Rx for Mark Richt: Try Smart first, then Ellis Johnson
Needed: A defensive coordinator who understands how defense must be played in the SEC.
First choice (and a no-brainer): Kirby Smart, the Georgia alum who coaches Alabama’s defense.
Problem: It’s not even a lateral move for Smart, Alabama being a demonstrably better program than Georgia. And Alabama can, as we know, outspend the Yankees to keep the guys it wants.
Possible bit of leverage: Nick Saban is a notoriously tough boss — the anti-Richt — and is still widely seen as the man behind Alabama’s D. Smart might want to strike out on his own.
Plan B: Ellis Johnson of South Carolina.
Loading ...Why him: He has done great work with lesser talent than Georgia’s, and he has coordinated defenses at Alabama and Mississippi State. And he did what a lot of folks can only dream of doing: He bailed out on Bobby Petrino after a month at Arkansas.
Why he might leave: No one knows how much longer Steve Spurrier will coach South Carolina, and even if Spurrier stays another five years it’s clear the Gamecocks will always hit a ceiling in the SEC East.
Possible roadblock: His contract runs through 2011.
Other names: Tommy Tuberville isn’t going to take an assistant’s job. Will Muschamp, another UGA grad, isn’t coming; being coach-in-waiting at Texas trumps being defensive coordinator at Georgia. Brian VanGorder seems happy in Flowery Branch, and it takes a lot to make BVG happy. Charlie Strong, formerly of South Carolina and now of Florida, is apt to become head coach at Louisville. And there seems no cause to promote Rodney Garner: Why bump up the lone holdover from a defensive staff Mark Richt just admitted was substandard?
The best guess: Smart stays in Tuscaloosa and Ellis Johnson moves to Athens.
Would that be an upgrade over Willie Martinez? No more than a suite at the Ritz-Carlton would be an upgrade over a room with two double beds at Motel 6.
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707 comments Add your comment
GT IS A 4TH RATE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
December 3rd, 2009
7:55 am
HEY TECHIES WHEN YOU SEE SANTA IN THE CENTER OF SHOPPING MALLS, PARADES, STREET CORNERS, FRONT DOOR OF GROCERY STORES, HE MAY HAVE A BIG GGGGGGG UNDERNEATH HIS RED SUIT WITH BLACK BELT AND BLACK BOOTS,
BUT PLEASE DO NOT THROW YOUR CLASSY TRASH AND TRASHY PAPER CUPS TO HIM JUST YOU DID TO THAT GA DAWG WITH A GGGGGGG FLAG RUNNING AROUND YOUR STADIUM.
AND AFTER GETTING YOUR KID FROM HIS LAP, DO NOT PUNCH YOU BABY IF HE OR SHE STARTS SAYING GO DAWGS.
AND WHEN YOU HEAR THE CLANG, CLANG, CLANG OF HIS BELL. GA JUST KEEPS ON WINNING OVER THE TECHIES.
AND WHEN YOU HEAR SANTA SAYS HOHOHOHOHOHOHHOOHO, YOU OF COURSE WHAT IT IS FOR. TECHIE KEEPS ON LOSSSSSSSING…………………….. FOREVER AND EVER
FLA DAWG
December 3rd, 2009
7:57 am
Mark,
I had thought of Smart & Tubberville among others but I had completely forgotten about Ellis Johnson. You’re right, he’d make a great DC in Athens. He’s a natural SEC fit and a proven winner. We’ll need to spend some money no matter who we want so why not go for a winner like Smart or Johnson.
Good Calls, Mark – I hope we get one or the other.
Joe
December 3rd, 2009
7:57 am
“Alabama being a demonstrably better program than Georgia”? Given to hyperbole much? That statement is ridiculous. More tradition – yes. But, this is a program that only became relevant again last year after a decade of nothing. And less than a lateral move? Yeah right – he’s going from being a co-DC (because Saban runs that defense) to an outright DC.
Please get your facts straight.
Paul "ManBoobs" Johnson
December 3rd, 2009
7:58 am
Mark — What is your take on this Saturday? Do we get it done in Tampa? How did you like that play callin’ in the last drive? Pure genius. Always the smartest coach on the field.
By the way, did you hear about the latest row I was in? I beat the hell out of a guy who rammed me with his motorized wheel-chair-cart in aisle 3 of the Piggly Wiggly. He was part of the group from the Senior Center, who was on their weekly Wednesday grocery store outing. The guy was all attitude. Nonetheless, right there next to 400 jars of pickles, I caught him with an over hand right and down he went. It sent a shiver all the way down to his Depends. That’s how I roll.
I am BAAAAAAD MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FLA DAWG
December 3rd, 2009
7:59 am
I am doubtful that a new DC would be named before the bowl game but it’s happened in the recent past (Auburn).
gary
December 3rd, 2009
8:01 am
Who is coaching the special teams? It appears we are giving up field position on to many out of bounds kick offs and on coverage.
ramblingbuzz
December 3rd, 2009
8:01 am
Hey Bradley, let’s blog about Tiger Woods. I’m tired of speculating about the next UGAg defensive coordinator.
MFM
December 3rd, 2009
8:03 am
Not trying to agree with any Tech nerd, but all this talk about the TCU guy is disturbing to me. The guy is 60…60 years old. How much longer before he hangs up his wistle? I would think CMR would be looking for an “up and comer” that’s not making plans on wether to start drawing SS in 2 years or 5. I’m not saying the guy can’t coach, we just need some younger blood.
Troof
December 3rd, 2009
8:03 am
Why would Smart return to UGAg? Yes, he was there as RB coach but seems like his man Saint Nick leaving LSU had a little to do with that. Smart was just that….smart…and left Jawja after a short stint. Get over it folks. He isn’t walking through that door. Move on down the line to find c candidate at a school where it would be an upgrade to coach with Mr. Fake Tan. Oh, and be sure to buy a Ford F150 for ol’ Mark.
Joe
December 3rd, 2009
8:04 am
UGA brings in Kirby and we will be on probation in 3 years because of recruiting violations. Bring Kirby and my money stops for sure
Rural Education
December 3rd, 2009
8:04 am
Mr. Bradley you are dreaming if you think Johnson would leave S.C. for Georgia. One he is from and still has family in S.C., coming home was the dream move for him and his family. Secondly, it would not really be an upgrade. Keep dreaming.
GEORGIA97
December 3rd, 2009
8:04 am
Gary: Fabris was the special teams coach so that problem should be solved.
GeoffDawg
December 3rd, 2009
8:04 am
“Alabama being a demonstrably better program” – I can’t agree with this statement. It’s true that Alabama’s recent teams are significantly ahead of Georgia’s but both football programs are top notch. If I’m not mistaken, the UGA athletic department is one of the nation’s most profitable every year so if they want to pony up the cash for a big name like Smart, they can do it.
JB
December 3rd, 2009
8:06 am
Ellis Johnson is FROM SC………..Carolina is LOADED next year, something like 16 starters coming back…..They will be force next year…..He ain’t coming……… I think Spurrier Coach’s 3, maybe 4 more years. Taking the Georgia job has some down side for a “name” guy vs. a no name…..a name guy could lose his name over here……a no name could make a name in Athens………Also, we are tight with money for some reason with assit coach’s salaries…….we are middle of the pack, just like our football team right now. Giving a guy 600-800K blows up the entire pecking order of pay….Bobo….Garner…….what do you pay them? Garner leaving anyway if he’s passed over…………….And I hope he is passed over.
Paddy
December 3rd, 2009
8:06 am
Mickey Andrews would stay at FSU if he still wanted to coach, which he does not want to do. Chuck Amato is as old as Bobby.
GT IS A 4TH RATE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
December 3rd, 2009
8:07 am
HEY TECHIES SANTA IN HIS RED ROBE WITH BLACK BELT AND BLACK BOOTS ( IN THE CLOSET UGA DAWG FAN) MAY BE TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO LOVE THE UGA DAWGS AND SAY GO DAWGS WHEN THEY ARE SITTING ON HIS LAP.
SO DO NOT PUNCH YOUR KIDS AFTER WHEN YOU HEAR THEM SAY GO DAWGS OR SING GLORY, GLORY TO OLD GEORGIA OR START HOLDING A BELL THAT GOES CLANG, GLANG AND JINGLE, JINGLE CAN ALSO QUALIFY, AND SAY HOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOOOH, GA IS WINNING AGAIN..
SANTA SAYS HOHOHOOHOHOHOHOHOOOHOOHO, GA IN WINNING AGAIN, FOREVER AND EVER.
Philip
December 3rd, 2009
8:07 am
Kirby Smart is not coming to Atlanta. The best option would be Will Muschamp from Texas, but he is not coming either. Bulldog Fans don’t forget that Muschamp also is a former Georgia player and moved up the ranks under Saban in Miami and Tuberville in Auburn, initially starting at Valdosta State where he was DC and Smart was the Defensive Backs coach who took Muschamp’s job only after Muschamp moved on to bigger and better things. I would love to get Charlie Strong, but I don’t think he would come for the same reason Smart and Muschamp won’t come. They are all with better programs right now. Ellis Johnson seems like a good fit, but it seems like status quo. I think Richt will try to ruffle the bushes and go outside the box with his pick. I just hope we get someone with high intensity and tenacity to shut down opposing offensives, not just contain them. The biggest firing was the Special Teams Coordinator. There is no reason for our special teams to be one of the worst in the country with all the talent we bring in. Go get Beamer’s son. I can’t remember where he is, but it would be a good kid to get.
coachdawg 2000
December 3rd, 2009
8:07 am
bud foster. A chance to coach in the big boy conference not the All Cupcakes Conference!
usciscarolina
December 3rd, 2009
8:07 am
Johnson is not going to leave Spurrier. He is from South Carolina, he loves being back home and his family does not want to move anywhere. Go ahead and offer him so he can turn you down.
I wouldn’t try that Carolina/ceiling line, that argument will only hurt your chances of getting him. Don’t insult the man before you offer him a job.
GEORGIA97
December 3rd, 2009
8:09 am
GT IS A 4TH RATE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Give it a rest, brother. You’re making the rest of us DAWG fans look like window lickers.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
December 3rd, 2009
8:10 am
Why in the world would Muschamp and Strong be on this list? What a joke. I could really see Strong leaving Florida for UGA and I’m sure Muschamp would turn down the chance to coach the best program in the country to come back to Georgia. As for Smart, he will end up at Texas when Smart takes over. Need to think a little smaller. Johnson, maybe, or the DC at TCU. Hell this list mine as well have Pete Carroll on it.
coreyD
December 3rd, 2009
8:10 am
No offense, Mark, but I don’t get the idea that Georgia would be a step down from Bama because of program status. I’ve worked in college sports marketing for over 20 years and am a fan of neither team…but it’s pretty well known that Georgia is year-in-year-out, the richest program in the SEC (Along with Florida) and has the best facilities from top to bottom. Program perception may be the case as of this year, but it’s not in the grand scheme of things. All of the top tier SEC teams are on equal footing as far as that is concerned. There are a LOT of reasons why Smart wouldn’t leave Saban’s staff…but the idea of UGA being a step-down definitely isn’t one of them..and I can assure you Kirby doesn’t think that.
GeoffDawg
December 3rd, 2009
8:11 am
I was going to chide Rural Education for not recognizing Georgia as an upgrade from South Carolina but really, it’s so obvious, who cares?
UGA Alumni
December 3rd, 2009
8:12 am
No to Kirby Smart. Right now Kirby is just Nick Saban’s apprentice and is not ready to stand on his own two feet as a major defensive coordinator without supervision. Also, Kirby showed no loyalty to his alma mater when he came and worked for Richt one season then bolted. Add to that Kirby knew nothing about tackling when he was a safety at Georgia. He did everything he could to avoid physical contact with the ball carrier.
I’d love Tuberville or Van Gorder but I agree with Mark, that is not going to happen.
I guess this will be a wait and see. But anything, even a UGA sorority girl (at least a KD would be aggressive) would be an improvement over Willie Martinez!
now that's funny
December 3rd, 2009
8:12 am
Why was there no change in our strength and conditioning program/coach? We are always out of shape at the start of the season and appear to not be as tough or as strong as other teams. Also, we seemingly have more injuries that linger far too long, or require surgery. Something is wrong with our conditioning program.
Me and You and a Dawg Named Belue
December 3rd, 2009
8:12 am
MARK, I heard that Kirby Smart has pulled some shenanigans on the recruiting trail. Enough to make CMR say he never wants to work with him. Have you heard that?
Coach Garner doesn’t need to be DC. He is “Asst Head Coach” and the best recruiter in the SEC. I don’t think he feels he has to be DC but I’m sure he wants big-time input on who it will be (and deservedly so).
I like the idea of Coach Bumpas.
LeBrawnDaBrain
December 3rd, 2009
8:12 am
I would love to know if CMR will seek any advice on his list of candidates. I am confident CMR will hire a good coach and good person. That means Tiger W. will not be a candidate.
mike addington
December 3rd, 2009
8:13 am
I’m still not over M richts sanctimonious off-handed remarks about his snarling at his “children” after they dumped the bucket on home. “I hugged Bryand and told him I loved him.” What a piece of crap. Seems like he could reeled in his anger there because he carried on for quite a while. I guess there is more to CMR than the publice knows. I know I’m not the fan of his that I once was. If that had been me he was snarling at, I would have stripped off my jersey and threw it in his face and told him to kiss my butt.
GT IS A 4TH RATE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
December 3rd, 2009
8:14 am
GEORGIA97 SORRY TECHIES WILL GET THIS UNTIL TEHY DEFEAT GA IF IT EVER HAPPENS.
MiltonDawg
December 3rd, 2009
8:18 am
what’s the timeline? shouldn’t we have a new DC named in the next couple weeks? these rumors will continue to fly. I still like Bud Foster, Dick Bumpas, BVG, or Tommy West. I think Smart and Muschamp would be great, but not going to happen. Whoever it is, he needs to be widely recognized for recruits.
Paddy
December 3rd, 2009
8:18 am
Bumpas is an interesting name to be sure. With Gary Patterson getting a 7 year extension today, Bumpas seems unlikely to move. Ride Patterson’s coatails into retirement if I was making that call.
lefty fielder
December 3rd, 2009
8:20 am
Arrest that GT is a 4th Rate guy. He’s stolen L-Dawg’s computer.
not quite ready for prime time!
December 3rd, 2009
8:22 am
just don’t hire former army coach Paul johnson! tho an assistants job at georgia would be a step up….his defenses can’t stop anybody…………..lmfao…30 to 24..what time does the a.she.she championship come on tonight..it is thursday right?
GWJ
December 3rd, 2009
8:22 am
Tenuta is a JOKE!
Dawgday
December 3rd, 2009
8:22 am
I heard an interview on 680 with Ellis the other day. I was very impressed.
That being said, a man did get fired Mark. No need to pi$$ on the guy while he’s down. Even without a job he’s better off than working at the AJC.
Good luck to WM. Hope he lands on his feet. If CMR was forced to make this move, look for Richt to go elsewhere at the next chance.
GT IS A 4TH RATE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
December 3rd, 2009
8:23 am
LEFTY FIELDER YOUR PROBABLY ONE OF THOSE WHO WILL SPANK THEIR KIDS AFTER MEETING SANTA AND SAY GO DAWGS. HOHOOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOOOH. CLANG, CLANG, CLANG
Macon Dog in the Middle East
December 3rd, 2009
8:24 am
Mullet has opined: “While Garner is a great recruiter, I think he would have been promoted to a coordinator position long ago if he were capable. If I’m not mistaken, he was a holdover from Donnan’s staff who was retained for his recruiting ability. With that recruiting prowess, it is certain another school would have gone after him for a DC position IF he could handle it. Apparently, his abilities as a recruiter do not translate to a high performance level as a DC.”
Mullet, please understand that, just last off-season, Kiffin and Chizik both made serious “runs” at Garner. I can’t bear the thought of him returning to UT, where he enabled Fulmer to win 10 straight from us with our state’s better players. Richt was correct to retain him, because he has enabled Richt to plug that Big Arnge drain. Kiffin, with his insufferable, spoiled brat’s loud mouth, has vowed NEVER to lose to Georgia again! Chiefly because of that Fulmer string of intolerable wins, Kiffin and his in-bred hillbillies believe it is their right to beat Georgia! They conveniently forget the winning record that Coach Dooley had against the Arnge and the fact that our Bulldogs have put the worst-ever defeats on UT both in Knoxville and on the road. We need to keep Garner away from Auburn and our other rivals too.
GWJ
December 3rd, 2009
8:24 am
Travis Jones, former UGA player, LSU coach and current Saints ooach, might be a possibility. Main negative would be the lack of DC experience.
lefty fielder
December 3rd, 2009
8:25 am
GT is a 4th . . . you’re the New York Nets of the English language.
ParrisIsland Dawg
December 3rd, 2009
8:25 am
I still like getting former head coaches who have no desire to ever be the head guy again. Al Groh is looking for work, Gary Gibbs did a good job a UGA, Sylvester Crooms, or Joe Kines come to mind.
» SEC links: League picks up some basketball wins John Clay’s Sidelines
December 3rd, 2009
8:25 am
[...] Mark Bradley of the AJC has some hiring advice for Georgia coach Mark Richt. [...]
mike addington
December 3rd, 2009
8:25 am
Besides that, looking back on CMR’s early years, remember how he blew the time management in the Auburn and/or Tech games his first year and mybe the second–I forget. How can you not already know time management after years as OC at FSC. After looking at the fiasco of the last few years, I’m thinking CMR just isnt that bright and that we will be looking for a new head coach in a year or so, despite whomever is brought in as DC. You know David Greene actually got worse instead of better during his years as QB. Check it out. He was sharp as a tack his first years then almost imperceptively grew more indecisive. Of course it would have helped had the receivers caught at least one ball each game, which is another thing CMR took too long to address. How many years did we go with all those dropped balls. I firmly believe we would have won THe NC one of the first years of CMR’s tenure had those guys caught just a few balls.
lefty fielder
December 3rd, 2009
8:26 am
New Jersey . . . sorry
dawggone
December 3rd, 2009
8:26 am
I am just glad the Fabris is out…..reguardless of Def. Cord. I would just love to see us get a special teams coach that does not coach another position.
haney
December 3rd, 2009
8:30 am
Mark-
How can you really say UGA is a step down from Bama. Both programs are top level SEC programs, Bama is ahead of UGA right now but a few years ago, that was reversed. Factor in that Kirby is an alum, his wife played hoops at UGA, most folks say the Bama D is controlled by Saban just like most folks say the Falcons D is controlled by Mike Smith. I am NOT saying Kirby would come back home but to say he wouldn’t because our program is so far behind Bama, that is just plain stupid. We can offer some money Mark-we have a lot of it here. We can offer the chance to be his own coordinator, at his alma mater. Think about it.
It truly amazes me Mark that you and your buddies at the AJC can write about UGA as such a down program, the two years prior were both 10 win seasons. UGA won 7 games this year somehow with the turnover ratio they had that was a miracle in itself-take a look at the teams with similar turnover ratio and see what their record might be. UGA has talent on hand right now, with the SEC east back up for grabs next year, the right DC can do wonders in Athens. I know you guys have to prop Tech up and praise Paul Johnson but state school with the best talent sits in Athens. By the way, I think you need to write a column about Dave Wommack in the future, take a look at how SORRY that defense is especially considering how little they are on the field, they are horrible. But, I know you really don’t want to write anything negative about the Jackets this year, only if they get shredded by Clemson and in their bowl game perhaps.
Bill
December 3rd, 2009
8:32 am
If Smart is Smart he will stay where he’s at.
Bobo needs to go!
Richt will get the right DC….
F-105 Thunderchief
December 3rd, 2009
8:34 am
Good choices. Ain’t happening. What else you got?
Sonny Clusters
December 3rd, 2009
8:36 am
A Clusters could do the job but they need somebody meaner. Clusters was always amiable. Coach used to say, “Sonny Clusters you are one smart, good-looking, amiable ball player to have a 90 mph fastball and God-given talent like you do.” We was always modest.
F-105 Thunderchief
December 3rd, 2009
8:38 am
Haney wrote: “How can you really say UGA is a step down from Bama(?)”
I love UGA, but even I laughed out loud at that. Of course, Bama is a step up … because the legacy of the Bear endures. Great coaches – Stallings and Saban – can leverage that into success that lives up to the legacy.
JB
December 3rd, 2009
8:38 am
When the hire is announced , you will all say “WHO”. It will be a no name. A Van Gorder type who has proven himself out of the limelight. That’s Mark’s Style.