For Richt, change will be tough; for Johnson, it won’t be
PJ isn't a man to disappoint. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
Having witnessed Mark Richt’s media briefing Tuesday in Athens, I was struck — not for the first time, and surely not for the last — at how resolutely positive this man is. No, things aren’t going well, he conceded, but his Georgia Bulldogs “are battling as hard as you can battle.”
And I thought, again not for the first time, that Mark Richt would be a mighty fine boss to have: Loyal, circumspect, unwilling to assess public blame.
Then I read the transcript of Paul Johnson’s concurrent media briefing at Georgia Tech, thoughtfully provided by ace publicist and fellow Vinings dweller Dean Buchan, and this passage fairly leaped off the computer screen:
“There’s no doubt about it. We have to get better [on defense]. In my mind, when you play the way we played on Saturday, everyone is accountable. The coaches, the players and I’m accountable because I’m the ultimate guy. I see guys not playing fast and not flying to the ball.”
And I thought to myself, “Paul Johnson might not be the greatest boss, but he’s exactly the sort of man you’d want running your business.” He didn’t candy-coat the Florida State effort by saying his guys made the stops when stops were needed. He said: “We have to get better.”
Again, I’m not trying to suggest one style is better. Mark Richt has won two SEC titles at Georgia and was part of two national championship teams at FSU. He’s a fine coach and a fine fellow. But this much I do know:
Mark Richt will have a hard time shuffling his staff no matter how this season plays out because that’s the kind of guy he is. Paul Johnson won’t find it so difficult to make changes if he determines change is needed. Because that’s the kind of guy he is.
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376 comments Add your comment
BugKiller
October 15th, 2009
1:48 am
and that’s exactly why Paul Johnson has a chance to win a national title and why Mark Richt never will…
Like Meyer, Miles, Carroll, and Saban, Johnson is WILLING to do what it takes to win.
Mark Richt simply is not willing to do what it takes, whatever it takes.
This is why I am firmly in the Mark Richt must go camp, now.
And every member of Dawg Nation who wants a disciplined, smart, and WINNING football team should be, too.
Mark Richt is a guy who can steal a few SEC Titles when Ron Zook and Mike Shula are running teams in the SEC.
He is not the guy who can even beat frakking Lane Kiffin!!!
All of you people satiated with 10-win mediocrity and stupid, undiscplined football teams can have your Mark Richt.
Give me Paul Johnson or Chris Peterson or Brian Kelly… guys who can take chicken s–t and make Thanksgiving dinner out of it.
man
October 15th, 2009
1:50 am
one is a man and another want to be a soft priest. You want a man to run your program not a priest wannabe. Mark Richt is softer than tissue paper.
Mark Bradley
October 15th, 2009
1:51 am
Holy smoke. What are you folks doing awake at this hour?
man
October 15th, 2009
1:53 am
Georgia is home to the best players like Texas, Florinda, and California but our priest can’t manage to do any with it. Winning 10 games a season ain’t jack crap with the kind of talent Georgia have.
man
October 15th, 2009
1:54 am
can’t sleep because of our priest…very angry thinking about him!!!!
BugKiller
October 15th, 2009
1:54 am
I have insomnia brought on in this last month by… well, that’s private.
What’s your excuse, MBrad? Hehe.
Mark Bradley
October 15th, 2009
1:56 am
My excuse: Had to get started on tomorrow’s writing. About to go to bed now.
Mark Bradley
October 15th, 2009
1:56 am
Oh, and I should probably say: Nighty night.
BS Patrol
October 15th, 2009
1:57 am
Amen & Halleluyah!
For old man gutter weasel Grinch & all his other aliases, suffer in the sewer,toad. BTW, ((((((((((45-42)))))))) BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Meanwhile...since they built it, Mark Richt should come
October 15th, 2009
1:57 am
CMR might not want to shuffle the deck as far as the coaching staff, but when the deck keeps on giving you over 21, that’s a bust in football as well as blackjack. Eventually, even Richt is going to want a new dealer.
You can understand why the masses want Richt to travel to the Georgia Dome and secure BVG, but I would suggest his Field of Dreams for a defensive solution lies at Turner Field, for at Turner Field you have a man of unique ability whose skill easily translates to defensive minded football.
No, not Bobby Cox. Greg Norton, whose skill of course is, even from the batter’s box, having the unparalled ability to put defensive players directly in front of the ball so they can be successful.
CGN. That might be a win-win for two sports teams in Georgia.
BugKiller
October 15th, 2009
1:59 am
put my thoughts in another way:
Richt is a coach willing to excuse mediocrity in his coaches (Martinez and Bobo) and in his players (Cox) and has either lost his team (all of the indisciplined play in the last two years) or is simply unable or unwilling to correct it.
This paints a picture of a man who no longer deserves to coach a flagship football program, no matter what he’s done in the past.
BugKiller
October 15th, 2009
2:02 am
Let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late.
G’night Mark.
Cuttysark
October 15th, 2009
2:12 am
Paul Johnson has won national championships and knows what is required to attain that goal. I’m certain that he will make the right choices when they are necessary. In the meantime, we have to move forward and see how we play not only this Saturday, but the rest of the year as well. Georgia Tech is on the rise because of Paul Johnson and Radakovich’s decision to make a hire that other AD’s would not have had the courage to make.
Go to http://isportsweb.com for more Georgia Tech Football articles on the Virginia Tech game, as well as how to properly cheer at the game. Go Jackets!
that guy
October 15th, 2009
3:22 am
Cuttysark, glad you need to advise your fellow Tech fans as to when and how to cheer at a football game. Says a lot about the type of fans GT has if they can’t figure that out.
UGASlobberknocker
October 15th, 2009
4:49 am
Johnson is a great coach..which is why he wont be at Tech for long.
hop
October 15th, 2009
5:19 am
mark, congratulations you have finally exceeded in getting the bulldawg nation into a total uproar!
these continued attacks of mark richt and the georgia program has created a hysteria within the state unmatched by any other ajc writer including furman bisher in my long memory of following college football.
it is high time that everyone take a breathe before someone jumps over a cliff over georgia football.the world is not going to come to an end because of mark richt’s football philosophy.
paul johnson does have a different method,that does not mean his way is the only one to achieve college football prominence.
even in the nfl, you have tom laundry and vince lonbardi,both winners,but different styles,not one style fits all.
mark richt for the very first time is facing a very difficult period and time will tell if his method works long term or not,but please lets just let the season unfold before we throw this guy to the wolves.
carney
October 15th, 2009
5:19 am
Hey Slobber, can you imagine Johnson at Athens? With the talent we have? I guarantee you that our team would be better disciplined and ready to play although I’m still not convinced that the option would work in the SEC (see Yech vs LSU last year). But I think a lot of our problems would get fixed fast under Johnson. Let’s hope CMR toughens up… NOW!
GATORMAN 722
October 15th, 2009
5:22 am
I heard the Georgia coach was having a hard time deciding who he is sending to the Arthur Murray dance studio from his coaching staff. He is trying to get back on sports center as a dancing team.
m
October 15th, 2009
5:27 am
Let me begin by Thanking God and Greyhound that chan gomer gailey is gone forever. Hallleeeeeeeedamlooooyah!!!
Secondly, which coach is more like gomer…..Richt or Johnson??? That’s right…Richt is almost a Gailey clone. Johnson is the anti-gomer.
Ugag seriously considered hiring chan gomer gailey before they hired Richt. Maybe this time after Johnson beats him a couple of more times they will fire Richt and get the real gomer. LOL
Paul Johnson is like a train…he will run over you…back up…and run over you again (and in ugag’s case it is going to be again and again and again…)
Bama
October 15th, 2009
5:28 am
the option doesn’t fit every program, especially those with enough talent to run a pro style O. if you have the right personnel then it works (UF runs a modified option successfully but it only works because of tebow and they don’t run just the option). johnson seems to play the option almost exclusively although i havent seen enough of their games to know differently. for that reason johnson might be at tech for a while. if i were a dawg facing tech every year i would be more concerned about johnson in the next few years when he gets the players he thinks are ideal for his O instead of the leftovers from the prior coach. regardless, johnson is probably not going anywhere unless he does win a mnc.
Scrap
October 15th, 2009
5:38 am
By my count, this is installment number 4 in the Mark Bradley lets stir up the rivalry saga. 1)Which coach is inspiring 2)Lets move the game to September in the Dome 3)Which defense is worse 4)Now which coach has backbone…….I love the way you think Mark……This should be eight or ten pages of fuel for the rivalry fires. And I will be hear reading all the foolish posts. Mark, I love the way you think.
Larry
October 15th, 2009
5:45 am
Bobby Cox has exemplified poor game management and under achievement for years and years. Let’s give Coach Richt more than 6-10 games before declaring him a bust!
Many of you are kicking the man pretty hard right now while he’s down; somehow I have the feeling the best of Mark Richt is about to show up starting this Saturday.
VolMan
October 15th, 2009
5:49 am
I hope CMR is at uga for a verrryyyyy loooonnngggg time, LOL
DawgnMd
October 15th, 2009
6:12 am
I can’t believe that us dog fans actually thought we’d be better than last year after losing MS and KM. I hate seeing us get our butts handed to us as bad as anybody. We have already stunk up the joint at every game this year. Coach please get these 4 and 5 star recruits off the bench and like someone said in an earlier blog “play the spoiler” and look forward to next year. This one sucks!
George
October 15th, 2009
6:15 am
Mark: You’re going to bed way too late (early). But the AJC probably lets you drift in the office about noon-ish. Right? Anyway, I think you’re right-on about CMR v. CPJ. Nice guys usually finish last, or near the bottom. CMR is probably too many sins away from the priesthood, but there a plenty of Baptist churches looking for a good man. Let’s have something about the baseball playoffs from you.
Jonas Grumby
October 15th, 2009
6:27 am
Man, if you were lying awake at 2 am worried about a bunch of college kids who play football for your vicarious fulfillment, you should seriously get a life. Just because Mark Richt has the decency to not publicly upbraid his staff and players doesn’t mean that he doesn’t hold them accountable. Besides, Richt offered similar comments about himself, staff and players after the UT loss but that was conveniently overlooked.
Palm City Dawg
October 15th, 2009
6:38 am
Bring on Kirby Smart as DC and show BOO BOO the door as well. Or…bring in Will Muschamp and show them all the door.
hey, hop
October 15th, 2009
6:39 am
..I believe Tom Landry and Vince Lombardi are both deceased – you need to come up with some current analogies if you want to use the NFL as an example.
Top Dawg
October 15th, 2009
6:39 am
What about the UGA football teams suggests that they are well coached?
This will be the last year Richt is allowed to remain as head coach if staff changes are not made.
Why do...
October 15th, 2009
6:40 am
…posters continue to bring up Muschamp as an alternative as either the DC or the HC? TX is a MUCH better job than any at UGA!!!!!
Dawg Tired
October 15th, 2009
6:45 am
Well Jonas – I guess we’ll see if Coach Richt holds his staff accountable. However, regardless of what he does at the end of this season, the fact remains that he let Coach Martinez remain DC at least one year too long for the exact reasons pointed our by Mark in this article,to wit: It is difficult for him to replace someone in spite of their incompetence. As a result, we are looking at the worse defense at UGA in the modern era. This should have been fixed last year! Unacceptable.
Jeff2u
October 15th, 2009
6:51 am
Okay, enough is enough. All you folks are forgetting the years when we were supposed to finish 3rd in the East and came away with the SEC trophy and a trip to New Orleans. I wish CMR would sign a lifetime contract at UGA. And by the way… this is no place for haters to comment. Gators eat boogers. If Tenn were playing the taliban, who in the hell do you pull for???
dd
October 15th, 2009
6:52 am
Bugkiller, everyone’s got an opinion, but your spelling is awful dude.
Why should we put any credibility in what you have to say? At least, Richt can spell.
Jerry G
October 15th, 2009
6:59 am
Mark, I agree with your assessment of the differing leadership styles in Johnson and Richt. Johnson has “edge”, Richt does not. What that means in terms of wins and losses, I don’t know. Obviously, things must change.
However, suggesting that Johnson is equal to or better than Richt, or for that matter,suggesting Tech and UGA are equal, is premature. Tech has a long way to go before they are on par with UGA. One win–a close one at that–doesn’t parity produce. Tech plays in the ACC, a sub-par conference. Tech struggles there…help me, when did they last win an ACC title? Even on a bad year, like this one, Tech will struggle mightily to beat UGA. Last year’s win was an aberration. UGA, even this year, will beat Tech and Johnson’s high school offense run by the worst qb in football will take their rightful place beneath UGA in the hierarchy of college football.
Old Fan
October 15th, 2009
7:00 am
UGA has discovered that other teams can play a game it excelled at for decades–special tutors for academically unqualified players, recruiting five-star athletes, a pro-ball atmosphere, oodles of alumni cash, etc. Get used to mediocrity. Replacing a few coaches isn’t going to change the future.
jerry
October 15th, 2009
7:00 am
Points scored by the Guru’s offense:
Vs. South Carolina: 14,12,18,17,20,13,9
Vs. Tennessee: 14,14,18,19,9
Vs. Florida: 10,14,10,13,13,10
Is this what the Guru is paid over $2 million a year to do? As Lombardi said: “What the hell is going on out there?”
Tony B
October 15th, 2009
7:03 am
OK all you Mark Richt haters, be careful what you wish for…
Jerry G
October 15th, 2009
7:05 am
The more I think about it…the fact that we are even having a discussion about the quality of the UGA program compared to the Tech program, is less a statement about the improvement of Tech, and more about the deterrioration of the UGA program this year. The only way such a discussion makes any sense is for UGA to descend into the mediocrity of the ACC and Ga Tech…which is, I’m sad to say, what appears to be happening in recent games, but only recent games. On the whole, these programs are not close to being equal.
Carlton Powell
October 15th, 2009
7:06 am
Everyone relax. I think we all need to realize that if D.Evans is stating in public that he is concerned about the football team, his REAL feelings are CONSIDERABLY more pointed. Nothing should be done right now. This season is in the books. It would not surprise me if notices have not already been issued to staff coaches advising them that they will not be offered contracts for the ‘09-’10 season, and that the UGA AA will assist them in locating new positions elewhere. The hard truth is that UGA has been walking this tightrope of falling off the cliff for several years, and somehow managed to survive. In ‘07 the team “caught lightening in a bottle,” so to say. I would not put my hopes in such a similar scenario this year. Let the players currently playing play through the FL beatdown. Then the ‘10 season begins. Let the young guys play the entire month of November. They can get lots of good experience and set the table for a much improved next season. Yes, the program has won 10 games over the past few years, but often the losses were against teams that UGA measures it’s program against, so the results are somewhat skewed. I have had this discussion with several “old line” UGA boosters and contributors in the past several days, and this is the message I am getting. They ALL acknowledge changes have been/are needed, and are watching carefully to see how the situation plays out. Should be an interesting December.
please
October 15th, 2009
7:13 am
Gt beat Ga last year 45-42 for the first time in 8 years an all of a sudden there the better program, they beat Fsu in a shootout an all of a sudden they ar BCs contenders I don’t Get it . I admit Ga. has problems But until wich is probally never Tech wins at least A acc crown I cannot drink the koolaid. They will get beat this weekend an then maybe Mark you can write about the Falcons who have really impressed this year. God bless
Praying for change
October 15th, 2009
7:15 am
I don’t hate Mark Richt. I love CMR and want him to stay for a VERY long time. But I realize he’s got to wake up and face the facts. Numbers don’t lie. We’re the most “outcoached” team in the BCS. Barely 500 and unranked for a major football power in the SEC. What’s wrong with this picture? It’s not talent … it’s coaching … Martinez, Bobo and Fabris all need to go and wipe the slate clean. New blood, fire and passion at Georgia is what’s drastically neede. I’m not so upset at the fact that we’ve lost and are losing. I’m upset at the way we are losing and upset at how little concern CMR seems to be expressing about losing. I’d be as made as Hades and I’d light a fire so big under my coaches that it could be seen all the way to Gainesville, Florida. What’s it going to take to get some fire in CMR?
BUGKILLERS MOM
October 15th, 2009
7:23 am
TECH WILL NEVER WIN A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WHILE PAUL JOHNSON IS THERE. THAT OFFENSE WON’T GET INTO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, ALSO PAUL WON’T BE THERE FOR 50YEARS!!!
RealityTrain
October 15th, 2009
7:24 am
Generally, the mindset of hardcore fans who post on blogs is mystifying. With coaches, its strictly “what have you done for me lately?” and “lately” means last week. After LSU humiliated Tech in front of a home town crowd (a mere 9 months ago), PJ wasn’t seen as the second coming of Lombardi. Contrary to the impression created by the posts here, GT has not dominated anyone worthy this year, besides North Carolina. Whipping hapless MS State and eeking out a win against FSU (clearly in disarray) doesn’t warrant installation in the Coaches Hall of Fame. Why UGA fans are slobbering with envy over PJ is, again, mystifying. The so-called Bulldog Nation (stretching all the way from north of Jacksonville to south of Chattanooga) would be in an uproar if our team let FSU score over 40 points and happened to win just because they scored last. I liked the comment that PJ has “won championships”. So had Jim Donnanl.
UGA '67
October 15th, 2009
7:27 am
How much does it cost to fire Mark Richt? Where will the money come from?
jerry
October 15th, 2009
7:28 am
I don’t hate Richt. I just would like to see an offense that can score against someone other than cupcakes. Offense was his forte”, was it not? I think his offense is a finesse offense that just not work against good teams except for an occasional outburst.
bulldawg hater
October 15th, 2009
7:30 am
phil fulmer is looking for a job. then again, there’s no difference between fulmer and richt; it’s the same journey! enjoy your lonely descent to the bottom dawgs!
Tell it like it is
October 15th, 2009
7:35 am
Paul Johnson may have an offence but he sure as hell don’t have a defence.i thank we will all find out this weekend what kind of coach he really is.I look for tech to get blown out by V Tech.You can’ win games with the caliber of a team like V tech without a strong defence and spec teams.
» SEC links: Tennessee, Florida excited for hoops start John Clay’s Sidelines
October 15th, 2009
7:35 am
[...] Mark Bradley of the AJC writes that change will be tough for Mark Richt, but not for Paul Johnson. [...]
Nativebird
October 15th, 2009
7:40 am
Correct-a-mundo about Richt, but maybe a little off base with your assessment of Johnson’s oh so brilliance, self-deprecation, self-critique and inner questioning. Are you kidding me? Take it from this huge Jackets fan, This guy is the poster-boy for “my-brilliant-schemes-or-the-highway” mentality. He makes Spurrier look almost down right modest! Look I wants to see Tech win as much as possible, but Pluueese enough with the fawning over CPJ brilliance and coaching style, ok? Hey, we’re in year 2 now, Gailey’s gone, the deicision is made, Johnson HAS the job. Yes I hope he’s successful for MY team as heck….but let’s be truthful…This guy IS ego-in-shorts-with-a-whistle.
Sautee Dawg
October 15th, 2009
7:40 am
Mark,
You sound like Chris Boggs. Go ahead and ride the Ga. Tech bus while it’s rolling but, when it hits a pothole you’ll be one of the first to jump off.
OrrDawg
October 15th, 2009
7:40 am
Mark Richt is a good coach. He is the kind of coach I would want my son to play for; however, he doesn’t have the stuff (like a Meyer, Saban, etc.) that is needed to win a national championship. He is too nice a guy and I don’t sense that he has the drive or the focus or the extreme desire to win national championships.
Mikey
October 15th, 2009
7:41 am
Yeah, and so is Tommy Bowden…Tommy Tuberville….etc…
Lets see what happens in Nashville Saturday. That will tell us a lot.
gtfan
October 15th, 2009
7:43 am
Are you guys nuts? Richt is the best thing for UGA! Yes, he does have to make changes..but going as far as “Fire Him!” is nuts! What % of players make it big in the NFL? Should also include this question before you “Fire” him… is he graduating men you would want to live in your sub division? Are they mature? Did they get a degree? Will they support the community? I think the answer is yes to those questions!
nota mutt
October 15th, 2009
7:44 am
With the talent the mutts have recruited year after year after year there is no excuse for such poor performance on the field. They brag every year about their top recruiting classes and these under achievers have nothing to show for it.
I guess they have been have been distracted by having to clean up all the tailgater’s mess every week.
I think you need to keep Richt and let him do his thing.
Jona
October 15th, 2009
7:45 am
Remember bugs, the present and temporary state of football in Georgia is not the bugs rising but the Dawgs falling in quality play. The world will right itself soon. Enjoy it while you can.
RD
October 15th, 2009
7:47 am
Georgia will be in the elite class when the media and their fans realize that a game with Vanderbilt is a game that they should expect to win by 28 and not consider it a “big” game as I keep hearing. If it is a big game, it only means that UGA has fallen to the talent level and expectations of Vanderbilt.
St. Augustine
October 15th, 2009
7:48 am
It’s the age old debate of which is better: integrity or a Machivellian approach to winning at all costs. The Machivellian approach seems to appeal to almost everyone and does win prestigious awards, Championships, ect. But those programs also produce cheating, poor characters, and destroyed families. Recall Nick Saban’s interview in the Sporting News and how he spends less than two weeks a year, total, with his son’s; and he prefers it that way. How about Oklahoma? How many free steak knives did Barry Switzer get for all the time Charles Thompson was arrested? And look how long it took that program to come back to life.
Mark Richt may or may not win a National Championship. He may never win another SEC crown. He maybe fired at the end of the year. But no one can complain about the program he has built at Georgia. To be sure, some kids decided to embarrass themselves and humiliate Coach Richt and their teammates by their poor decisions. However, unlike other programs, under Mark Richt coaches are encouraged and required to spend time with their families, the players are, too, and the coach works hard to develop a family-like rapport between players and coaches.
If Richt is fired at the end of the year, then so be it. His record against Florida and his inability to win a National Championship will certainly be discussed and bantered in the press. Yet no one will complain, ever, about the student-atheletes tutored under Richt because they will be too busy praising them for their tremendous quality of character as a human being.
Given the horrendous remarks often printed after these stories, it is a lesson I think many could use.
DTdawg
October 15th, 2009
7:49 am
Watch out Vandy! I beleve the Dawgs are going to come out very mad this week and take it out on you guys. I’m sure those players are reading these blogs. Maybe they’re finally getting tired of hearing all this stuff about themselves and they are gonna come out with a fire in their bellies that we haven’t seen this season. At least I can hope.
SuperB
October 15th, 2009
7:49 am
It doesn’t hurt Tech’s record that they play in an inferior league. I doubt Paul Johnson could have won 10 a year in the SEC East.
Dawg Tired
October 15th, 2009
7:51 am
RD I’ll take Vandy and 28 points.
PT
October 15th, 2009
7:51 am
Stupid Mark. You obviously know nothing about the inner mark Richt. Not only will he change he will be better. This man is as or more competitive than anyone.
NOVAJacket
October 15th, 2009
7:51 am
All of you evaluating Paul Johnson now, in only his second year, is at least two to three years premature. The fact that we are even having this conversation, given the youth and lack of depth on Tech’s roster, demonstrates what a good coaching job his staff has done to date.
Carl
October 15th, 2009
7:52 am
Bug Killer- change your name to Bug Lover- you’re an idiot. It’s one thing to talk about your team it is quite another when your calling for a great coach to be fired. Not even dooley matched this record and even dooley lost to the Miami of Ohio’s, KY, Vandy…..and it took him 16 years to win a NC.
BallCoach
October 15th, 2009
7:53 am
Way to go Bradley. You blew it again. It appears to me that both coaches are wanting the same thing yet go about it in different ways. This article does not tell us anything or even bring about any kind of friendly debate. The season is not over as some would like us to believe.
Jeff
October 15th, 2009
7:56 am
I agree! Bug Killer is no DAWG that’s for sure. He ranks with the likes of St. Simon, m and the other morons. Backstabing jerk- hopefully you are a “former” UGA fan if you were ever really a fan to begin with.
Not Disappointed!
October 15th, 2009
7:57 am
Bug Killer, I don’t always agree with you, but there is some serious passion coming from a man who cant sleep. Whew!!!!!!
The season is half over. Now we find out what our Coaches, players are made of. The defense for both teams need improvement.
It’s really hard not to like Coach Mark Richt. Saint or not. My whole family is found of CMR, but does that win Championships in a Saban or Myer Era?
Nevertheless, Ramblin Wreck!
GoDawgs
October 15th, 2009
7:58 am
BedBug or whatever you are- one word for you- LOSER!
Jeff
October 15th, 2009
7:58 am
“…Loyal, circumspect, unwilling to assess public blame.”
Are you writing about CMR or Bobby Cox ? And if these are the reasons why the Bulldogs are underachieving this year, doesn’t this hold true for the Braves ? Why don’t you call Bobby out as well ?
Oh, sorry, baseball season is over and no one cares – never mind.
PappyHappy
October 15th, 2009
7:58 am
Mark Bradley is 100% correct! Hopefully, the puppies can get get up for Vandy!!
GTMike
October 15th, 2009
7:59 am
Is Richt starting to remind you of Chan Gailey?
He already sounds like Chan…nice fella, pious, good person….If he starts going 7-5, as it seems likely the Dawgs will do this year….the picture will be complete.
Paddy
October 15th, 2009
8:01 am
CPJ should be at GT for a long time. Everything about the job fits his style. Why would he leave? And GT will pay him to keep him in place. CMR is also and good coach and the right guy for UGA. My guess he will make those needed changes when the season is finished.
Rod
October 15th, 2009
8:01 am
Coach Johnson will make change – simply because he’s an S.O.B.
Remember when he threatened that recruit – go on a scouting trip to another school and we drop our scholarship offer? What a jerk.
Of course, never mind he walked out on a contract and committment to the young men at Navy. He only thinks about himself. That’ll help make a good football team, but is hardly someone to idolize.
I’d rather my son grow up to be honorable like Richt (and I don’t even like UGA).
Chef montuer
October 15th, 2009
8:02 am
Fire Richt and hire Gruden!
F-105 Thunderchief
October 15th, 2009
8:05 am
DUMBA wrote: “he option doesn’t fit every program, especially those with enough talent to run a pro style O.”
Tech has more than enough talent to run whatever the heck kind of offense you can name. They choose to run Johnson’s option offense because he’s compiled an impressive W-L record with it.
Tell it like it is
October 15th, 2009
8:05 am
Richt reminds me of Bill curry when he was at ALabama.
All I'm Saying Is...
October 15th, 2009
8:06 am
Mark Richt displays some of the faults that Bobby Bowden has.
Obviously, several things are not going well for FSU this year but ultimately its not because of a lack of talent.
Sound familiar?
Well it should because obviously several things are not going well for UGA this year but ultimately its not due to a lack of talent.
I don’t make the rules but the rules are clear: although an early loss can be overcome, every game matters in a college football season and, as a result, it is a what have you done for me lately circumstance.
Doesn’t matter that the UGA defense was outstanding…two years ago. Something(s) is(are) obviously not right this year.
Just because Knowshon graduated is no excuse for the running game to be non-existent this year.
Who decided Joe Cox was the answer? You can have mediocre play from your quarterback but you can’t have inconsistent play especially from someone supposedly so knowledgeable of the system. May as well start your freshman if you are getting up and down performances from someone who is not long for the team anyway.
Penalties show a lack of discipline and a lack of attention to detail and that’s on the coaches.
Too much talent to be 3 and 3.
Tim
October 15th, 2009
8:07 am
F-105 Thunderchief – Hello? Have you watched Tech this year?
No way they can run “any kind of offense.” HA. Their quarterback could NEVER be counted on to actually make passes on a regular bases. When he throws, no one knows where it’s going.
George P. Burdell
October 15th, 2009
8:07 am
All of you long winded blow hards crying about Bradley saying Tech is the better program really should try reading the article. Not only does he not say that, he specifically says that one style may not be better than the other. All he said is it will be easier for Johnson to make the necessary changes because of his style. You guys always seem to want to accuse Tech fans of being overly sensitive and worried about Georgia too much, then you go on epic novels about points that were never made. Get a life.
Johnny Test
October 15th, 2009
8:10 am
Leadership styles are different….but really good leaders surround themselves with talented assistants that have complimentary skills. Mark Richt is a good person and a good football coach but not good enough to get the job done with lousy assistants. Look around, where you have strong, recognized assistants (OCs and DCs) you have solid schemeing and effort. Right now UGA has neither. When Richt had BVG UGA played better. BOBO ain’t cutting it as an OC either. Nothing new for defenses to have to figure out and very predictable play calling. The answer for UGA is obvious… Will Richt act? What he’ll do is everything he can to save these guys jobs. He’d have to beat Florida and Tech to do and that ain’t likely this year
tchance
October 15th, 2009
8:16 am
Mark Richt is a class act and will be back. He manages in an understated style and unlike some of his less classier peers, does not embarrass his assistants or coaches publicly. He cannot make changes to the staff in mid season idiots but rest assured, quietly behind the scenes, changes will be made season end. UGA is fortunate enough to have a man of his character running the program. My immediate family is made up of relatives who are Gamecocks, Gators, Tide and LSU Tigahs and as much as my Gator and Tigah nephews and cousins hate Georgia, to the person, they constantly state what a great man and coach Mark Richt is and we are fortunate to have him. Not one program in Division 1 has avoided a down year or 2 in the past 20 years , not one except USC but for God sakes, Vanderbilt would be a bad _ _ _ in the Pac 10. Fellow Dawgs, quit freaking out. CMR is keenly aware changes must be made and he will make them…..just after we get through this season
HH
October 15th, 2009
8:21 am
Richt had better “toughen up” and do it fast. If he doesn’t make the changes necessary to improve things drastically next year, then the next year will very likely be his last. He will get the reputation of being a “loser” by the majority of fans, in the “football” sense. Then the ” I love Mark Richt” crap will be history.
Howell Sanders
October 15th, 2009
8:24 am
First off I am a Tech fan, but I have watched Mark Richt the man for a while and he is a great human being. Life is not about football (and I am a big football fanatic)it is about integrity and self esteem and the kind of path you lead folks down on your journey. This country doesn’t view this type of person as winners in certain stages of life, but in the final talley, the type of person you are is how you get the final reward, and I believe Mark Richt the man will have a great reward.
Dawg Bone
October 15th, 2009
8:25 am
When Tebow leaves, Florida will be back to mediocre—Ga will start beating them again like the old days. Plus, Weis will probably get fired this year or next at Notre Dame and Meyer will probably take that job when they offer $5 million per year plus benefits. Richt will be able to win the SEC east after that with ease!!!
Bama
October 15th, 2009
8:26 am
thunderchief,
you missed my point. i simply stated that the option doesn’t fit every program. if the option was the best system for every program it would be used exclusively in the nfl, where it is rarely ever used. which supports my point, that not every program can or should utlize the option. i never said that it didn’t work for tech or that johnson had not been successful with it.
please read the entire post before deciding that i was dissing your team or coach. in fact, i made the point that johnson’s team would be more formidable when he can recruit is own players in future years. if your a tech fan consider that a compliment. geez, dont be so sensitive
Grandad
October 15th, 2009
8:30 am
Okay…granted DAWGS give up 45, Tech gives up 44. Lets stay wi. def. here for a min. Everyone wants CWM gone yesterday! Richt is soft for not firing him Sat. nite. Nobody even knows Tech’s Def. Coordinators name, much less calling for his firing.(nor do I care) But Paul Johnson is tough and hard nosed. They gave up 1 less pt. than we did. My point is this, Paul Johnson has created an image and people are willing to overlook tech’s weakness’s due to his personna. Also, he has only been in place 2 yrs., therefore you can only compare him to CMR’s 1st two yr’s., as he has not had the time to experience all the pitfalls that come with coaching any program. CPJ appears to be a fine coach. We know CMR is outstanding as he has proven over time. Let’s see how CPJ deals wi. the absolute certainty that teams will catch up to his off.(historically proven). This is not a bash Tech post…just trying to see things in perspective. Thanks
Jeff
October 15th, 2009
8:32 am
Keep it in perspective folks. It’s still a game, not life or death. This is CMR’s first head coaching assignement and he is getting some tough on the job training right now. Let’s see if he makes the adjustments that need to be made. Actions speak louder than the presentation.
Hootie Bookems
October 15th, 2009
8:35 am
Look at the Tech fans lapping it up! A month ago they were calling Bradley a UGA homer that bashes Tech at every turn, now his word is gospel. Gotta love the nerds, god bless em.
lefty fielder
October 15th, 2009
8:37 am
Thank you HOWELL SANDERS . . . Finally a post that makes good sense (and a Tech fan at that!)
toga
October 15th, 2009
8:38 am
Bugkiller-
You nailed it. I think Richt is more concerned about his hair than winning football games. The sad thing is, most dog fans I speak to are very happy with Richt and 8 or 9 wins a year.
As an Alabama fan, this is very hard for me to understand. We expect to win the NC every year and anything less is not acceptable. There is too much pride at many top tier programs to accept a person like Richt. But as many Ga. fans have said, he is the best coach they have ever had.
Are ya’ll afraid of sucess and the expectation that come along with winning. The 10 years after Stalling left Alabama were pure hell for me and I do not wish that on anyone. So maybe Richt is best for Ga. if 8 or 9 wins is acceptable. You don’t miss what you never had.
Roll Tide!
BILLY JACK
October 15th, 2009
8:38 am
M-You are the biggest moron-your post never vary or change-you basically sound retarded.Mark Richt is one of the winningest coaches in the country the last 8 years and is 7-1 against tech.Techs envy of Georgia is indeed strange but true nevertheless.Please come up with better material or go post on that wilderness of a website that is techs.
FLA DAWG
October 15th, 2009
8:39 am
The problems with The Dawgs has been so obvious that a blind man could see it. Poor game preparation, poor gameplan, poor playcalling, poor execution.
The solution is to unload Martinez, Bobo & Fabris. For a major SEC school to have put Martinez (with his previous record) and Bobo (on the job training) in as DC and OC is a bonehead move.
This is Richt’s last chance. If he does not unload these guys for the betterment of the team, school, students, alumns and fans then Richt should be fired.
takedowndawg
October 15th, 2009
8:40 am
The area that must change immediately is the offensive line play. The ability to run the ball stabilizes a ball game faster than anything I know of. Keeping our defense off of the field as much as possible is a good thing based on the first six games. Superior line play was the primary reason Tennesee dominated us last weekend. They opened holes at will to keep our defense in a run stop mentality all day. It if means stretching the opponents corners with threats with Green and our stable of speedsters threatening the long ball on every play then DO IT!!!! Mark Richt!!!!!! Seareles, you are not looking very good this year as the line coach. I think we have the talent. I do question our lineman’s desire. Short yardage effort says alot about your lineman, Seareles.
Spurrier
October 15th, 2009
8:40 am
UGA won’t sniff 2nd in the East for quite a while. My team which is doing nicely is the second youngest team in the NCAA and youngest in the SEC. 17 frosh or RS frosh on the two deep. 8 seniors of which only 5 contribute. Yeah, Richt’s days are numbered. He’ll get destroyed in Columbia and Jacksonville next year. Looking forward to his breaking in a new QB next year too. Probably a new defensive scheme as well. Major problems for Dawg nation over the next few years.
Hootie Bookems
October 15th, 2009
8:40 am
Jeff- . CMR has been on the job for nearly 9 full seasons. IF this was year 3 I’d give you that, not in year 9. Weak excuse brother.
Scrap
October 15th, 2009
8:40 am
This is great stuff. It amazes me how the GT return to prominance and UGA’s momentary decline can refuel the flames of a great rivalry. I think it’s great for football in our state. Keep up the good work Mark. You’re doing your part. I love the way Mark thinks.
Topp Dogg
October 15th, 2009
8:41 am
At the end of this season CPJ will fire Womack, will CMR fire Martinez all doubters can see for themselves.
Hootie Bookems
October 15th, 2009
8:42 am
Hey Spurrier, Are you guys gonna start your typical November slide early this year? Beat the Rush! Saturday looks like the beginning of the end for the cocks, it was fun while it lasted.
gatiger2
October 15th, 2009
8:44 am
I see this scenerio very much like Tubberville’s plight at AU. Richt has become more than comfortable with his assistants and that is a double edged sword. It projects well with recruits showing a close-nit family program but it also henders judgement when changes need to be made. In Tubberville’s case it cost him his job. It may have been worth it to him. Most of his assistants had been with him 10 – 15 years. Richt is about to go down the same road. I believe he will be given the opportunity to make some changes ( coordinators ) at the end of the year. From there he can choose whether he wants to stay or not. I’m betting he makes changes and stays. As far as great assistants go, you may as well get used to turnover. The really goods ones are looking to be head coaches somewhere. You still have to hire them to be successful.
BILLY JACK
October 15th, 2009
8:45 am
Hey Spurrier-yall have been to 2 bowls in like 100 years, you probably need to get on a SC website before you get embarrassed.
Grandad
October 15th, 2009
8:48 am
Bless your heart “toga”; to be disappointed, and frustrated every yr. Now, how many coaches have you fired looking to gratify your expectations?