Is Richt still under heavy pressure? ESPN’s Haney says yes
"You know, I was on the Hot Seat once myself, Mark." (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Mark Richt won the SEC East last season for the first time since 2005, did he not? Reversed a downward trend, did he not? Removed himself from the Hot Seat, did he not?
Yes and yes to the first two questions. To the third, Travis Haney of ESPN says, “Not so fast.”
Haney places Richt atop his list of coaches under most pressure to win. Others included: Mack Brown of Texas, Brian Kelly of Notre Dame, Bo Pelini of Nebraska and Bob Stoops of Oklahoma. (To be totally accurate, Haney doesn’t dub this his official Hot Seat list; it is, rather, “the precursor to the hot-seat list.”)
From Mr. Haney:
Richt is safe today, but with the expectations again high, that could quickly change. Such is life in the SEC, where the distance from the title game to the hot seat is seemingly never all that far. And the disciplinary issues only complicate that, because fans generally don’t want their school making headlines for the wrong reasons — much less repeatedly — and because it depletes the talent pool.
If Georgia sinks back toward .500 with this roster, despite its personnel setbacks, Richt could again find himself in an uncomfortable position. Or looking for a job.
Not saying it’s going to happen, but … it’s not unprecedented for a coach who took his team to the SEC championship game one season to be gone the next. Terry Bowden resigned at Auburn midway through the 1998 season after winning the SEC West in 1997, and Philip Fulmer was pushed aside by Tennessee in 2008 after his team played for the conference title in 2007. But Fulmer had been under duress for years, and Bowden fell out with the toxic booster Bobby Lowder.
Richt, on the other hand, remains well liked by those in power and the majority of his constituents. Does Bulldog Nation wish he’d hurry up and win a national title? Do Georgia fans agonize over every single loss? Absolutely. But the biggest issue folks had with Richt was that, since 2007, Georgia football had been on the clear descent.
From the disappointing 10-3 of 2008 to the uh-oh 8-5 in 2009 to the regrettable 6-7 of 2010 — that trend had to be reversed. It was. And the bounce-back season of 2011 followed by what should be another strong year would indicate that the Bulldogs are well and truly on the upward trail.
A year ago, Richt was coming off a losing season, his first at Georgia, and then his team started 0-2. Had the season unraveled further, he’d have been fired. It didn’t and he wasn’t. He’s got a contract extension in his pocket, and his team is sure to be ranked in the preseason top 10. Is he on the Hot Seat as we speak? Not even close. But here’s the trouble with an on-the-Hot-Seat characterization: Once the label has been affixed, it’s tough to tear off.
I think Georgia is going to be very good this season, so good it could render all questions about its coach moot. But Haney makes a salient point: “The Bulldogs have dodged the [SEC} Western Division powers in 2011 and 2012. If you're not going to [contend for a national championship] when you’re avoiding them, when are you going to do it?”
By Mark Bradley
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351 comments Add your comment
Savannah dawg fan
July 11th, 2012
6:20 pm
During Mark’s tenure at Georgia, these SEC schools (Alabama, LSU, Florida) have won more than one national championship . If he fails to win this football season, his futitility in winning a national championship continues for another year.
59bulldawg
July 11th, 2012
6:25 pm
For those who aren’t crazy about our offense, I’m curious. Wasn’t Dooley at Georgia about a decade when he switched to the Veer? I don’t know for sure if it’s our playbook or our playcaller, but I really would like a different offense … or at least some new and innovative plays and/or playcalling this year. Yes I know a good case can be made for keeping what we already have but I guess I’d just like to see some different things. I want Richt to succeed but man oh man is he slow to make changes. At least Dooley was willing to try new things. I know the so called experts are picking us to do well and I’m always optimistic. But I really don’t know what to expect this season. The Carolina game in Columbia has the potential to be a classic since it is later in the season and I know alot of us alums want want to beat them in the worst way. I’d say that game and the Florida and Auburn games are must wins for Richt if he is to keep another Bulldawg Nation uprising from starting again this season.
LadySportsJournalist
July 11th, 2012
6:27 pm
Why is UGA ranked as a top 25 team?
UGA hasn’t beaten team that finished in the top 25 since 2009.
Don’t you have to beat teams that finish top 25, to be considered a top 25 team?
Good heavens, this team hasn’t even beated a 9 win team since 2009.
This is a top 50 team, sorry, just is.
Nick
July 11th, 2012
6:28 pm
Yeah, he is. This team has been a joke. Beat somebody.
LakeDawg
July 11th, 2012
6:37 pm
Richt has raised his butt off the hotseat a little bit with last year’s season, but its still hovering over the seat. I don’t think he will be fired if UGA has a disappointing season; however, it will set him up to be fired after the next season.And rightfully so.
Big Whoops Dawg Fan
July 11th, 2012
6:39 pm
I’m simply positive that UGA wouldn’t fire a coach just because his team didn’t win enough games. I mean, what kind of university do you think we are? It’s not whether you win or lose—it’s how you play the game. I would say more, but my asylum has a curfew and I must report in.
KAT91
July 11th, 2012
6:40 pm
Patrick Garbin wrote about how we’ve only had an offensive line this inexperienced, 11 times in the past. 9 out of 11 times, we won less games the next season as a result.
9 out of 11= 82% chance we go from 10 wins, DOWN to 9 or LESS.
Our oline is so inexperience they rank in the bottom 12 in the NCAA.
So, yes Mr Bradley, unfortunately, the tea leaves say 8 or 9 wins.
Look for losses to Floida, South Carolina, and possibly Auburn, Tech or Tennessee.
Plus, of course, Richt’s 0-2 in his last 2 Bowl games, so add another loss there.
I’d say, 8-5.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 11th, 2012
6:44 pm
I think Georgia is going to be very good this season, so good it could render all questions about its coach moot
LOL
Yea and when we play good teams on the schedule again what then?
takedowndawg
July 11th, 2012
6:53 pm
With the diminished schedule we are playing this year, we UGA alumni should have great expectations for Mark Richt, his coaching staff and players. There is not lack of experience in any of the three areas I have mentioned. Anything less than a total two loss season(including a bowl game) should be view as a failure for all three, particularly, Coach Richt. I sent my son(age 16) to the Mark Richt football camp in June and was very disappointed with the lack of professionalism of the camp, particularly, by OL Coach, Friend. The coaches did not even introduce themselves to the attendees, for starters, and it went downhill from there. No wonder we are having trouble attracting top CHARACTER type athletes to UGA. When will this change? Won’t be seeing any Stinchcomb family types in the near future. Theus, may be the exception.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 11th, 2012
6:59 pm
takedowndawg
You are a paying customer; they dont care about you; They want thug players who dont have to pay and could care less about UGA football show up to their camp
WalMart Special
July 11th, 2012
6:59 pm
Lots of grate UGA items at the WalMart….. Their the only team in Geojia evedentally.
Go Dwags!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 11th, 2012
7:06 pm
WalMart Special
Do they sell the book entitled “How to win big games”
I havent seen UGA win a big game since 2005
I figure this book might get us on track to winning in Athens again
TXDawg3
July 11th, 2012
7:11 pm
Isn’t “Goldenrod” an irritating weed that causes allergic reactions to human beings?
evil empire
July 11th, 2012
7:13 pm
great to see Flat Tire back on the blogs…i see where the great SI writer Mr. Mandel has re-issued his college football pecking order after a 5 year hiatus..programs with Kings status from SEC: Lsu, Bama, Florida…programs with Baron status: Tenn, Auburn. TAMU, uga…you boys are right there with Clemson and UCLA…congrats on the admission into the pool of kinda good/sometimes/when the schedule is easy and everyone else is struggling…enjoy your swim ladies…
evil empire
July 11th, 2012
7:15 pm
remember dawg fans, your defensive numbers were built on the backs of coastal carolina and nmstate…your defense didn’t save you when it mattered…
jake from state farm
July 11th, 2012
7:17 pm
Athens, GA = Delusionburg.
59bulldawg
July 11th, 2012
7:18 pm
Ted Striker, I understand what you’re saying and you are right. There are tons more important things than winning football games. And I especially understand what you’re saying about cancer. I despise that disease in the worst way. Wins aren’t the most important thing in life. However the pursuit of excellence is no small thing and one of the ways excellence is measured in football is wins and losses. I think Richt attempts to build character in his players but he sometimes puts the team in jeopardy by recruiting players with more athletic skill than interest in being molded. I can’t really blame him for that because everybody deserves a chance. Unfortunately some players just don’t understand this and in the end let themselves, Coach Richt and the team down. Even though Richt has been burned more than he’s been rewarded with these type of players, it’s still an indication of excellence. Graduation rate is an indication of excellence. Our drug policy, as harsh as it is, is an indication of excellence. I believe Richt runs a clean program and that is a sign of excellence. Each of these pillars are indicators of excellence and for me they are all important. I want to win with integrity because if we are successful only on the field, the winning will not be as sweet. We can go undefeated on the field and not do our part in these other areas and still be unsuccessful. Likewise, we can do things well in these other areas and not play up to our ability on the field. Football is only a game but like everything else in life, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Acceptance of anything less I believe is simply contentment with mediocrity. I want to win badly but not at any cost. I want to win because my school is worthy of excellence. I have seen it before and I hope to see everytime they play a game. There’s no shame in wanting to win and wanting to do it the right way. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. I like Richt and want him to be successful. But he’s got win and win consistently.
Josh
July 11th, 2012
7:21 pm
Until he wins the National Championship he will be under pressure. Just the way it is.
SSIgator
July 11th, 2012
7:21 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville -
Never fear. Word has it that Mark “I can win games – just not the big games” Richt has finally completed his intensive, two-year “Cutting Edge Football” course. Just in time for football season. No word though on what his grades were upon completion of the course. However, as I understand it, one semester dealt with praying for a favorable football schedule and we all know what a devoted Christian he is. It seems to have worked based on last years schedule and the one coming up this year.
guy
July 11th, 2012
7:24 pm
I’m afraid that above average is the norm at UGA. There’s always an excuse every year.Maybe this year the stars will fall into place.I’d like to see what Nick Saban would do with this team as head coach.???????? CMR is still a classy man and I wish him the best!!!!!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 11th, 2012
7:28 pm
evil
Ive been busy; Ive posted just a few times on here since Febuary not much worth reading on here since then
but just a few more weeks and kool-aid crowd will be on here hoisting another Pre-season national title trophy again
I think we have 32 of those; frankly I want the one at the end of the year
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 11th, 2012
7:29 pm
but I will be sastified if we beat FL, Tech, and a Top 10 team for a change
Miz Zou
July 11th, 2012
7:38 pm
Missouri 37, Georgia 13
A glorious day in Columbia!
Truthiness
July 11th, 2012
7:39 pm
I’m a long ago UGA grad and a long time UGA fan. I’ve come to accept that CMR is a decent man and a competent coach, but he’s not going to take us to the top of the mountain, or even near the summit consistently. Our top players will move to the NFL. We’ll continue to recruit our share of talent. But CMR has not shown that he is able to create an elite program. So, settle down and be a fan. Pull for the Dawgs, have a good time on Saturdays, and don’t push to fire CMR unless you can guarantee that his replacement will do a whole lot better. And that’s a whole lot unlikely.
All Saints
July 11th, 2012
7:42 pm
In tribute to our beloved martyred Saint Jan Kemp, let’s all bow our heads for a few moments of silent prayer. Thirty years ago, this courageous young lady risked everything to expose the corruption and academic fraud instigated by Vince Dooley, sleazy practices that continue to this day under Mark Richt.
And now, let us all pray for Saint Jan…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thank you, you can now resume your normal activities.
gotta go
July 11th, 2012
7:50 pm
I am a huge UGA supporter and also a realist. Richt will NEVER lead us to a national championship. There is not enough depth on this year’s team to get us through the season folks. He is a fine man. He can not manage a roster. How many years of patchwork lines with no experience ?do we have to endure? We have roughly 70 scholarship players BEFORE the injuries and additional suspensions hit. It just won’t work. If we want to be more than a team hoping to win the division, it is going to have to be with a different coach.
CaliDawg
July 11th, 2012
7:54 pm
The beauty of 2012 is that Tech “fans” get to have UGA in your head one extra day this year – 24/7/366!
gt4ever
July 11th, 2012
7:55 pm
LOL All saints…. UGA’s Vince Dooley is the worst excuse for a football coach, and the most corrupt in the business…. Priceless….
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 11th, 2012
7:56 pm
Miz zoo
Get excited cause by the 3rd qtr you will wish Miz zoo was back in that no defense Play station offense league the Big 12
Nodawg
July 11th, 2012
7:57 pm
The dawgs have the easiest schedule in the history of the SEC. If Richt doesn’t at least make it to the conference championship game he could get fired. I guess South Carolina will have a lot to do with that.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 11th, 2012
8:04 pm
gt4ever
LOL
I cant wait for the beat down coming to Tech this year
We get a tune up practice game with that lousy option offense Georgia Southern; once tuned up Tech will be wishing they didnt even show up
Danny Boy
July 11th, 2012
8:07 pm
Tech the surprise team from Georgia this season, not the heralded BooDawgs. Crowell is a perfect example of the type of thugs Richt is recruiting…there all gangsta in Athens.
crossdawg
July 11th, 2012
8:10 pm
Yall need to get off CMR. He needs to be able to concentrate on bringing some more thugs.
Danny Boy
July 11th, 2012
8:10 pm
Dawgs need to watch out for the Blue Hose from Presbyterian too…..this could be fifth loss along with Mizzou, Auburn, Florida and Tech loses.
crossdawg
July 11th, 2012
8:14 pm
gt4ever sho don’t work for NASA
crossdawg
July 11th, 2012
8:16 pm
all saints don’t work for NASA either
Dawg Bite
July 11th, 2012
8:32 pm
CMR is a fine person whose personal life is much to be admired, if you believe in Christian principles. That being said, is he a good football coach? I am not qualified to answer that question, but with the supposedly great talent that he has had, has he under achieved? Maybe, just maybe, the expectations of the UGA fans is a cause of the problem as UGA, in my opinion has never been looked at as an elite program. Without those three great years with HW, has UGA really been considered one of the top programs, year after year? I am a UGA grad from way back, and while I love the Dogs, I have always been realistic in the fact that I do not expect UGA to be in the championship hunt every years. I want us to be competitive and hope to maybe win the SEC every so often, but year after year, not on my radar with the quality of teams in our conference.
RHall55
July 11th, 2012
8:33 pm
CMR’s worst enemy is himself….hangs on to non-productive friends too long….VanHalenger (worst S&C Coach at one time in the SEC / now the worst Director of Player Welfare)….Garner (worst RC in the SEC / he doesn’t recruit; the other Coaches do)……Bobo (worst OC in the SEC during crunch times / calls plays not to lose)….former DC, Martinez (worst DC in the SEC / almost cost CMR his job)…..and now, Friend (worst recruiting OL Coach in the SEC / depth? depth? depth?)…..mark my word, this is the demise of CMR….hope they prove me wrong this year!! If not, a losing season sometime in the next (4) years due to roster management also!!
Reality
July 11th, 2012
8:34 pm
UGA is a good program. Because of the rise in caliber of teams like AL, LSU, Ark, SC and FL in recent years, UGA will never be a NC contender.
A-Ville Ranger
July 11th, 2012
8:39 pm
Last season was more of a stay of execution than losing a label. We still have to prove we can beat good teams and consistently contend with the best SEC teams. If you just isolate the 4 games against the better teams last season takes on a very different look than just saying we won the magic 10 games.
Beast from the East
July 11th, 2012
8:43 pm
I suspect a similar result to last year. They will win about 9-10 regular season games and get clobbered in the SECCG if they make it there. With the untested offensive line, loss of IC and a new kicker, I just can’t see UGA being any better than last year. The defense should be really good, but if they continue to give up the short field due to turnovers then they will continue to lose the big games.
Beast from the East
July 11th, 2012
8:48 pm
@Tony Barhart,
This Gator appreciates all the posts you made about the turmoil Muschamp inherited at UF. Now folks may understand just how much work he’s been faced with after taking over the winningest program the past 20 years. I don’t think even us Gators realized how bad it had gotten…I know I didn’t. That said, I firmly believe Muschamp is doing it the right way and building a PROGRAM…not just an elite team like Urban did.
Beast from the East
July 11th, 2012
8:50 pm
To answer Mark’s question…yes, indeed, Richt is under heavy pressure to win. Name me one coach in the SEC that isn’t? You’re only as good as your last season in this league.
SEC Fact Finder
July 11th, 2012
9:21 pm
While traveling today, I listened to a sports call in show about this very subject. The host had a guest on the air who made a statement that had me scratching my head. Then I had to step back and think about it, and it made sense.
He said:(paraphrasing) That Coach Richt was in the same cloth as Vince Dooley and that UGA fans were happy with winning 8 or more games a year and competing for a conference title every few years. He went on and on about how Coach Dooley was never a great coach, but kept UGA in close games, recruited good players and managed to win when he needed to win just as Coach Richt is doing now.
tenn.DAWG
July 11th, 2012
10:12 pm
No doubt CMR is on the Hot Seat,always will be.Welcome to big time college football.
Pitbull
July 11th, 2012
11:36 pm
Gee, I wonder why nobody gets hot and bothered about Tech football like this?
DawgHawk
July 11th, 2012
11:59 pm
Norm Parker called. He’s not impressed with the triple-option offense.
DawgHawk
July 12th, 2012
12:00 am
On the bright side for Tech, at least that game was never played…
Stewart Mandel: ‘Program pecking order’ returns after five-year hiatus; more … – SI.com | Better Bettors
July 12th, 2012
12:06 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
MARK RICHT CANNOT BEAT THE TOP TEAMS
July 12th, 2012
12:22 am
__________________________________
Mark Richt all 11 years vs made AP Top 10 :
__________________________________
10-42 in 2011…# 02 AP Poll…LOSS…LSU
42-45 in 2011…# 09 AP Poll…LOSS…USCe
21-35 in 2011…# 08 AP Poll…LOSS…Boise State
31-49 in 2010…# 01 AP Poll…LOSS…Auburn
17-41 in 2009…# 03 AP Poll…LOSS…Florida
10-49 in 2008…# 01 AP Poll…LOSS…Florida
30-41 in 2008…# 06 AP Poll…LOSS…Alabama
37-15 in 2006…# 09 AP Poll…WIN…..Auburn
14-21 in 2006…# 01 AP Poll…LOSS…Florida
35-38 in 2005…# 05 AP Poll…LOSS…West Virginia
31-14 in 2005…# 06 AP Poll…WIN…..LSU
06-24 in 2004…# 02 AP Poll…LOSS…Auburn
10-17 in 2003…# 02 AP Poll…LOSS…LSU
13-34 in 2003…# 02 AP Poll…LOSS…LSU
10-24 in 2001…# 03 AP Poll…LOSS…Florida
26-24 in 2001…# 04 AP Poll…WIN…..Tennessee
3 wins 13 losses 11 Years vs made AP Top 10.
.1875 win percentage all 11 years Mark Richt vs made AP Poll Top 10
____________________________
WON / LOST RECORD after 2005 :
____________________________
1. .8000 at 64-16 LSU*
2. .7777 at 63-18 Florida*
3. .7246 at 50-19 Alabama*
4. .7051 at 55-23 Auburn*
5. .7000 at 56-24 Missouri*
6. .6835 at 54-25 Georgia* # 6 of just 2012 SEC
______________________