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
Brian
October 12th, 2009
9:24 pm
ron mexico – on top of that, those teams’ “down years” were simply years they didn’t contend for a national title. GA fans would kill for “down years” like that.
I’m waiting for Evans’ next statement, perhaps excerpted from the Steve Pederson Book of Quotes: The Nebraska Years.
junkdawg
October 12th, 2009
9:26 pm
ckgator, i have been wanting to ask a gator fan, why do you think jesus didn’t block for tebow when he got his bell rung during the KY game?
Preston
October 12th, 2009
9:27 pm
“I have some concerns”…..DUGHHH!
71 DAWG
October 12th, 2009
9:31 pm
Hey Bradley,
Saban has a second home in Rabun County too. Is that supposed to mean something? BTW – PJ has yet to accomplish anything near what Richt has done. And once you wrote a glowing column about Georgia never needing another football coach as long as CMR is around. You shift more quickly than the wind Mark – it is a bad trait that you seem to share with Schultz.
nate
October 12th, 2009
9:34 pm
Hey Dawgs fans,
We lost most of our offensive productivity with the loss of Moreno and Stafford. Fans expectations about a highly effective offense are misguided but I expect this will turn around. The dawgs problems are on DEFENSE which lie entirely on Coach Martinez’s shoulders. These problems existed last year and the year before but were mostly obsured by a productive offense with Stafford and a solid running game. Now w/o an effective offensive, the defense is on the field more often and it more obvious. The UT game and the GT last year are typical of UGA’s problems:
1) Poor tackling
2) Poor defensive schemes
3) INABILITY TO STOP THE RUN
The solution is to replace Coach Martinez with a top notch DC like:
1) Dick Bumpas at TCU
2) Bud Foster at VaTech
Mark Bradley, can ask or confirm UGA’s interest in these names, if they considering a change?
GO DAWGS
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
9:34 pm
Ron Mexico
I would just like to add to your comment
They beat us in down years because the current coaching staff believes 10 wins is more important than beating FL
gatorboy
October 12th, 2009
9:34 pm
I hear that Bobby Bowden is available!
Vol Navy
October 12th, 2009
9:35 pm
Whew! I feel better now. Go VOLS!
National Title
October 12th, 2009
9:37 pm
absolutely unbelievable how you dawg fans are ready to bury the axe on richt’s head. you never know what you’ve got until its gone. i hope you dawg fans get what you ask for. absolutely unreal.
Arkansas is next
October 12th, 2009
9:38 pm
Who is this Evans loser? Yeah, you should have some concerns, your football teams defense is just awful. Martinez probably needs to go. You are also paying Richt between 2-3 million dollars this year which demands results from a tradition like Georgia. 3-3 just isn’t getting the job done. You are not but you could very easily be 1-5 and then there would have been a riot. You should pay these coaches a fair base salary then pay them by win, who knows maybe they are 6-0 right now, probably not but maybe. Take a page from the Florida Gators Evans, maybe they will show you the way.
Todd, Atlanta GA.
October 12th, 2009
9:38 pm
All UGA fans (including myself)… settle down. Yes it is upsetting to be 3-3. Yes it is hard to watch our football team go up to Knoxville and play like they did….but it is ridiculous to call for CMR’s head or anyone else’s job for that matter. There is a reason Damon Evans and Coach Richt are in the positions they are in and the rest of us can only comment on a this blog…Coach Richt is a class act and a great coach….I am glad he is running the program and not most of the bozo’s who comment on this blog asking for him to be fired….ridiculous! Go UGA…..We support our coach!
jason
October 12th, 2009
9:39 pm
nate, Very good post and I agree. The thing on offense is the horrible play of the OL. That was to be our biggest strength. The defense is horrible, I watched about 50 missed tackles in the first half alone. I don’t think it is all CWM’s fault though. I think the entire defensive staff is to blame. My thing is why would CMR promote an unproven CWM to DC without looking outside of the program for a experienced one?
GuyFalks
October 12th, 2009
9:43 pm
Take it or leave it Dawgnation but it’s on very good authority that the UT coaching staff was laughing their collective asses off at the UGA staff in their last meeting. The papers have spelled out LK’s remarks about not losing to UGA; however they do not think that the series will even present a challenge given the ease with which they summarily dispatched UGA. Especially since Georgia has (supposedly) much better talent. These remarks and this laughter has been personally heard by someone that I know. Use this information as you choose, or ignore it at your peril.
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
9:43 pm
I will continue to say this to those who thank a win is a win,
10 win season are great and
Those who except losing to FL every year is because we don’t have talent
If that is your attitude and that is the attitude you want all the rest of the fans to have
Then tell Damon Evans to stop making us pay extra in donations for season tickets
Face value will be fair if thats the kind of mediocrity you expect
But If I have to continue paying these prices then I expect better results not every year but on a consistant basis
No Way
October 12th, 2009
9:43 pm
VT is in the runnings for a national title. UGA is in the runnings for the cellar of the SEC. Do you really think Bud Foster will take the job? I don’t think so. Def Coord. for UGA is not a job people are lining up for. You can toss out all the names you want, that doesn’t mean people are listening.
Bend But Break
October 12th, 2009
9:45 pm
I have not read one convincing argument as to why Dawgs do not give their best freshman qb (consensus says Murray) some playing time. This season IS shot. The only thing left is to develop the underclassmen for next year. That being said, what an opportunity for the young guys to develop in real game situations. If the coaches only play Cox or Gray out of loyalty, then they are good guys and idiot coaches. I’d love to have a beer with any one of them and hate to pay them a dime to coach my team.
jason
October 12th, 2009
9:45 pm
After that miserable disply, we should and are being laughed at. How many times has UGA been called out and had their manhood taken and did nothing but lie down. The single worst thing that happened SAT was the team quit, thwy quit in the third quarter.
Super Dog
October 12th, 2009
9:45 pm
GuyFalks
The same can be said for FL
We have too many fans that except mediocrity or weren’t old enough to remember what it was like to have FL shaking in their boots
goober
October 12th, 2009
9:47 pm
Mr. Bradley: If you wanted Damon Evans’ REAL reaction you should have interviewed him face-to-face, probably like you used to do in these situations before email made it so easy and made us all so lazy and complacently brainwashing us into thinking it is an adequate substitute for real old-fashioned reporting (a la Furman Bisher et al.).
The personal face-to-face Q&A would have allowed you to HEAR what he said, HOW he said it, and to SEE all of the facial expressions and body language (and yes, the real NUANCES you referenced) that go with what one is saying. More importantly, the face-to-face would have forced Mr. Evans to speak spontaneously, without the careful and advanced preparation and forethought so easily available in a prepared email statement.
Don’t you think you would have gotten a much better, more legitimate, and true reaction to your question about Coach Richt had you asked it face-to-face to Mr. Evans? And if the answer is yes, we readers would have gotten a much better, more legitimate, and true reaction from Mr. Evans which would have evoked a completely different set of views and responses on this blog.
I don’t blame you personally for not thinking about or perhaps realizing that your question to Mr. Evans would have meant so much more had it been asked face-to-face. You and every member of your profession are now such complete unknowing prisoners of email and computer technology that you have lost all sense of what real bona fide old-fashioned reporting really means. And yes, it’s the same technology that allows me to express my opinions to you and others so easily.
Imagine if every other profession adopts this same weakness … all teaching will be done by computer long distance. All medical diagnosis and even treatment … all counseling, both the psychological and legal kind, without contact. How about we do our legal trials by long distance, or how about weddings, or child-raising?
Wow … a face-to-face interview. Imagine how much better that would have been, and how much more you and your readers would have learned about Mr. Evans’ REAL feelings. Please, try that next time.
jason
October 12th, 2009
9:47 pm
The rumor, Mickey Andrews. Once BB retires…
Chaz
October 12th, 2009
9:48 pm
A head coach’s job is not nor should it be X’s & O’s. He’s the CEO- hire good assistants, provide the direction and then let them do their job. If one is not getting the job done then he must be replaced. This is a different skill set than game planning, running practice, etc. which is why many good coordinators make horrible head coaches. Since turning over the play calling to Bob, CMR has had some success, as well as some disappointment. Thats the ebb & flow of major college football. I believe he will step it up and we will see success again very soon. However, it is appropriate for the fan base to voice some of their concerns that have been evident for 2-3 years. Primarily, defensive production & special teams. We are supposed to have the same elite athletes as the SEC frontrunners, which leave coaching. I believe CMR will step up to the plate and make the necessary changes. So get a grip people and have a little faith. There’s plenty of time to grumble after the season.
As I have said before, I would love to see Ron Zook added to the staff as special teams coach…if Illinois cuts him loose.
North Georgia Dawg
October 12th, 2009
9:48 pm
Here’s the problem….. As most UGA fans that post comments on here know the OC & DC for UGA have been issues for the last two or more years. My question is how long do you let it go on before you act. The problem with not doing anything thing is that you not only lose games but you also lose the respect of fans and recruits. Kiffin was exactly right (arrogant as he is) that game was bigger than the SEC east. The recruits were watching and if I am a recruit and I see that type of game being played by UGA why on earth would I want to play for Richt. We will probably win against Vanderbilt, Auburn, Kentucky and maybe GA Tech. However, come next year when we play another top 10 team we will get blown out again. It’s time as fans to quit excepting mediocrity (10 win seasons)! That’s great…. but don’t you think we deserve a NC??? I think we do!
GWJ
October 12th, 2009
9:49 pm
I like Kirby Smart idea…..but why would he choose to come back “home” in a lateral move? Remember, he spent one year with Richt as RB’s coach and quickly departed.
NT
October 12th, 2009
9:50 pm
Richt has won 3 titles at UGA…. 2 SEC titles, and a preseason title last year. Give that man a contract extension!
nate
October 12th, 2009
9:53 pm
Jason,
The offense will take time. However, the inability to stop has been a problem for the past two years. For example, how many yards did Tech last year and UT this year run between the tackles. Simple power I football in the gut…put in eight the box then. You know Tech is going to this crap so jam the run. In terms of poor defensive schemes, how many times did UT run a naked bootleg to the left effectively for more than 5 yards. I counted 8-10 times. How many times do you need to see that play before you are not fooled by this play and it was run to the same side of the field? LEFT NOT RIGHT 8-10 TIMES!!! Watch the reruns of the game if you stand it? This CWM’s fault plain and simple….poor coaching.
Thus, I say: Free Willie!!! from his contract
junkdawg
October 12th, 2009
9:54 pm
Actually, i hope Richt stays, he just needs to cut loose bobo and willie…It could be worse, doesn’t anybody remember the Ray Goof (Golf) years?
Stockdog
October 12th, 2009
9:58 pm
CMR has to make a change. I agree that Martinez will fall on his sword after the Tech game. I think he will try to shake up the offense. I stated back in June that Samuels and King would not be starting after 3 games. It took 5. Cox is clearly in consistent but servicable. If we beat Vandy he keeps his job. If we lose, then Logan Gray finishes the season as the No. 1 QB. As for Bobo, he only calls the plays from CMR’s playbook. He is probably safe for another year.
Mike
October 12th, 2009
10:00 pm
What’s all this nonsense about firing CMR??? Are you guys nuts? We have a quality coach and a good program. We need a new DC. I think CMR will make the right decisions. If he allows the DC to stay in place next year, you can then challenge his right to stay at Georgia. The players seem lost and clueless. That’s coaching!
North Georgia Dawg
October 12th, 2009
10:02 pm
I hear we are going to “Black-Out” the Tennessee Tech game and coach Willie is going to lead the entire team in a choregraphed dance to the electric slide. That should get em cranked up!
nate
October 12th, 2009
10:03 pm
I do think Dick Bumpas is possible. Can you imagine what he could do with a UGA budget and resources versus TCU?
TCU has an excellent defense in a conference with traditional power I running offenses and spread offenses (eg Texas Tech) so I think he would be good fit for the SEC. Plus, the SEC would be an upgrade from the Mountain West.
Bud Foster- more difficult…..Maybe if we offered a lot of money. Certainly a greater challenge and greater athletes in the SEC for Coach Foster.
Call it Like It Is
October 12th, 2009
10:05 pm
Why is Damon Evans acting like he is Barry Obama?
What a moron!
Enough Said!
jason
October 12th, 2009
10:05 pm
nate, No I agree. I was talking about the missed tackles. His system does suck. Also about the run. Our DTs are… no were a strength. Where the hell has Geno disapeared to? We know where owens is, jumping off sides into the backfield. The one to rely on is Weston, and he couldn’t crack the rotation last year. No Tyso this year either except for the blocked FG against USCe.
Rick
October 12th, 2009
10:12 pm
Evan is a horrible AD.
Basketball is a mess and now football. They baseball coach is not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer.
UGA sports as a whole is pretty much as diaster.
1vols1
October 12th, 2009
10:13 pm
CMR is our 2nd favorite coach behind CLK. Who else could make Crompton SEC Offensive Payer of the Week!!!!!!
Changes Needed
October 12th, 2009
10:14 pm
The comments by evans are just political BS–no changes will be required of Richt—he’s like his hero and mentor bobby bowden—too loyal to fire anyone–uga will be stuck in 3rd place in the SEC east for years behind florida and UT, and going to minor bowls sponsored by chicken sandwiches and car care companies.
BILLY BIB
October 12th, 2009
10:14 pm
SUPER DOG, I GOT ONE ON HOW TO FILL TECH STADIUM. FREE PROSTITUTE FOR FIRST55,000 MALE NERDS THAT SHOW UP.
nate
October 12th, 2009
10:14 pm
Jason,
CWM is the captain of the defensive ship for the Dawgs. Thus, the buck stops with him. Plus, it is reoccuring problem for the last two years. So make a clean sweep on the DC side of things. My conclusion, “Free Willie!”
Wished the students would voice their opinions and take up the chant: Free Willie!!!!
Texas Dawg
October 12th, 2009
10:15 pm
For all you fans that say that other teams have down years so we are due! Check you facts….those teams don’t have the recruiting classes we have had for the past seven or eight years! Don’t give that crap line that recriuting classes don’t equal wins! They do with the right head coach and staff>>>>Notice I sad staff! LOOK AT USC over the years….great teams…Now that the head coach at USC has lost his staff the teams is not as good….OUR DEFENSE HAS GOTTiN WORSE EVERY YEAR UNDER WILLIE…..!!!! THE DATA DOESN’t LIE….WE MUST HIRE THE BEST DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR and OFFENSIVE COORDINaTOR money can buy. We need to hire Kirby Smart or ol boy from texas for the defensice coord postion….FSU was great when Ritch was OC….haven’t done %^&* since…….RIcth needs a new staff Perriod!
Cynthia
October 12th, 2009
10:18 pm
I think the AD Damon Evans will stick with Coach Richt. Team just needs to regroup. They just don’t seem focused.
True DAWG FAN
October 12th, 2009
10:19 pm
Most of you morons have terrible typing skills and/or grammar, yet you are trying to tell Coach Richt how to do his job? You are not fans at all, just a bunch of washed out wannabees who probably never played the game of football in the first place. However, you look in the mirror and swear Herschel Walker is standing there. I don’t know what I expect…”YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID!”
TERRY
October 12th, 2009
10:19 pm
well now isnt this all just hilarious!as a vol fan alot of you dawg fans just gave us tennessee fans hell the last two years that our team has been going down the tubes.your snide remarks about our former coach fulmer which won a national championship in 98 was down right ugly. now isnt karma a bitch?????? now you find your self in crisis mode because you just got your asses handed to you. do i remember that when richt first took over you all beat tennessee 50 something to 20 and really ran your mouths about that. well now dawg fans. BOTTOM MAN ON TOP NOW!!!!!!! WILL I RUB IT IN??? HUM?? MAYBE JUST A LITTLE, BUT I KNOW THAT WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND .and sooner or later you dawgs will give us vols a good butt kicking. so in the name of good sportmanship i say good game dawgs we got ya this year. GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!
BILLY BIB
October 12th, 2009
10:19 pm
THEY NEED TO FIRE UGA 7 AND HIRE UGA 8
Matt Sterbation
October 12th, 2009
10:19 pm
What was Ron Zooks record or avg wins per season when his ass got shown the door? FL didn’t put up with the same crap that the GA fans are getting every week.
jason
October 12th, 2009
10:22 pm
nate, again I completely agree. But in a since, should that not be CMR’s fate? I asked that question earlier in a long post. I wanted a knowledgable answer, not some rant. CMR chose both CWM and Bobo without looking for more seasoned coordinators. There are complaints about alot of the staff. The buck should stop at CMR? I guess if CWM was the only problem, I say release him and move forth. It is apparrent that he is not the only problem.
Starring Peter Graves as Capt. Over
October 12th, 2009
10:25 pm
The only way WM leaves is if he resigns. CMR will not fire him. Look at BB, who has he fired? It took an Act of Congress to get Jeff out of Tallahassee. CMR will not fire anybody. CMR=Bobby Cox.
BUBBA THE REDNECK GETR DUN JONES
October 12th, 2009
10:25 pm
THA DWAGS WILL GET RDONE THE REST OF THE FOOTBALL WHEN OUT AND THEY WILL BE 8-3 AND GO TO THE PEECH BOWL./ TECH AINT NUTHIN WELL WHOOP EM GOOD
GETTER DON
Vol Navy
October 12th, 2009
10:28 pm
Hey Highschool Football Players,
Skip the drama, go play for a great team with great coaches and a great future. Tennessee can prep you for the NFL!
Go VOLS!
BUBBA THE REDNECK GETR DUN JONES
October 12th, 2009
10:28 pm
SHUTUP TECH NERDS BEFORE I BUST UP YOUR UGKY FACXES
cantondawg
October 12th, 2009
10:29 pm
Any Georgia fan that has already written the season off or as one poster stated “put a bag on their head” doesn’t deserve to wear the Red and Black. I’m damn proud to be a bulldog and expect much better performances the rest of the year. Sure, last saturday was disappointing but sometimes it takes a game like that to realize that just because you’re Georgia you cannot chalk up a victory over anyone.
TXDawg (The Real TXDawg)
October 12th, 2009
10:29 pm
Somebody is impersonating my blog ID……that’s pretty lame