Murray and get them some playing time. We do not want to go through a new QB again next year. There are enough big games left to get these guys some big game experience BEFORE next year.
4. Break out the Charlie Ward, FSU offense and let Grey or Murray run. Both QBs are know for their running ability (at least they were in high school). Our O-Line is having problems, so let these guys scramble and run.
5. Start putting your short list for D-Coordinators together NOW! As soon as the season ends, go get a motivated, intelligent, Irk Russell type of D-Coordinator.
GET IT DONE!!!!
junkdawg
October 12th, 2009
8:47 pm
cantondawg, you need to kiss my junkdawg
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:47 pm
Attention: This is want is gonna piss GA fans off. That is when FL is about a 25 point favorite in the game. Apopkaddawg how long has it been since GA was a 25 poing underdog?
Ted Striker
October 12th, 2009
8:48 pm
All I had growing up in Hartwell was a Dairy Queen, a Bantam Chef, and a Tastee Freeze. There would have been zero confusion about where to meet back then.
That said, I remember visiting my grandfather after numerous strokes from ‘96 to 2000. Every single visit he’d tell me about the “new” Burger King that had “just opened up a few blocks down the street.”
We went there from time to time too, if he felt like getting out. My grandfather told me about the “new” BK at least once a month, sometimes 2-3x a month, sometimes 2-3x a visit — every single visit — for a four years till he passed.
Man, do I miss hearing my grandfather tell me about the “new” Burger King. Sometimes it’s the little things in life that you remember.
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:48 pm
Bring back Marion (the Swampfox) Cambell
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:49 pm
TXDawg
Im in Medical Sales
6 months of bad performance and I am on a 60 day action plan after that if no improvements are made I will be let go
4 years of inconsistant defensive play is enough as well as kicking and vanilla offensive calls I do not make 3million nor do I get 4 years of downward numbers
I do not want Richt fired but as a head coach for a program like Ga you should have saw this comming. I did when we played West Va several years ago
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
8:52 pm
ApopkaDawg
Maybe you and I could go into consulting college football programs
Your thinking is very good
Mike T.
October 12th, 2009
8:53 pm
If you are redshirted you can leave after your sophomore yr. just like Moreno did
How often does that really happen? Moreno was rare. A QB would probable need at least three years.
I would save Murray redshirt, not sacrifice it now that the season is half gone.
Buckeyeboy52
October 12th, 2009
8:53 pm
Idaho got more votes than us in the latest poll. Idaho! We are now and officially penciled “W” for most of our opponents the rest of the year.
ApopkaDawg
October 12th, 2009
8:54 pm
Matt S:
I do’nt know how long it has been since the Dogs were 25pt underdogs, but they never cover the spread anyway. You could retire rich if you bet against the Dogs and the spread every week.
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:55 pm
If we play one of the young QB now we May…. I did say MAY… MAY get a leg up on FL next year at least at that position. Again… I said MAY
Joe Cox
October 12th, 2009
8:56 pm
my feelins are hurt
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
8:56 pm
Just to remind people.. TN was a 26 point underdog against FL. TN beat GA so FL could be a 30 point favorite.
SiddyBoy
October 12th, 2009
8:57 pm
Mark Richt is a man of faith.Do any of you pray for him and the team?Laugh if you like but he does have integrity and he will deal with this as he does any crisis-prayer and faith.I pray every week that God will protect every team as it travels,not just UGA.Yes, the Gators and GT too.I don’t pray for victory because there are many Christians on every team.I pray that God will be glorified through victory or defeat.So if you have faith, exercise it,stay on the wagon and we will be fine.
jason
October 12th, 2009
8:57 pm
This would be a great rumor to start. At the end of the season CWM will be released as DC for UGA. Following BB retirement announcement from FSU, CMR will hire Mickey Andrews as DC. In related story, Chuck Amato and Jeff Bowden will also join the staff in undetermined capacities. There has been a hint that Bobo will remain in the capacity of QB coach, with Bowden taking over at OC.
ApopkaDawg
October 12th, 2009
8:57 pm
Super Dog:
It must be the Medical Sales thing. I’m in Medical Sales as well.
corkylikesbeer
October 12th, 2009
8:58 pm
I wonder if we can bring Joe Kines back! The bend but don’t break defense.
junkdawg
October 12th, 2009
8:59 pm
Siddy Boy, evidently jesus isn’t a dawg fan…
mike
October 12th, 2009
8:59 pm
Ted Striker:
I just read your entire post and feel violated. That is definately one minute I will never get back
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
9:01 pm
Can you people imagine Joe Kines and Marion Campbell on the same sideline…. DAMN what an awesome D we would have!!
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
9:01 pm
Experience
Is key to anything in life
By the way if Murry is really good people remember Moreno Redshirted played 2 years and left
Lets not take the chance concerning Murry give him playing time like Zeir and Green
Tony B.
October 12th, 2009
9:01 pm
I have been a loyal Dawg for 60 years. i believe that CMR is as good a coach as were Butts and Dooley. However, his remarks last year about us not understanding the defensive schemes and now about not being in the “arena” were insulting.. Ther are thousands of ex players, coaches,
and students of the game who are knowledgeable and loyal Dawg Fans. It is a rebuilding year. we are very young. But, if our young players are ever going to play up to their potential; then,we do need major changes regarding the entire coaching staff. Richt just needs to do what it is obviously necessary to do. The “buck’ does stop with him.. Selah..
barneyb
October 12th, 2009
9:03 pm
Just out of curiosity-
Does anyone have the stats for penalties while Richt was at FSU? Just sayin……….he is NOT a disciplinarian, and I believe truly does not have the heart nor passion to make the tough decisions. Martinez, Bobo, and Fabris must go. And sad to say, maybe Richt. Clean slate.
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
9:04 pm
ApopkaDawg
Very well could be because we both know in Medical sales we must be able to quickly discern our business or else we are out on the street quickly
I guess Im not used to having a job where I can half A@@ work for 5 or 6 years and still not worry about the boss
45ACP
October 12th, 2009
9:07 pm
Yellow Fuzz – how you been?
The Saturday night/Sunday morning game was fun to watch.
Congrats on the win.
jamie
October 12th, 2009
9:07 pm
sorry cox you had your shot but hey buddy you want be here next year.
2HLLWGA
October 12th, 2009
9:09 pm
Bradley, you are getting funnier and funnier.
After suffering through the 7 years just prior to last year, it is good to see UGA go through this too. I figure you still have a few months before you have some god-awful greyhound commenter on your blog, but I can hardly wait!
Mark, do you think UGA has the balls to wait out seven years?
GR82BAG8R
October 12th, 2009
9:09 pm
TxDog, it’s all relative. We all know how hard it is to coach and discipline 18+ year olds. But how do you explain that Florida, LSU, and now Alabama are able to do it and win? Richt has been at Georgia long enough that the program is an extension of him. He is an admirable man, and is able to convince top-notch recruits (and more importantly, their families) to join him at Georgia. It just doesn’t make sense that they are performing so poorly, especially against the likes of Tennessee.
It comes down to coaching and fundamentals. Georgia needs to fix it, and soon.
Tom
October 12th, 2009
9:10 pm
Hey Matt Sterbation, I just said your name real fast!
todd
October 12th, 2009
9:14 pm
There’s absolutely no way MR would ever be cut loose.
I’m not a proponent of that, he recruits too well and he’s had success (enough to hold on, he backed in to 3 SEC title games, won a few, handful of BCS bowls).
Yes, he’s absolutely owned by Urban Myer and if Alabama and LSU were in the East, he would be owned by Saban, then again the Zooker owned MR and I’m a Ga grad admitting to it!
With all said, if he can’t find a way soon with the likes of A. Murray & Co. I think he should quit and either coach at a Mars Hill level or apply for non-profit status for some Christian mission program of sorts. Heck, if Tebow ends up playing fullback at the next level and can’t fit in b/c not everyone at the NFL level is a Gator, maybe he and MR can team up with some message for underpriveledged folks in South Florida, seriously, would be a good cause for the 2.
jason
October 12th, 2009
9:14 pm
Calling out the knowledgable DAWG fans. I have been hard on CMR the past couple of days. I am on the fence and teetering towards him needing to be fired. I have some thoughts about what has happened, and am curious to your valued opinion, and also your thought on what he can do to right the ship.
I believe that CMR biggest 2 mistakes were to promote Bobo and CWM without looking outside the program for more seasoned coordinators. I think CMR is spread thin in trying to oversee both of those responsibilities because of lack of confidence in their abulilties. This takes him even further away from being the HC he wanted to be when left the OC duties to Bobo.
My whole entire stance behind CMR needing to be fired has to do with these issues. I read alot of posts on how alot of people want every coach released. The OC, DC, STC, LB, OL, WR, RB, everyone, right down to the Strength and Conditioning Coach. I feel if the whole staff has to go, then why keep CMR?
There also has been posts that have negative torwards the players. For example, they being to stupid to get the messasge, or they are thugs with their dance routines during games. Or simply UGA is recruiting the wrong players for the system. If all these remarks are true, then one would think that it falls at CMR’s feet. He is the head of recruiting. Not Garner. CMR wants the guys he wants for his system, Garner’s job is to get them.
One last point. I started this one about recruiting atheletes instead of football players. I had a problem with this because it is apparrent that we don’t have the coaching to teach these guys to be football players. So, there you have it. I am trying to understand the maddness.
ron mexico
October 12th, 2009
9:16 pm
tired of some ga fans reminding us that lsu, florida, alabama had down years. admittedly, they did, but florida and tennessee beat us during their down years.
LAdawg
October 12th, 2009
9:19 pm
MB, how do the recruiting gurus determine ratings? Is it about high school accomplishments or how a prospect is expected to play in college? I see a lot of references about how talented our players are but it seems they are so poorly coached in all areas that it is difficult to determine the level of talent we do have.
ckgator
October 12th, 2009
9:20 pm
It will be fun watching the pups attempt to defend Florida’s repeat-o dive play. We’ll run it so much even Meyer will boo.
what-ev
October 12th, 2009
9:22 pm
what a load of crap.we were promised change during the “off” season.now things are twice as bad.that is my “concern”.nothing got better, and everyone involved just issues retoric and arrogance.”so what?” is blasted per se at every Georgia fan, and we are told basically, “why are you a football fan if you place so much importance on winning and seeing the effects of effective coaching?” which arena did you come from? call me when we insert a quarterback that can hit Green in full stride or someone tries to make our opposition start their drives closer to their goal line.
Don
October 12th, 2009
9:23 pm
I’m not piling on Joe Cox. The strength of this team is the receivers followed by Joe Cox who has a pretty accurate arm. Mike Bobo insists on lining 10 players in the box with one receiver out wide and running the ball. Joe should be in the shotgun almost every down with 2 or 3 receivers and one tight-end out wide. This would give Joe more time and the receivers and tight-ends, especially A.J. Green, would have no problem giving him an open target to hit. Spreading the defense out would also help running backs like Carlson and Ealey find big holes to run through. This is the kind of offense being used by the elite teams that are winning National Championships. Bobo should understand that a Ray Goff style of offense will never get it done. The offenses problems lie squarely on Bobo’s shoulders. On the other hand I think that the defense just is not executing. Willie Martinez may not be the best Defensive Coordinator but his defensive backs are an undisciplined group of guys who are constantly screwing up their assignments. Watch the games and you constantly see them pointing fingers blaming somebody else for blown coverage.
m
October 12th, 2009
9:24 pm
Hey Mark….pass it on to Damon that if he wants to make a mid-season change that chan gomer gailey is available.