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
dtanner
December 3rd, 2009
9:37 am
got a name for you mark, how about jerry glanville,don’t laugh,he did a credible job at hawaii as june jones defensive coach with an undersized and non athletic unit,and he is out of work now
Lowcountry Bulldawg
December 3rd, 2009
9:37 am
If they hire Bumpas I have dibs on this T-Shirt ..
You don’t know Bumpas…..
BigGCock
December 3rd, 2009
9:38 am
Let me clear up one misunderstanding. Ellis Johnson has coached up the 2,3 and 4 star talent to the 3rd best defense in the SEC.
His shelf will not be empty next season (or the season after) as SCAR is the 2nd youngest team in the league. SCAR will compete for the SEC EAST crown next year plus Johnson is a SCAR native so there is a very small chance the he would leave.
Why would any coach (or recruit) come to an underacheiving school like UGA that has the talent (NFL type) but can’t meet expectations?
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:38 am
GEORGIA IS NEVER GOING TO BE A TOP NOTCH ORGANIZATION AS LONG AS RICHT IS HERE WE WILL ALWAYS BE AN ” ALSO RAN
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:39 am
LOSER FROM THE START?
FIRE MARK SORRY ASZ RICHT.
Dawg Fud
December 3rd, 2009
9:39 am
Fire Mark,
friendly suggestion. try decaf and you might want to see someone about your chemical imbalance.
ARTHUR B.
December 3rd, 2009
9:39 am
how about Dick Juaron Bills fired Head coach. Very good defensive coach
Maddog
December 3rd, 2009
9:39 am
Bumpas? Wasn’t that the name of the neighbor on “A Christmas Story” whose dogs antagonized Darin McGavin?
ChinookGuy
December 3rd, 2009
9:39 am
Never Missed a coach needs to be able to call the right defense that puts the players in position to make the play. They also have to drill into them that making the tackle is more important than being on Sports Center.
We need some one that will put a boot up their @$$ for all of these retarded penalties. I’m sick and tired of the sloppy play on both sides of the ball for the Dawgs.
Play call suggestions for the bowl game: Anything that doesn’t envolve Joe Cox throwing the ball. Don’t even let him oitch it on a sweep.
JacketFan
December 3rd, 2009
9:39 am
redandblackblood – the money is there, but I wonder if it’s a PR problem? With budget cuts in every aspect of education going on in the state, some people will question spending a huge sum on football coaches. You and I know that the money is separate and that athletics dollars are not state dollars; however, the majority of population is completely ignorant to that fact and would probably raise hell about it. Again, they could pay it, but they would have to do so behind a good public relations push.
JB
December 3rd, 2009
9:39 am
NEVER MISSED…………………………………………………………..Vandy beats or takes people to the wire with very little SEC talent for ONE reason. coaching. Martinez never missed a tackle and Coach Johnson at Vandy has never thrown a pass……Coaching makes a difference.
UKnowY
December 3rd, 2009
9:40 am
If I were CMR I would take a blank check up to the GA Dome Saturday nite and let KS name his price. If that doesn’t work would love to see DB from TCU. Not sure that EJ would be a good fit, and pray to God that Tenuta is nothing more than a rumor he’s really proven himself at yeck and ND.
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:40 am
DawgDud, Fire Mark un achieving Richt
sec
December 3rd, 2009
9:40 am
savannahdawg,
That is what i have heard from inside bulldog nation. Its who BVG referred richt too. Im not saying i agree with it
Barnacle Bill Bavasi
December 3rd, 2009
9:41 am
Raheem Morris is sure to be available soon.
coach smith
December 3rd, 2009
9:42 am
Bradley
HOW is BAMA a “demonstratively better program than Georgia”??????
BAMA has actaully won NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the last 3 years BAMA is 30-8 with NO BOWL WINS and 1 top 10 finish so far
In the last 3 years Georgia is 28-10 with a #2 and #10 finish and Sugar Bowl and Capital One Bowl Wins!!!!!
Georgia has also won 2 SEC titles and played for a 3rd in the past 8 years and BAMA hasn’t won one in 20 years!
I thought journalists were supposed to have FACTS!
The fact is BAMA hs had a couple of good regualr seasons but they are only 2 years removed from going 6-6 and losing at home to ULM!
Your biases are showing with comments like that
JacketFan
December 3rd, 2009
9:42 am
Maddog – YES!
“Sons of bitches … Bumpasses!”
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:42 am
WHO IN THE HELL WOULD WANT TO COACH A ORGANIZATION THAT IS GOING DOWN ANY WAY? WHY SABOTAGE YOUR CAREER? -Fire Mark un achieving Richt
here's one
December 3rd, 2009
9:42 am
How about Dennis Felton? He was a defensive minded coach and he’s available, I think.
Maddog
December 3rd, 2009
9:42 am
JacketFan – I agree it could be a PR issue, but it would be quite easy to point out the the athletics department is a separate entity that generates millions and millions of dollars. I don’t think a hefty salary will impact professor salaries or tuition costs. Just my thoughts.
Big Dawg's Bite
December 3rd, 2009
9:43 am
There are two defensive coachs out there for CMR to consider that we have not discussed. CMR has a choice to hire either Jeff Schultz or Mark Bradley. Based on their weekly blogs and articles, these two guys know alot about football and how a dominant defense should function. They know how to motivate 18 to 22 year olds each and every week. They even know how to make adjustments throughout the game to stop the oppossing offense. No other candidate out there can match Jeff or Mark expectations for Georgia.
Tom
December 3rd, 2009
9:43 am
I have a reasonably close association with NC State – avoid Chuck Amato like the plague.
ChinookGuy
December 3rd, 2009
9:44 am
Everett Whithers, UNC #7 defense in the nation…
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:45 am
coach smith WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING THE REALITY IS GEORGIA IS OUT OF CONTENTION BY WEEK 6 EVERY YEAR UNDER RICHT AND THEIR FINISH IS JUST A CONSOLATION TO COMING SHORT OF THEIR TALENT LEVEL. NO QUALITY RECRUIT IS GOING TO COME HERE WITH THE PROGRAM STUCK IN REVERSE LIKE IT IS. WE ARE GOING BACKWARDS! F.U.
Maddog
December 3rd, 2009
9:46 am
Tom – I can’t believe UGA would seriously consider Chuckles.
JDW
December 3rd, 2009
9:46 am
Well thought out article Mark, I think you nailed the number one choice. Only thing we can hope is that the desire to come home is greater than the desire to stay in Allybamie. Ellis has done a great job at SC, but do you think he might be waiting until Darth Visor goes so he can step in? What about Bumpas or DeRuyter do you think they could be on the list?
NEVER MISSED
December 3rd, 2009
9:46 am
JB,,,you’re absolutely right VANDY recruits quality young men who can read & write!!! They learn & understand what they’re be coaching. It is obvious that our 4,5, 6 star recruits are lacking in mental understanding. Sure they’re more than physically capable but are they mentally capable? Comparing VANDY (or even GT recruits) to ours is like comparing apples, oranges & grapes!!!
Dawg Fud
December 3rd, 2009
9:46 am
For the record, JacketFan is a wlecome change from Saint Simons, m, and Yellow Fuzz. you are welcome on here anytime. i can appreciate a rival who can discuss these things intelligibly
PS – i kind of liek RAMBLE ON!!! because she’s a chick and can talk smack
JacketFan
December 3rd, 2009
9:46 am
Maddog – No, you’re right, it doesn’t affect those things, but UGA would have to really underscore that point. That was all I was saying.
BigDawgBite-I say y’all take someone from the ACC … ESPN’s Heather Dinich … she knows EVERYTHING about college football.
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:46 am
Fire Mark un achieving RichtFire Mark un achieving Richt
Maddog
December 3rd, 2009
9:46 am
Fire Mark un achieving Richt – I’m not asking you to stop posting, but could you give the CAPS LOCK key a rest?
Tom
December 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
coach smith,
Alabama’s regular season record the last two seasons: 24-0
Georgia’s: 17-8
Division championships, last two seasons: Alabama 2, Georgia 0
Um, also there’s the matter of a little head-to-head game last season in Athens when Georgia was ranked #1 in the country.
If that’s not demonstrably better AT THE PRESENT TIME, then I’m not sure what is.
Dawg Fud
December 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
Chuck “The Chest” Amato…no thank you
Barnacle Bill Bavasi
December 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
Ted Roof? Rusty Russell? Eddie “Meat Cleaver” Weaver? Richard “Frenchy” Tardits? Terry Hoage? Nate “Tifton Termite” Taylor? Ben Zambiasi?
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
Maddog
December 3rd, 2009
9:46 am
Tom – I can’t believe UGA would seriously consider Chuckles. OUT SIDE OF PUPPY NATION EVERY ONE IS CHUCKLING AT THE STUPID COACH OF THE DAWGS
Maddog
December 3rd, 2009
9:47 am
Dawg Fud – RAMBLE ON is a chick?
JacketFan
December 3rd, 2009
9:48 am
Fud – thanks. Apparently there are a few “JacketFans” (pretty simple moniker) and one’s a complete blowhard.
I think St. Simons, (evil)JacketFan, Fire Richt, etc are the same bored, lonely loser…
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:49 am
Fire Mark un achieving Richt – I’m not asking you to stop posting, but could you give the CAPS LOCK key a rest?
FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT
FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT
FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT
FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT
FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT
FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:50 am
RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT
C tha 1
December 3rd, 2009
9:51 am
Who ever the new DC is the first thing he needs to do is punch the entire defense in the face!
Maddog
December 3rd, 2009
9:51 am
Fire Mark un achieving Richt, are you saying you would like Mark Richt to be fired?
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:51 am
DawgTurd
FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT
Maddog
December 3rd, 2009
9:52 am
C tha 1 – I just hope he can teach how to tackle rather than titty bump.
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:52 am
Maddog – pretty much!
Maddog
December 3rd, 2009
9:53 am
Fire Mark un achieving Richt- Okay, just wanted to be sure I understood that:)
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:53 am
YO DUMB AZS IS TRYING TO PUT A BAND AID ON A STAB WOUND. IT WILL TALK 10 YEARS BEFORE THE MUTTS ARE COMPETITIVE AGAIN AND MOST OF THAT TIME IS BEING WASTED TRYING TO HOLD ON TO THE CAPTAIN THAT RAN THIS SHIP A GROUND ANY WAY
Ryan
December 3rd, 2009
9:54 am
Smart would be great, but doubt he’s coming. Is Johnson really the only realistic option? Didn’t Joe Cox roll up 40 points against them this year? Who’s the DC at TCU? They’ve had a consistently good defense, but not sure how much impact he has had on them as opposed to Patterson at head coach.
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:54 am
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
Fire Mark un achieving Richt
December 3rd, 2009
9:55 am
FIREMARKRICHT@BEFOREREAL.COM
JacketFan
December 3rd, 2009
9:56 am
Ryan – catch up, TCU’s DC is Dick Bumpass. We’ve been talking about him all morning. Welcome to the convo.