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
Brandon from Warner Robins
October 12th, 2009
5:58 pm
Hello Mark,
Richt will do what is necessary.
Bryan G.
October 12th, 2009
5:59 pm
Primero.
mmgtfan
October 12th, 2009
5:59 pm
First?
squigg dawg
October 12th, 2009
6:00 pm
Fire Slick Willie Now! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mmgtfan
October 12th, 2009
6:00 pm
CRAP!!!!!
dagnabit
October 12th, 2009
6:01 pm
Looks like Damon is thinking about switching horses.
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:01 pm
I don’t think Damon Evans is even slightly considering changing horses. Or head coaches, either.
Jeff
October 12th, 2009
6:02 pm
Logan Gray, Logan Gray, it starts at QB. If the QB can’t keep a drive going the defense wears out. Our QB is no threat as a passer and he definitely is not a scrambler..Logan Gray outperformed Cox in Spring..so……………duhhh…
Brandon from Warner Robins
October 12th, 2009
6:03 pm
hey would ya look at that. I was first.
Mike T.
October 12th, 2009
6:03 pm
You just get the same feeling from him, that you do from the team during a game in which were behind,
No sense of urgency.
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:03 pm
MMGTFAN is so close. Even Sham never finished second so many times. (Horse racing reference.)
Whopper Dawg
October 12th, 2009
6:04 pm
I was hoping for the dreaded vote of confidence. I am afraid that does not qualify.
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:05 pm
I don’t get a feeling of complacency from Damon Evans’ statement at all. I think he said what needed to be said and said it well.
georgiavol
October 12th, 2009
6:05 pm
Just one tough season and you people want to hang the guy. We put up with bad for four years before we made a change. You folks really need to get a grip. Mark is an excellent coach and even better human being.
But I gotta say I think this “crisis” is highly entertaining.
Go Vols!
squigg dawg
October 12th, 2009
6:05 pm
Not CMR, Mark, but SOMEBODY has to go or he will follow them next year…Millionaires have no reason to gripe when they don’t perform. Period. If these coaches can’t get their players to play….They all want the glory, fame and money but can’t understand the critsism….
max
October 12th, 2009
6:06 pm
the popular opinion among UGA students is that we have to get bobo out of a playcalling position. if they dont have the heart to fire him then i say put him in charge of QB development
mmgtfan
October 12th, 2009
6:06 pm
Maybe I should type first THEN read the article
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:07 pm
I wouldn’t bother with reading the article at any point. Maybe I shouldn’t say that.
69 Dawg
October 12th, 2009
6:07 pm
I love Mark Richt and want him to stay. He has allowed the Georgia team to fall to a low level. It’s not the fact that we’re losing but how we’re losing. We’re the most “ourcoached” team in the BCS. All it takes is a look at the stats and team standings. Can you say problem, problem, problem. The problems are too big to solve this year. It’s going to take a major overhaul to get us back on track. Most teams have moved up the bar on quality coaches … we haven’t had the strength or guts to make any changes. We’ve been left behind. We can’t run with the big dogs so I guess we’ll just sit on the porch til someone decides to make some major changes. Come on Coach, bit the bullett, call it like it is, be truthful and tell us what you’re going to do. Is that too much to ask. And by the way, your arena comments really bothered me a lot. Don’t guess you care for us like we care for you and the team. I think an apology would be in order or at least a clarification on what you meant. We’ve gone to the dogs.
Jim
October 12th, 2009
6:08 pm
Damon Evans’ statement reads like damning faint praise. Me thinks Richt may be in more trouble than first thought. After slipping last year, this year compounds things. We are now 100th in defense out of 120 teams. Not exactly the place Ga. needs to be.
Coach Richt.....
October 12th, 2009
6:09 pm
I understand your frustration. I have probably let some things get a little sideways in the program but I do care. I love UGA and everything about it and I am very disappointed right now also. Somewhere along the line I have let the program decline….fell asleep at the wheel some would say. I am not one to talk in public about these issues even though most of you fans wished I would. Its to much out in the open now though for me not to acknowledge the obvious issues. This past week was an embarrassment to the program and everything we have spent the last 9 years building. I believed that I made the right decisions in the best interest of the program over the years but now must admit that some judgements were ill-considered. I ask that you give me the benefit of the doubt knowing that many changes are on the horizon. I can’t discuss publicly what they will be….just that they will happen. I take full responsibility for this decline. I have ignored some obvious issues to long in the hopes that they would work themselves out. But I can assure you that you will see a much tougher, more disciplined, and better coached team in the future. It might not happen overnight but it will happen by the time the Dawgs take the field to open the 2010 season. Stay with me and this team. Great things are on the horizon.
Sincerely, Coach Richt
LBS
October 12th, 2009
6:09 pm
Mark,
What concerns do you think need to be addressed? Do Martinez and Bobo need to go?
Praying for change
October 12th, 2009
6:10 pm
Agree with 69Dawg … not complaining that we’re losing as much as we’re not competitive. I’ve never seen a Georgia team without heart and spirit until this one. It starts with the head and flows down.
CMR needs to do some soul searching and see if his heart is in coaching the Georgia Bulldogs. I miss the passion, the fight, the spirit, the
never say die that Georgia teams have had. No, it’s not losing … it’s the way we’re losing.
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:10 pm
Yes, LBS. I think a new defensive coordinator is warranted.
Paul H
October 12th, 2009
6:11 pm
LSU 2008: 7-5
Auburn 2008: 5-7
UT 2008: 5-7
GT during Gailey years:…
Florida during Zook years:…
Bama before Saban:…
Get the point?
EVERYONE has down years people. UGA just has been so consistent that it’s a shock we’re only 3-3 right now. These years happen to the best programs. I’m just glad it’s a shock when our program has a down year. That means we’ve been doing something right this decade.
Praying for change
October 12th, 2009
6:11 pm
Mark, do you think we’ll see any changes if we lose three or four in a row or will CMR decided just to ride it out?
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:13 pm
I don’t think you’ll see Mark Richt pull a Tuberville and dump coordinators in midseason. But I do think something will happen after the season. (That’s just me guessing, though.)
Simpson Road Scholar
October 12th, 2009
6:13 pm
It’s sad, but the best Richt can say is, “We got to get better…” Duh!!!!! If you get the snot knocked out of you every play and all you can say is we got to get better, then he’s a little delusional. You need to dump Martinez, Cox, Bobo, and possible yourself. Richt obviously is protecting himself. The coaching staff is garbage. These kids play with no emotion or heart. I’ve never seen a college team play with such a lack of pride. They’ve lost their confidence, just like we’ve lost our confidence in the coaching. Cox is an awful QB, and it appears the coaching staff’s philosophy doesn’t apply to winning games.
Dawgaholic
October 12th, 2009
6:15 pm
CMR will do what is right for the team….Go Dawgs and here is to the dawgs spoiling someone’s season along the way..
Simpson Road Scholar
October 12th, 2009
6:16 pm
Everyone has down years, then they also have a coaching change.
ugadawgsfan
October 12th, 2009
6:16 pm
what is going on with all this CMR negative talk… he will straighten this mess out.. UGA fans need to take a deep breath and just chill alittle bit.. Be careful what some of you wish for… cause CMR could be at Florida State and then we will all be crying!! He is an awesome man and an awesome coach!! We all know that this is true!!
BJohnDawg
October 12th, 2009
6:16 pm
No reason at this stage for Richt to go. Unless he wants to( think FSU).And if that is the case, then so be it. But there has to be changes at the AC level. you have a defensive cordinator who is a member of the apple dumpling gang. Worse every year and every game.
No team wins every game. But they should be competitive. Dooley’s teams lost games, but in almost every game his team was ready to play and would compete.
This years Bulldawgs do not. Same problems game after game for two years now. Penalties, poor tackling, fire hydrant pass defense, litte to no pass rush, poor play calling.And that is the problem. And that is caused by a lack of coaching.
In the real world, you either produce or you are gone. I cannot say the same in Richt’s world. No matter how nice he is, it comes down to getting the job done. And if you dont, then you must make the necessary changes.
Dawgman566
October 12th, 2009
6:16 pm
Saturday’s loss was very disappointing for UGA supporters everywhere. How the coaches and players respond to this setback will tell the tale. If the teams packs it in for the rest of the year, it’s time for big changes. If they use this for motivation to focus and improve, maybe wholesale changes won’t be necessary. However CMR has to take a long look at the performance of his staff and what can be done to improve the program.
Dead Mike
October 12th, 2009
6:18 pm
Bring back Donnan!
Al Smith
October 12th, 2009
6:18 pm
lol read article
blazerdawg
October 12th, 2009
6:20 pm
Georgiavol, I wonder if Majors & Fulmer would find your comment as hilarious as I do.
Dawgsig
October 12th, 2009
6:20 pm
I hate political correctness. Nobody around the program with say anything …
King Donko of Punchstania
October 12th, 2009
6:20 pm
Hey Mark,
Any truth to the rumor that Richt will return permanently to play-calling duties and that Tubberville is headed to Athens in 2010 as the new defensive coordinator?
Mike T.
October 12th, 2009
6:21 pm
I’m sorry but it sounded to me, like usual drevel,”he has concerns” “he’s confident” what’s next unveiling
the five year plan? I’m glad he has confidence in Richt,but man the football team is in the tank,we have
how many years of top ten recruiting classes,and we are in the cellar offensively and defensively.we got
Florida coming up and I don’t know if we could defeat Lowndes, at this stage of the game.Like I said
I don’t see the urgency.
Some Sense
October 12th, 2009
6:21 pm
God bless Dawgaholic…one of the few posts here that rings true and sensible.
max
October 12th, 2009
6:21 pm
coach richt we believe in you and support you. we know you and the dawgs are held to a high standard and your margin for error is small. you have been doing many things right so dont lose confidence, but also dont be afraid to look to the future and make major changes if they are needed. we know you are a great guy but if you need to cut people off the staff then you might just have to be a jerk about it even though that is out of character for you
45ACP
October 12th, 2009
6:22 pm
The talent of the juniors and seniors is just not there.
Past recruiting or lack thereof at the offensive line and defensive backfield is killing the Dawgs.
There is a lot of young talent but they are, alas, just too young to make a difference this year.
Just my opinion, we welcome yours.
WindyCityDawg
October 12th, 2009
6:23 pm
I love Mark Richt. I think he is a great coach and a great human being. I don’t believe a change is needed at the head coaching position. That said, I’ve often wondered whether Evans would be inclined to let Richt go if someone like Brian Van Gorder was available.
BVG had an incredible run as defensive coordinator at Georgia and has demonstrated his willingness to leave the NFL for a head coaching job (Jaguars as linebackers coach to Georgia Southern as head coach). I can’t help but think the guy is a fantastic coach given the Mike Smith and Thomas DiMitrio’s ability to identify talent at every position (including coaching positions). More importantly, the guy has a few years under his belt with Mike Smith who brings the type of intensity that is necessary to win in the NFL. He’s done a pretty good job in Atlanta with a very young defense this year.
Though I’ve always liked Richt, maybe he isn’t the answer. Whether BVG would ever leave the NFL for a head coaching job at UGA and whether he knows anything about offense, I’ll probably never know.
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:23 pm
I know no reason to think Richt will again call plays, and I’ve never put any stock in the Tuberville rumor. I imagine he’d be able to get a head coaching job if he wants one. (No, not at Georgia.)
Here we go again
October 12th, 2009
6:23 pm
MB, I’ve seen a total of 5 blogs on college football between you and JS over the past couple days, but still not anything on the falcons game other than the live blog. What’s up?
Scrap
October 12th, 2009
6:24 pm
Thanks Mark……..another good column……Were you really ready to see Furman retire, making more room for your columns?
MountainDawg
October 12th, 2009
6:24 pm
Richt should fire (or at least) soft Willie & his quasi-prevent, rare blitzing scheme. I’d give Bobo 1 more season. The Dawgs have a chance to get into a bowl, but it might be closer than previously thought.
BJohnDawg
October 12th, 2009
6:25 pm
If Richt does want to leave, they should get that Boise State coach. Seems he can win with little talent. Imagine what he could do with so called 5 star talent and top five recruiting classes.
Love to see a Tuberville or Smart or heck just about any respected defensive coach in 2010 for the Dawgs managing the defense. I want someone that chews nails and has lightning bolts coming out of their you know what. Tired of whimpy. Look at what Monte has done. That is not all talent on that Tenn defense. Lots of coaching. That the kind of coaching that UGA needs. NOW.
Athens Dog for life..a.k.a. Tech Sorry
October 12th, 2009
6:26 pm
Nice Sham reference, MB ! Could Canonero II be far behind? Or do I dare consider dueling horseracing references with a son of the Bluegrass?
To the point…Florida won a MNC and followed with 8-4, I believe. I know we have no MNC’s in most of the posters’ lifetime, but you get my point. Two years ago, we’re #2 in the final poll, this year we’ve forgotten how to coach? I don’t buy it. Saying that, I don’t know how Coach Martinez survives the offseason. During his time at db coach, we had some good production there. Paul Oliver, Tim Jennings, Thomas Davis, to name a few. Perhaps that’s the answer, send him back to db coach. The popular answer, of course, is to fire him. He and Mark are best friends, and have been since their roommate days in college. Think you could fire your best friend? Let the jackal howling begin.
Awwwwshucks
October 12th, 2009
6:27 pm
It’s really simple. Fire CWM and CMB. As a leader, sometimes your subordinates need to be replaced for not doing their job. These 2 idiots have done nothing at all to inspire confidence in what they do. Look at the points put up against the Dogs. By bad teams. Look at UF’s and AL’s D. I don’t think the level of talent is that far off here at UGA. As for Bobo, how could he be good? He learned the college game from a terrible coach and he was not a great QB. Now he’s our OC? Terrible. It’s been bad for 2 years.
Athens Dog for life..a.k.a. Tech Sorry
October 12th, 2009
6:27 pm
I almost forgot…7 of 8 hahahahahaha
grasshopper
October 12th, 2009
6:27 pm
What did you guys think he was going to say TO THE MEDIA? “UGA fans are right, CMR is protecting his ole college room mate and covering up for Bobo’s ineptness. I’ve given him an ultimatum: either fire those two nitwits OR ELSE.”
Come on guys, I know you are not that stupid. Evans made the correct PR statement…
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:27 pm
The AJC only sent one person — esteemed colleague D. Orlando Ledbetter — to the Falcons’ game in San Francisco. I was prepared to do a print column — meaning something beyond the live chat — off the game from TV, but the game got lopsided and a decision was reached to write something about Richt/Johnson and UGA/Tech instead, in large part because the length of Saturday night’s game in Tallahassee meant that the print column in Sunday’s paper didn’t reflect the outcome. Which can happen when you get a 78-minute weather delay on an 8 p.m. game.
Doug
October 12th, 2009
6:27 pm
Richt should be fired immediately after losing to a team that an expert AJC writer said would give up 63 points to Florida and also lose to Vandy and his pathetic alma mater.
Boots
October 12th, 2009
6:28 pm
The coach is in a daze and sleep-walking.
dan
October 12th, 2009
6:28 pm
Willie is done after this season at DC. There is no way he’ll be in that position next season. The players will quit on him because they know they can use him as a scapegoat. These kids don’t care. If they won’t show up for Tennessee, I can see them giving up 30 points to Vandy. When these kids don’t care, THEY DON’T CARE! They zero heart.
I could see them tanking and only beating Tennessee Tech. In fact I would prefer that in a way because at least if the go 5-7 or 4-8, I’ll know that changes will be made. If Richt decides to keep Willie at DC after this season, half the boosters will revolt. Richt doesn’t have that much pull. Richt might be allowed to demote Willie, but he won’t be DC after this season. Not just no, but no way!
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:29 pm
I worked with Mr. Bisher for a quarter-century. I’m sorry to see him leave but proud to have been on the same staff for so long.
Say What?
October 12th, 2009
6:29 pm
Logan Gray? What did he do sat? Spring game? haha let the kid get hit a few times like saturday… He didn’t look good at all saturday, what few minutes he did play. guess what? Logan will not save Georgia in 2010 either.. there is no light at the end……
Mr. Cox
October 12th, 2009
6:29 pm
Maybe you people dont remember but Cox was undefeated in high school.
The Voice Of Reason
October 12th, 2009
6:29 pm
UGA has plenty of talent. We have a serious shortage of quality coaches on the defensive side. 11 of the past 27 games the defense has given up 30+ points. (0 during Van Gorder’s 4 years). The defense will set the tone for the game. Loss yardage plays, turnovers (remember those), and man handling the line of scrimmage are a thing of the past. Our linebackers and DB’s are out of position way more often than not. When we blitz how often do we simply run into the pile? Wrong angles are routinely taken on tracking down the ball carrier. We can’t shake off blocks. If this idiot can see this so can the opposing offensive coordinators.
DawgProblems
October 12th, 2009
6:29 pm
The coach that everyone will want after this year is Jim Levitt at USF. We should get a head start on this one.
"Chef" Tim Dix
October 12th, 2009
6:30 pm
Mark, where Richt has dropped the ball is recruiting. As the senior Coach in the SEC, he is now splitting the pie Myer, Saban, and Miles and that’s something he didn’t have to contend with 5 years ago.
Loyalty to his assistant coaches is a whole different issue that can be addressed directly. Recruiting O linemen and D ends is another barrel of fish where their is competition outside the Bulldog Nation.
KJ
October 12th, 2009
6:31 pm
Everyone has a bad season as they cycle through players, especially when your quarterback and running back leave early at the same time. I do fault the coaches for not being better prepared for that possibility. UGA willl get back on the map…how high up the polls depends on if Mr Martinez and Bobo stay on or significantly change their philisophy. Don’t listen to the living fossil Lou Holtz, or the UGA hater Mark May. If it were up to them UGA would be a Div 3 team. Richt will get it back, he wont throw his friends under the bus in public but one of them will be gone at years end. I hope he gets one of the Florida co-defensive coordinators, i.e. Charlie Strong, to come on board but strong has made it known he wants his own program.
gators81
October 12th, 2009
6:31 pm
charleston southern> georgia….when it comes to the game they gave the gators this year…mark my words.
jeremy foley> all sec ad’s
urban meyer> richt
fla defense > falcons defense….anyone want to sell me thier coctail party tix?
The Real SugarHillDawg
October 12th, 2009
6:31 pm
Richt MUST fire Bobo and Martinez along with Van Halanger.
Haiku Man
October 12th, 2009
6:31 pm
“We’re fine”, Damon said
As the town burns all around
Nero said the same
GaBiker
October 12th, 2009
6:31 pm
When the money starts to disappear…..heads will roll then. It’s all about the $$$$$.
Here we go again
October 12th, 2009
6:32 pm
Thanks Mark. Always going above and beyond… but couldn’t you get us all excited and write some sort of hyperbolic piece about how the Falcons have put it together now and are on a straight shot to the super bowl?
MarkBradleyismyDaddy
October 12th, 2009
6:32 pm
Mark,
What do you think about going after Kirby Smart after the season? He is the “D Coordinator” at bama but we know who really runs the D over there. Thanks Papa.
UGA playing for pride
October 12th, 2009
6:32 pm
They have some pride don’t they? maybe a tiny bit? weedeater bowl bid? shucks
Mike T.
October 12th, 2009
6:33 pm
Say What?
I don’t think Logan Gray is the answer, but in all fairness to the guy,Give him more than Saturday’s
few snaps to show himself.Brett Favre might have been challenged under those conditions, to get anything going.
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:33 pm
I could do that, Here We Go … And probably will.
BJohnDawg
October 12th, 2009
6:34 pm
Mr. Cox….is obviously not undefeated in college.And High School stopped mattering the day his father gave him a set of Samsonite.
So play the other QBs and lets take our lumps and get the experience for next year. Because this year is done.7-5.And the music city or that chainsaw bowl.
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:34 pm
See, that was kind of my point: Damon Evans did not say, “We’re fine.”
Cobb Dawg
October 12th, 2009
6:35 pm
Richt is in a tough spot right now. Since he hasn’t gotten in his player’s faces about mistakes and lack of effort, it will be a tough thing to start now and have them respond. He might as well open the starting rosters up according to who wants to play and have some slobber-knocking practices. Whoever knocks the most slobber gets to start/play regardless of class.
You can’t fire CWM right now, who would you replace him with at this point of the season. But after the Tech game, (which will be UGA’s final game of the season, unfortunately) he should be cleaning out his desk. Good guy, bad DC.
Bobo should have a serious sit down with his staff and remind them that their jobs are year-to-year. And he needs to take a serious look at his talent and re-evaluate what his plans are for the rest of the season. (Can you imagine what UF would do against Saturday’s plan/effort, or lack thereof?)
The HC has to take ownership and responsibility for his coaches and team. After all, he’s the guy making $3 mill. If he had been doing his job on the field correctly for the past few years, the team wouldn’t be in the shape it’s in now. Evans should be short and “not-so-sweet” with Richt. Get it done or be ready to move on. Nothing personal, just business.
shannon
October 12th, 2009
6:35 pm
Paul H
LSU 2008: 7-5
Auburn 2008: 5-7
UT 2008: 5-7
GT during Gailey years:…
Florida during Zook years:…
Bama before Saban:…
Get the point?
EVERYONE has down years people. UGA just has been so consistent that it’s a shock we’re only 3-3 right now. These years happen to the best programs. I’m just glad it’s a shock when our program has a down year. That means we’ve been doing something right this decade.
Yes but everyone outside LSU fired their head coaches too cause they needed a change. When u get Top Ten recruits,people expect Top Ten play
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:36 pm
I think Kirby Smart will be Georgia’s first choice if Martinez is deposed.
And you’re welcome, son.
Falcons?
October 12th, 2009
6:36 pm
FALCONS PLEASE
New RB Coach
October 12th, 2009
6:36 pm
MARK, any ideas on Richt’s thought process about hiring a collegiate WR who is 27 with no college coaching experience (that I’m aware of) to coach collegiate RBs?
Was Richt mezmerized by the JumboTrom when signing off on McClendon’s contract in front of him?
Mike T.
October 12th, 2009
6:36 pm
Maybe you people dont remember but Cox was undefeated in high school.
Yeah, problem is this ain’t high school.This is the SEC.
Jeremy
October 12th, 2009
6:36 pm
Ok I am going to voice the same opinion about this situation as I state before. Mark Richt has got to go. The level of coaching in the SEC is the highest level of coaching in the entire NCAA. Let me remind you, Steve Spurries has a national championship and has South Carolina competitive every year, Nick Saban has a national championship and quite honestly scares me the most to win it all this year outside of the Gators, Saban has done more in 2 years than Mark Richt has done his entire time at Georgia, Urban Meyer has 2 national championships in five years thats self explanatory (COACHING), and now you let Lane Kiffin come into his first year and murder Georgia 45-19??? Last year Georgia had one of the best running backs and quarterbacks in college football but you fail to make to the SEC championship game. ITS ALL ABOUT COACHING. Georgia is the most penalized team I have ever seen, that comes from the lack of coaching. Its amazing how Georgia fans allow this complancecy to last and as I look at the schedule I can point out three more definite losses, Florida, Aurburn (who has a first year coach and they are 5-1), and Georgia Tech. If you are not careful Kentucky could also win I mean you let Tennesse smash you. As I stated before fire Richt hire defensive coordinator Charlie Strong from Florida and lets see a real football coach make the Bulldogs who they should be, but until then continue to be happy with the same results every year. College football is about winning and Richt isn’t winning enough. Had this been any other school the coach would be gone last year when they failed to meet expectations with the all the weapons on offense. Prove me wrong.
Dawginheat
October 12th, 2009
6:36 pm
The coaching must improve. But honestly, how many of you actually think that the coaches on this staff are teaching the players to screw up consistently? If you believe in the old saying that “you play like you practice”, you’d think that’s all they do at practice is screw up. I’d love to know the average IQ of the starting defense. We have to be the dumbest team in the SEC. Even MSU looks like a bunch of guys at a Mensah meeting compared to us, and they offer SPED classes. Maybe we’re not as good at recruiting as we thought.
Voice of Reason
October 12th, 2009
6:37 pm
What’s the easiest way to tell whether the coaches have any inkling of the severity of the situation? See how many fans are tuned into the Vandy game in the second half. If UGA rolls, some of the heat falls back for now and there’s hope for a salvageable transition season. If we are tuned in during the 4th qtr pulling for a defensive stand, then expect the heat to reach furnace-like proportions for a staff that can neither coach nor motivate. We’ll see…
Herschel Walker
October 12th, 2009
6:37 pm
Of course firing Richt is preposterous. Any real fan knows that isn’t going to happen. He’s one of the elite coaches in America — even if we are down this season.
Now, Willie Martinez and Mike Bobo are different stories. We are poorly coached right now. Someone has to go. That’s just the way it is. It’s business.
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:37 pm
Of all Georgia’s issues, I’m not sure the running backs coach is on the front burner.
Monvol90
October 12th, 2009
6:38 pm
I truly believe in the job that Richt has done at UGA. Hope he continues for many more years and we will see many more Saturdays like we just saw. GO VOLS.
dap01
October 12th, 2009
6:38 pm
Even is he will not fire Bobo and Willie during the season, he should make behind the scene changes. UGA is a shadow of what the players are capable of being.
"Chef" Tim Dix
October 12th, 2009
6:40 pm
As a friend of mine is quick to point out, many of UGA’s recruits look like Tarzan and play like Jane.
Can’t say I disagree with him.
Roadrunner
October 12th, 2009
6:40 pm
The thing I miss most from past Georgia teams is the way we used to dominate the line of scrimmage both on offense & defense. We haven’t done that in so many years other than the Hawaii game I don’t remember the last time we managed it. We seem to be stressing team speed which is fine as the game has changed since I played but I still think there’s room for smash-mouth football especially in the SEC. I agree 100% with those who say that its not time to bail on the Dawgs just because they’re having a down year, but I also agree that it’s hard to be optimistic about the direction of the team especially on the defensive side of the ball. No matter what though, I’ll proudly tell anyone who will listen that I’m a Dawg Fan even if they go 3-8 this year. Unlike Atlanta Insect fans who come out of the woodwork once a decade when their team beats Georgia I’ll be a Dawg fan every day until the day I die. GO DAWGS!!!!
Tulsa
October 12th, 2009
6:41 pm
DE should not have answer your email. Once again he should his youth. Just STFU
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:41 pm
I agree with your first sentence, Roadrunner. Georgia is a finesse team in a power league.
UGA playing for pride
October 12th, 2009
6:41 pm
no reason to make changes at mid season. how will that help? I just don’t see Mark getting rid of slick willie….bobo yes. Also for god sake get rid uga ex QB Eric Zier off the radio.
George
October 12th, 2009
6:41 pm
Georgia, DOES NOT HAVE A SPECIAL TEAMS COACH, with what we are paying this university for tickets and other areas of support. you would think they could afford 125,000 year job.
Bleed red and black
October 12th, 2009
6:41 pm
I just don’t think we have that fire and desire anymore…..We are not aggressive on offense or defense..The play calling is just letting the other teams know that I just wanna keep the game close not playng to win a darn football game..This is football and its a man’s sport..So Richt I’m a very religious man also, but you gonna have to seperate the two right now..If you gonna make changes I think you need to take over play calling and just get rid of the DC…Its still some NFL coaches available for the DC job like Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden…We have the talent just not being aggressive at all….Our play calling here we go
1st and 10- WR screen
2nd and 10-draw
3rd and 8 RB screen
next possession
1st and 10-Pitch left
2nd and 6-RB screen
3rd and 3 pitch right
you see where we are going with the play calling we are not aggressive and we playing just to keep the game close and playing conservitive and it cost us in the LSU game..we need to play football…
Here we go again
October 12th, 2009
6:42 pm
Coaching is definitely the issue. UGA has enough talent to make Pete Carroll blush. Mark Richt does less with more than [insert low blow about politics here].
Bleed red and black
October 12th, 2009
6:43 pm
Jon Gruden and bill Cowher is available for the DC job…
"Chef" Tim Dix
October 12th, 2009
6:44 pm
Damon’s REAL concern?
Is the RV pecking order up for grabs?
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:44 pm
Can’t really see Bill Cowher taking an assistant’s job in college. Maybe head coach at N.C. State.
Mark Bradley
October 12th, 2009
6:45 pm
I disagree, Tulsa. I think Damon Evans needed to say something.
dawgster
October 12th, 2009
6:45 pm
I think one can read between the lines on what Damon Evans said, he expects his head football coach to do what it takes to improve things, and i got to believe or at least i choose to believe that Coach Richt knows the time has come to make some changes….I know alot of the focus has be Willie, but i think another look at our other assistants needs to be examined, other than just coaching aspects alone, do we have the assistants that can go into the living rooms with the parents of these young men and bring them to georgia, are we going to let other programs such as Tenn. who has come out and flatley stated they will put a lot of efforts in the state of georgia…we have got to keep some of the impact players home and then when we get them coach them up as everyone wants to say….I still believe Coach Richt is the guy we need running this program but he must be willing to make some tough decisions with his staff…the bama’s gators and vols were willing to just that the past several years, we must keep up…