Mark Richt on UGA in 2010: ‘We want our fans to be proud’
The Georgia coach as a big-screen TV star: Mark Richt at the Galleria. (Photo by M. Bradley)
Should Georgia go 1-11 this fall, Mark Richt wouldn’t just be in trouble — he’d be gone. But that’s thing: Georgia isn’t going to go 1-11, and at this moment Richt is in fine fettle, job-wise and otherwise. And it is, truth to tell, harder to imagine the Bulldogs headed to Shreveport again anytime soon than it is to foresee them winning the SEC East.
And that’s all Richt needs to do to coach Georgia another 10 years: Win big again.
The notion was driven home at the annual convocation of the Bulldog Club of Greater Atlanta on Monday night. The masses didn’t brave a thunderstorm to file into the Cobb Galleria with teeth gritted. No citizen of Bulldog Nation wants Richt to fail. He is liked and respected by his constituency, same as it ever was.
The only problem Georgia fans have with Richt is that he hasn’t won a championship since 2005, and even that differentiates him from his predecessors. Folks liked Ray Goff — he was a Bulldog born and bred, you’ll recall — but grew skeptical of his coaching acumen. The same folks believed Jim Donnan knew his X’s and O’s but never quite warmed to him personally. And neither could deliver a title.
Richt has — two of them, in fact. There are no questions about his bona fides. There’s only the question that tracks every coach in every sport: What have you won for me lately?
No fool, Richt knows what has (and has not) happened. Of 2010, he said Monday: “It’s a big year.” Then this: “I do think it’s got the team excited and feeling like they have something to prove. We want to get back in consciousness of college football — with the voters. That’s a big thing with our sport designed as it is.”
That’s a major concession a coach whose program had become a Top 10 staple — whose 2008 team was ranked No. 1 in preseason — to make: That Georgia these past two seasons hasn’t been Georgia-good. The good news is that UGA under Richt hasn’t ever stayed down long. Coming off 8-4 in 2001, it went 13-1 and took the school’s first SEC title it n a quarter-century. Coming 8-4 in 2006, it went 10-2 and finished No. 2 in the land.
There is, lest we forget, a deep reservoir of pride that runs beneath the Red & Black. Even with all the headlines of summer — arrests and suspensions and a pending NCAA investigation and Damon Evans’ resignation –this isn’t a program that sees itself as a throw-rug. And the season that commences Sept. 4 offers the chance for a large measure of redemption.
Said Richt: “The players feel the buzz. The coaches do, too.”
Speaking of coaches: Richt did something remarkable last winter. He fired most of his defensive staff, including a coordinator who was among his best friends. Bulldog-watchers weren’t sure he would, but he did. This told us that, for all the perceptions of loyalty as a weakness, this coach is steely enough to put his program first. And that’s what you’d want in a coach, is it not?
There were no shock-the-world revelations dispensed Monday night: Richt lauded Todd Grantham, his new defensive coordinator; said Aaron Murray, the new quarterback, “has ‘it’ “, and offered a hearty endorsement of Chick-fil-A’s spicy chicken sandwich. (Which shouldn’t be interpreted as coach lobbying to appear in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.) He even got a bit testy when someone mentioned Gator “dominance.”
Richt: “We need to get you in the locker room to fire the guys up.”
Richt wasn’t a Bulldog born, but from Day 1 in 2001 he has known what it means to coach these Bulldogs. He sees himself as the steward of a program that was beloved before he arrived and will be after he steps aside. He knows what Bulldogs want, and it’s more than just to win — it’s to feel good about winning.
“We want our fans to be proud,” Richt said. Then this: “We want to be proud.”
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259 comments Add your comment
M Richt
July 27th, 2010
7:56 am
Soooo…what we’re gonna do against FLA….First of all, we’re gonna wear the “Grambling” black helmets….the pants will be orange (in honor of all our arrests), with re panties on the outside. “IF”, and that’s a nighty big “IF” we score a TD, we’re ALL gonna run in the end zone and handcuff each other….in honor of THUG-U. Won’t that make ya proud?
muttpunks
July 27th, 2010
8:00 am
WE ARE!!! THUG-U!!!!
Tide Roll
July 27th, 2010
8:00 am
Clint Boling or Clint Holding
7 arrests
July 27th, 2010
8:02 am
so far…
59bulldawg
July 27th, 2010
8:02 am
I love the Georgia program and I like Richt a lot. However my pride in the program has taken a beating with all the annual Dawgs get drunk and then get stupid problems. If he REALLY wants us to take pride in the program, begin with instilling a lot more discipline. The young men in red and black can’t help the team on the field if they’re suspended from playing because they acted like idiots off the field. Richt needs to get control of his program. If he does I think he’ll find the focus and commitment of his charges in practice and on the field will be sharply increased and he’ll win big again. But the longer these annual problems continue, the more Richt will undermine his own position. He can’t just talk the talk . . . he needs to walk the walk. I want Richt to succeed but my patience with him will not be everlasting.
1eyedJack
July 27th, 2010
8:05 am
Coming to SEC stadiums this fall – The Red & Black Express!!! Jump on board or jump off and shut up ’cause we don’t care what YOU think!!!
GOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!! Woof, woof!
That’s my other Dawg imitation.
Sabanmeyer
July 27th, 2010
8:09 am
Mark – when you write an article praising the dogs, you are the greatest writer on the planet. Absolutely brilliant! But, I digress!
WonderDawg
July 27th, 2010
8:10 am
TampaGator, I’m a Dawg who enjoys your posts. You actually put some thought into them, instead of the usual rah rah, or “THUGA” crap.
Here’s hoping you enjoy that retirement . . .
Mark Bradley
July 27th, 2010
8:11 am
Thanks, Sabanmeyer. Amazing how that goes.
Bubba Gumption
July 27th, 2010
8:13 am
Coach Richt – which game is gonna be the Blackout game and what other gimmicks are you gonna use to instill pride? Gimmickry has become a tradition under Richt at UGA.
FORTY ONE POINTS to your seventeen points
July 27th, 2010
8:13 am
((((((((((((((((41-17)))))))))))))))))
The Truth
July 27th, 2010
8:15 am
UGA folks can brag all you want to about beating Tech in football most years, and that’s perfectly fair. What’s also fair is to point out that with a history of Jan Kemp (Vince Dooley days), Jim Harrick, and now Damon Evans, the UGA Athletic Department is truly “The Cesspool of the South,” and is richly deserving of that title. No one outside of Georgia has any respect for your University or your Athletic Department, and that is a fact. It has been said many times: “Tech people are proud of their school, Georgia people are proud of their football team.” What a legacy to be proud of!
Monticello Dawg
July 27th, 2010
8:16 am
750 K Athletic funding has nothing to do with academic funding. That $750,000 to hire Grantham did not take a penny from UGA academic budget. UGA coaching salaries are less than several other SEC schools, but the Dogs are paying market-based salaries.
Taylor Wooten I realize you were joking about UGA’s athletics being mediocre, with lagging facilities, but a few might actually believe you, so I m here to set the record straight for any newcomers unaware of the Dogs athletic prowess.
Facilities:
Sanford Stadium, Basketball/Gymnastics practice arena, Tennis complex: Second to none. A few may be comparable, none better.
Stegeman- needs an upgrade, and getting it. Not as bad to watch a game as people think that do not attend
Other facilites: as good, or better in most every area as our rivals
As to whether or not our program is mediocre, I will let the readers decide:
National Championships: football, baseball, men’s tennis, men’s golf, women’s tennis, women’s golf, women’s swimming, gymnastics
Plus 132 SEC titles
That is setting the bar pretty high for mediocre.
SHAWN
July 27th, 2010
8:17 am
SC is going to beat the crap out of this team and get revenge for last years bs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a loss against Ark too with Mallet throwing all over them. I expect a 4-4 sec reg season and more whining.
Bubba Gumption
July 27th, 2010
8:18 am
Joey – look up the word investigate.
ShellDawg
July 27th, 2010
8:22 am
It’d be nice for UGA to win the east and it is possible (long shot), but they would have to do with at least one loss to the hated Gators. UF plays Mississippi State and then they have an off-week before the Georgia game. The Dawgs, on the other hand, play a tough road game in Lexington before flying down to Jacksonville to play their 8th or 9th consecutive game. Anyone who thinks the “neutral” site is not an advantage for the Gators in this day and age is absolutely insane. When Florida was a rural, scarcely populated, economically underdeveloped tourism state, the playing field was even in Jacks because Georgia was so much more of an established state and program. No longer. There is not a team in the country who could go to the Gators’ back yard year-in and year-out and have a winning record. Until the economic bribery from the City of Jacksonville stops, Florida’s domination will continue. Trust me, that program doesn’t need a head start to compete with anyone.
Gator Bill
July 27th, 2010
8:28 am
the result in jax will be the same. another ass whoopin. 18/21!
Alphare
July 27th, 2010
8:29 am
If UGA can beat FL, UGA will compete for SEC Champ. If you win SEC, you will most likely compete for NC.
So, first thing first, is for UGA to beat FL.
Question.........
July 27th, 2010
8:33 am
So what was the score the last time Fla. played at Athen?
Reality
July 27th, 2010
8:34 am
“IF” ga can beat FL…..LMAO!!!!!!
Reality
July 27th, 2010
8:41 am
Question………
July 27th, 2010
8:33 am
So what was the score the last time Fla. played at Athen?
1995
“half a hundred” + 2 to 17
Taylor Wooten
July 27th, 2010
8:49 am
Mr Monticello:
Like I said….look around…and take off your red colored glasses.
Football is mediocre….on the field and off. Sanford stadium is nice, I guess.
Basketball less than mediocre….on the court and off. Coliseum sucks.
Baseball is mediocre…on the field and off. Foley Field sucks.
The other sports are just noise. Nice if you like tennis and gymnastics.
Our “peers”, FL, AL, SC and TN blow us out of the water in these 3 major sports.
FL wins SEC and Natl Championships in football, basketball. Strong baseball.
AL wins SEC and Natl Championships in football, great facilities. Strong baseball.
SC wins Natl Championships in baseball, great facilities. Good-strong in football, Great bsktball facilities.
Carry on.
The Deegan
July 27th, 2010
8:52 am
If we had an offensive staff like our defensive staff, I’d tell you we have a top 5 team. BUT, when you have a former player (who was a WR at UGA) and he is the RB coach, it makes ZERO sense. We have Mike Bozo as offensive coordinator and we have an average at best WR coach. Our Oline coach is one of the best in the game, the other 3, I wouldn’t pay them $10 to coach at UGA. Get it right or get it gone. Willard Martini and Fabris were an embarrassment to UGA football and shame on Richt for allowing that for YEARS. Grow a pair Richt.
Call IT
July 27th, 2010
8:55 am
As a Gator fan, I can honestly say that Mark Richt has CLASS. He has had a lot of things go against the program and is under a lot of pressure from all to WIN. Take all the games one at a time, and do not worry about Jax or the SEC Championship until you perhaps cross that bridge. FL would glady take him as a head coach.
Best of luck Coach Richt!
Enough Said!
1eyedJack
July 27th, 2010
9:00 am
There are a million precedents for a successful coach to coach a position he never played. It’s football and coaching is a job. I think I do very well in my job, though it’s not what I majored in.
papadawg
July 27th, 2010
9:06 am
The Tide beat the jockstraps off the Gators with Tebow(and other pro bound players) so what makes everyone think they are world beaters this year
Don
July 27th, 2010
9:11 am
mark since the braves are in a pennant race and football season is still 38 days away, why don’t you write about your typical call how the braves are a lock and how philly has gotten within 4.5 games since you wrote your bs. this team is in trouble.
snapshot
July 27th, 2010
9:11 am
CPJ will eventually run him out of the athens cesspool. Bank on it.
{{{{{17-3}}}}}
July 27th, 2010
9:27 am
well make sure the red panties are not worn with the black helmets for the gator game. you know getting the right color jerseys, helmets, and panties are important to getting your team fired up
dan
July 27th, 2010
9:30 am
I find it humorous when Tech fans give UGA fans hell about the Independence Bowl. Does the Seattle, Silicon Valley, Humanitarian( TWICE), Champs Sports, and Emerald Bowls ring a bell? Oh and how how about that 3-7 record in bowl games this decade including 0-2 under your boy CPJ! Nothing more pathetic than a Tech fan.
POAD
July 27th, 2010
9:31 am
If Murry can just not turn the ball over the Dawgs should win 10 o 11 games. The Schedule tha dawgs play is easy. The combined record of the teams in 09 was 78-74. The dawgs 3 OOC teams were 21-28. The dawgs have an easy schedule for sure. If richt & the Dawgs only 7 or 8 games it will be a terrible season for sure.
Question.........
July 27th, 2010
9:34 am
52-17…………..stop lying! Can someone please tell me the score the last time Fla played in Athens?
dan
July 27th, 2010
9:36 am
Oh and Gator Fans: your program is 1-3 vs. Ole Miss this past decade. In case you haven’t noticed( which I’m sure you haven’t because you’re a total bandwagon fan base); the Rebels haven’t exactly been lighting it up on the National Stage lately.
mutt motto
July 27th, 2010
9:36 am
You have the right to remain silent….anything you say, can…..
Bruce Mac
July 27th, 2010
9:41 am
Mark, I was looking of the article about where to get the best steak in New York while there watching the Braves play in the World Series. I guess that will have to wait, huh?
Gatorguy
July 27th, 2010
9:42 am
dan
July 27th, 2010
9:36 am
Oh and Gator Fans: your program is 1-3 vs. Ole Miss this past decade.
Ohhhh, but we’re 17-3 against the little leghumpers in 2 decades—7 out of 9 now
Bruce Mac
July 27th, 2010
9:43 am
Please please please don’t give us eight reasons the Bulldawgs will go to SEC Championship. I can’t stand another of your famous jinx articles.
Bruce Mac
July 27th, 2010
9:46 am
Why do you Gayturds think the Black Helmets are any worse than those pajamas you wore against the Tide as they stomped a mud hole in your azz. Worry about your own uniforms, nothing looks worse than those hideous things. What was that, a marajuana leaf on the shoulders? Pathetic.
Gatorguy
July 27th, 2010
9:52 am
Bruce Mac
July 27th, 2010
9:46 am
And those black jerseys worked out reeeeeal well against Bama, didn’t they? What? 31-0 at halftime.
PMC
July 27th, 2010
9:52 am
He needs to go back to the earlier “finish the drill” philosophy. Cut the shennanigans and the foolishness and just take the professional approach.
I like Mark Richt because even if it takes him a year too long he does eventually address what needs to get done. He’s finally addressed the massive issues they had with coaching philosophies on the team. They have a lot of good players now they just have to go out execute and finish the drill.
FRED
July 27th, 2010
9:57 am
LOOK FOR ANOTHER 8-4 SEASON. CMR IS HERE FOR EVER AS WE REMAIN A SECONDARY FOOTBALL TEAM FOREVER.
dan
July 27th, 2010
10:07 am
To Gator( Bandwagon) Guy:
“Ohhhh, but we’re 17-3 against the little leghumpers in 2 decades—7 out of 9 now”
1. UF is located in one of the most talent rich states in the country. You guys should be able to dominant UGA most years simply based on that fact alone.
2. The point I was making with the Ole Miss reference is that some teams match up well against others. Florida clearly has been able to handle UGA yet struggles with Ole Miss or Auburn; teams that UGA has been able to handle with relative ease. Sometimes a team can just have you number and right now Florida has UGA’s just like Ole Miss has Florida’s.
BurningRedBleedingBlack
July 27th, 2010
10:16 am
I think Coach Richt has a great point, i don’t know if its just me but i have a different feeling about this year, i’m excited, and ready. I think we do take back Jaxs this year, The gators are just like alot of team this year, they have talent sure, but so do we. I feel we have a more physical team than they do. GO DAWGS!!!! GATA
“If we score we may win, if they never score,we’ll never lose”
Will
July 27th, 2010
10:21 am
We will know what we have on 9-11 at 12:30. Everyone in the country is predicting a USC blowout. Am I as worried as a UGA fan……… no! Do I like or respect Columbia………no! would I pick up Steve Spurrier on the side of the road in the middle of a snow storm…….no!
I miss Shannon Sharpe.
jellybeandawg
July 27th, 2010
10:23 am
Mark what is so “remarkable” about doing your job?? Isn’t that what he gets paid 3 million dollars per year to do? No, the truth is there is nothing “REMARKABLE” about it.
The only “remarkable” thing about the whole situation was that Richt kept them around for as long as he did, when they should have been fired years earlier. It had become quite obvious to everyone in and out of Sanford stadium (minus Richt of course) that at least Martinez needed to be fired long ago. Heck even the little old blue haired ladies caught on faster than Richt.
Mark your are by far the best sports writer the AJC has and I normally agree with just about all of your points but there is absolutely, positively noting “remarkable” about firing overpaid, under-performing personnel.
Matthews Dawg
July 27th, 2010
10:27 am
“Russ the temporary mascot” at the 9:13 am blog….that was stinking hilarious! I laughed out loud! I can live with a Tech blogging that one. Funny is funny and I thought it was a good one! Go Dawgs
Time Out
July 27th, 2010
10:29 am
Paul Johnson’s brother was heard to say watch out for the tingle.
Time Out
July 27th, 2010
10:32 am
It has been said many times: “Tech people are proud of their school, Georgia people are proud of their football team.” What a legacy to be proud of! LOL. You all suck..bad.
FalconUGAFan
July 27th, 2010
10:39 am
“Mark – when you write an article praising the dogs, you are the greatest writer on the planet. Absolutely brilliant! But, I digress!”
“Thanks, Sabanmeyer. Amazing how that goes.”
Actually…Thats not true…I don’t care if you praise or criticise the Dawgs. I just care if you are accurate. You write an opinion. And sometimes your opinion is right and sometimes it is wrong. Just like everyone else. You tend to lump groups of people together. Such as all Dawg fans are such and such. Well thats just not true. People are all different. Mark, you say you read all the way down, so I hope you read this.
Delbert D.
July 27th, 2010
10:40 am
“Now, we have a soft easy schedule 2010 and then lose the whole entire team, after 2010.”
That is a big exaggeration, but the loss of nearly 1,000 lbs. of defensive tackles to the NFL draft this Spring must be overcome.