Richt on DC search (and other notes)
Athens — Georgia coach Mark Richt said today that he is devoting “due diligence” to the “very important” search for a new defensive coordinator –- a process that he said might not be completed until the new year.
“I think I’ll know when the time is right,” he said.
Richt would not disclose or discuss specific candidates — “I can’t do that,” he said — and he gave no indication that a resolution is imminent.
“I would say the safest bet – and I don’t want to put a timetable on it – [is that] I’d hate to think it goes much past the first week of January,” said Richt, citing recruiting factors. “Even then I’m not going to say 100 percent because I’m not 100 percent sure when it will happen.”
Asked if the hire could be made earlier –- say, before Georgia’s Dec. 28 Independence Bowl game against Texas A&M –- Richt said: “I just don’t know. . . It’s just so hard to predict.”
Georgia’s staff has had three openings since Dec. 2, when Richt fired defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, linebackers coach John Jancek and defensive ends coach Jon Fabris. Richt plans to hire a coordinator first and then get that person’s input on filling the two other positions.
Richt said today that he has not yet offered the job to anyone.
Virginia Tech’s highly respected defensive coordinator, Bud Foster, said Monday that he was approached by Georgia but took himself out of the running by accepting a lucrative new deal with the Hokies. Another candidate believed to be on Richt’s radar, Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, has said he’s “not looking to go anywhere.” Numerous others are rumored to be in the mix from both the NFL and college levels.
Richt said he is not seeking a particular philosophy in the new coordinator.
“I’m open to championship-level defense, really,” Richt said. “I’m not going to say I will not consider this scheme or that scheme or I have to have this scheme or that scheme. I won’t do that, because there are different ways to skin it. And if you are really good at skinning it the way you do it, that’s OK with me.”
—————————–
This is an unsettling time for Georgia’s defensive players, who eagerly await word on who their new coaches will be.
“Very curious,” said junior linebacker Rennie Curran, who faces a Jan. 15 deadline for deciding whether to enter the NFL draft. “For a lot of us, it’s going to mean a lot, as far as how we fit into this new scheme and what feel we get for the new coaches. It’s everything to us. . . . It’s kind of an awkward time.”
Said sophomore cornerback Brandon Boykin: “Everybody wants to know who it will be, but I know they’re going to have to take their time with the process and make sure it’s the right person. So I’m going to be patient.”
———————————
A few more things:
– With final exams completed, Georgia returned to the practice field Wednesday. The Bulldogs will practice daily in Athens through Dec. 22, then reconvene in Shreveport on Dec. 24.
– Wide receiver A.J. Green, who missed the final 2 ½ games of the regular season with a separated shoulder, said he’ll definitely play in the Independence Bowl. “I’ll be 100 percent,” he said. He dove for a ball at practice Wednesday “and didn’t feel anything,” he said. “Ron ran over there,” he added, meaning trainer Ron Courson, “and I said, ‘Yeah, I’m good.’”
– Richt confirmed coaches have talked to backup quarterback Logan Gray about a possible position switch but said no decision has been made. “Logan is the one who is going to decide what he wants to do this spring,” Richt said. “If he wants to stay strictly at quarterback and compete in that area, I’m all for it. If he wants to try another position to see if he could get more playing time, I’m fine with that.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
190 comments Add your comment
South Georgia Repub
December 16th, 2009
1:59 pm
Sure sounds like CMR has a deal with someone coaching in a BCS bowl…..
Bdawg
December 16th, 2009
1:59 pm
MR,
Don’t put words in my mouth. I said money is not an issue at UGA if Evans and Richt deem it necessary to get into a bidding war. I used the word “IF”. But this is a factual statement. Money is not an issue if they are determined to get Smart or whomever.
JB
December 16th, 2009
2:00 pm
How about the guy at Tech? He had nothing to work with and only gave up like 38.6 points a game. Wasn’t that a tad better than Martinez? I know he’d rather coach in Khaki’s vs. pajamas. LMOA….
Dorsey Hill
December 16th, 2009
2:01 pm
The one thing I’d say for sure is that CMR knows who will be the next DC at UGA. Who is it? There are only 3 possibilities here:
BVG
Smart (or Muschamp, see below)
Some NFL guy we’ve never heard of.
Why do I say this? There is absolutley no way you wait until January to enter a bidding war you may lose. You can’t be left at the alter 4 weeks before signing day. CMR knows who the guy is and that person has given a rock-solid committment to CMR.
Given the suggested timing it may be that BVG wants to wait until the Falcons are eliminated from the playoffs to make an announcement so they are waiting until the “time is right.” The Falcons play their last game on the 3rd but could be eliminated earlier.
The same could be said for any other NFL assistant who wants to finsh a playoff run before saying he is leaving. There could also be some sticky contractual obligations that a NFL guy might have about finnshing the season so it could be an NFL guy who isn’t coaching a playoff team.
As for Smart, I could see Saban saying: “If you announce you are going to Georgia you aren’t going to Pasedena.” The troubling thing is that the game is the 7th so we are into the SECOND week rather than the first before an announcement could be made, but I may just be parsing words too closely.
As far as the idea that it could be someone other college DC that is in a January Bowl, I can’t imagine that any bowl short of the MNC game would make a DC hesitate to go public and what other DC’s besides Smart ia a potential candidate AND is playing in a BIG bowl game in January????? There’s Smart and Muschamp and that’s it and Will is the longest of longshots unless Mack’s contract extension has given him some pause.
Reading the tea leaves its BVG, Smart (or Muschamp) or some NFL guy we haven’t considered yet.
Big Dawg Fan
December 16th, 2009
2:01 pm
My sources tell me half the people who blog here are full of dawg shiit
Bdawg
December 16th, 2009
2:01 pm
Yes Hawaii I am serious. Get your head out of your grass skirt.
JB
December 16th, 2009
2:02 pm
I wonder who Florida is after ?
JB
December 16th, 2009
2:09 pm
I don’t think it will be BVG, Smart nor Will M. I think Mike Smith likes BVG and Brain needs to revive his rep for jumping every time the phone rings. Smart is in a good spot with Saban. His Stock goes up every hour, day,week, month, year he spends on Saban’s staff. Mama’s calling to come home stuff is overrarted, unless it’s for the Head job. Muschamp , even if interested, is a one, two at beat fix. I say no on that. It will a surprise, and it will be an upgrade.
Stupid mofo
December 16th, 2009
2:09 pm
Kirby Puckett will be bringing his world famous Creepy Pockets Defense to Athens. Bet the house on it!
JB
December 16th, 2009
2:10 pm
“two at best’ is what I meant to type.
Calhoundawg
December 16th, 2009
2:13 pm
So, what we know based on Richt’s comments is that it won’t be a woman …
Tailgate
December 16th, 2009
2:19 pm
Sounds like someone if waiting till after their bowl game to make an announcement. CMR – “. . . I’d hate to think that it goes much past the first week of January.
Mike Adams
December 16th, 2009
2:21 pm
The AJC itself just reported that Robert Gates is the Head of the Defense at UGA. That’s awesome! He’s a great leader and comes with a lot of high praise from other defense-minded people. Couldn’t find a better DC! Sorry Kirby, maybe you can call Obama and fill in for Gates, but you’d have to take a pay cut.
Bdawg
December 16th, 2009
2:35 pm
From U.S. Secretary of Defense to Defensive Coordinator at UGA. Not to down my favorite University, but isn’t that a demotion?
dap01
December 16th, 2009
2:36 pm
Hey, if it is like Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize, maybe our new coach can go ahead an be nominated for Assistant Coach of the Year before he starts!
David Crisp
December 16th, 2009
2:36 pm
dx107, I am with you . Reading between the lines, his statement seems to hint that either a deal is being or has been worked out with someone. I am still hoping for Smart first then either Ellis Johnson or Tyronne Nix.
Zeus
December 16th, 2009
2:37 pm
TO: Dorsey Hill
Generally when one speaks w/ such conviction they should probably have a slight chance at being correct. None of your 3 possibilities are going to happen, and I have no choice but to assume you are a moron based on your support for your asinine statements. I vote you as todays embodiment of everything that is wrong w/ UGA fans. Congrats
ChuyDawg
December 16th, 2009
2:38 pm
What is wrong with idiots posting political comments on SPORTS blogs. I don’t care if you’re pro-Obama or against Obama. Don’t want to hear it. Go to POLITICAL blogs to do that.
ugaman
December 16th, 2009
2:39 pm
i would love to see kirby but as long as the new guy gets the job done that’s all that matters. how come techies always seem to blog uga stories. maybe that’s cuz they are lucky to get a mention.
GW
December 16th, 2009
2:42 pm
Does Saban really think that Smart is so vital to him that Bama will open the vault to keep him? We have to remember that anyone will be an improvement so quit speculating and let Richt handle it when he is ready.
Larry Flint
December 16th, 2009
2:42 pm
I have nude pics of some DC canidates and if they don’t take the GA DC job I will expose them.
NewnanDawg
December 16th, 2009
2:44 pm
Zeus – You are the embodiment of all that is wrong with jealous nerds on this blog. I’m not going to get into the names on Dorsey’s list, because I’m not sure who the DC will be, but he is absolutely correct that CMR already has someone locked up and that there are circumstances dictating the timing of the announcement.
Go Dawgs!
NewnanDawg
December 16th, 2009
2:45 pm
Oh and Zeus, the word is assinine, like the rest of your post.
HOW IS THE NEW SEARH FOR A HEAD COACH GOING?
December 16th, 2009
2:47 pm
CHANGING THE FCCKING NAPKIN DOESNT CHANGE THE FCCKING TASTE OF THE DRINK AZZHOLE!
Kirby Smart
December 16th, 2009
2:48 pm
Guys, I’m really flattered that you believe in Me. It makes me feel Great to know so many of you like my coaching style, but I have it made where I’m at because I’m just a ‘front’ man for Saban. I could leave and come to Athens, but I may get dragged out of Athens within 3-years just like I used to get dragged down the field Between the Hedges. Really, trust me. (although the interest you’ve generated will probably get me a raise). Sincerely, Kirby
HOW IS THE NEW SEARH FOR A HEAD COACH GOING?
December 16th, 2009
2:50 pm
HOW IS THE NEW SEARH FOR A HEAD COACH GOING?
December 16th, 2009
2:47 pm
CHANGING THE FCCKING NAPKIN DOESNT CHANGE THE FCCKING TASTE OF THE DRINK AZZHOLE!
FIRE MARK SORRY AZZ UNDERACHIEVING, STUPID RICHT!~!
js
December 16th, 2009
2:50 pm
The Dawgs losing out to VT and Illinois. Get used to it Dawg Nation. Ha Ha!
Bdawg
December 16th, 2009
2:51 pm
Zeus…hmmm isn’t that the name of a Greek god? Aren’t gods supposed to be all knowing? Funny how you don’t seem to know anything. While I agree that Muschamp is probably most definetly a ‘No’ and VanGorder has already said he is not a candidate, that doesn’t mean that Smart or another NFL assistant aren’t legit options. Good post Dorsey.
Zeus
December 16th, 2009
2:54 pm
Newnan Dawg:
I’m assuming you think I’m a tech fan b/c of my reference to Reggie Ball. In fact I am a UGA fan who just likes to remind everyone of how awful that jerk was. If you agree w/ Dorsey, you have shown yourself to be a moron too.
You’ve furthered your appearance as a moron by correcting my spelling on a word I spelled correctly. Nice work Shakespeare!
KD
December 16th, 2009
2:54 pm
Bring in Kirby or Will, and offer them the Coach in Waiting status.On top of giving them the key to the college campus.
RT
December 16th, 2009
2:54 pm
Due to our leadership at UGA (Michael Adams and Damon Evans) it’s going to be Rodney Garner.
Bohgey
December 16th, 2009
2:54 pm
Moon?
Bill Goldberg comment is hilarious.
I like the idea of CMR going outside of his comfort zone to hire. That being anyone from Miami or FSU. Not that those teams are awful, quite the opposite actually, but we need a little diversification.
That doesn’t mean buy mutual funds either. Sink the money in a pretty good defensive coordinator and surround him with good assistants.
Tim
December 16th, 2009
2:54 pm
Dont have a dog in this fight but I really hope UGA gets Kirby Smart. It will be about the dumbest moves that Richt could make. Smart is a good coach but needs seasoning as a defensive coord. I’m sure Bama would like to keep the guy but I don’t think they are worried that they will all of a sudden drop.
Nashville Dawg
December 16th, 2009
2:55 pm
Rodney Garner has expressed interest, why not give him a shot?!?!!
He has been in the SEC for a long times and I’m sure he’s pretty smart of making an adjustment. All assist. coaches doesn’t have long term contract anyway, so why isn’t Richt not trusting Garner? If diamonds are found in the rough, well Garner is right there next to Richt’s eyes. If others SEC schools down the road gives Garner a shot, he’ll jump and Richt will be a blind man.
FIRE HEAD COACH MARK RICHT
December 16th, 2009
2:55 pm
YOU DONT UPGRADE THE SHOE BY CHANGING THE SHOE STRING!!
AZZHOLE NUTT HUGGERS!
Dawg Whisperer
December 16th, 2009
2:58 pm
It doesn’t matter who we get for DC. Just add a few cream puff 2-A schools like Bammy and the Gatorades did this year, and Mark Richt will look like a genius coach again.
MARK RICHT
December 16th, 2009
2:59 pm
OK, SHOUT OUT TO MY NUT KISSERS! (LIKE Nashville Dawg ), GOOD JOB! THAT FEELS GOOD. IM COMING….TO A BOWL NEAR YOU!
TANGERINE BOWL Y’ALL!
WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR. DO YOU REMEMBER THE BLUEBONNET BOWL?
The Swamp Fox
December 16th, 2009
3:01 pm
Hire Marion Campbell back!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bohgey
December 16th, 2009
3:01 pm
Can someone get the ambulance? I think “HOW IS THE NEW SEARH FOR A HEAD COACH GOING” is having a seizure. “SEARH” is just my interpretation of the word search. Other than that, it looks like the orangutan from Any Which Way But Loose wrote that post.
I thought the Reggie Ball post was funny Newnan.
MARK RICHT
December 16th, 2009
3:03 pm
Dawg Whisperer you’re right, doesn’t matter who we get for DC OC or water boy. This is my team, and im on a mission to prove that top 5 talent nationally can be turned into “also ran” material over night!
I need new members to hug my nuts for me! Ill use this blog page as a sign up sheet to recruit top 5 nut kisser!
NewnanDawg
December 16th, 2009
3:05 pm
Zeus – I had a spelling blunder, but when it comes to the subject of football, and whether CMR has a DC already, you, my friend, are the moron. Like I said, Dorsey may or may not be off on his candidates, but he is absolutely correct that CMR is no longer looking – it is a done deal. So, just like a spelling error, a partially incorrect post does not make a moron; being a jerk to people because of it and acting like you know something when you don’t does.
Go Dawgs!
“HOW IS THE NEW SEARCH FOR A HEAD COACH GOING”
December 16th, 2009
3:05 pm
THANKS FOR THE CORRECTION….BY THE WAY ARE YOU A MARK RICHT NUT KISSER BOGUS?
RT
December 16th, 2009
3:06 pm
We need a proven DC not Rodney (get the fastest, jump highest but makes the most mistakes recruits) Garner.
BLUEBONNET BOWL COMMITTEE
December 16th, 2009
3:06 pm
WE’D BE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU DAWGS WITH A TIE IN GAME!
NewnanDawg
December 16th, 2009
3:07 pm
Bohgey – I was bugging Zeus about the post to Dorsey, not the Reggie Ball one – that one was funny……..
reservoirDAWG
December 16th, 2009
3:08 pm
Search, do you like to fondle Paul Johnson’s man boobs?
MARK RICHT
December 16th, 2009
3:08 pm
YOU NEED TO KISS RODNEY’S NUTTS TOO! HES GOT ME GOOD TALENT OVER THE YEARS I JUST FCCKED THEM UP!
NewnanDawg
December 16th, 2009
3:08 pm
How is the search….. – Dude, calm down, Merry Christmas to you, too!
dawgfacedboy
December 16th, 2009
3:09 pm
Dudes, Smart and Muschamp are 2-3 years tops from getting HC jobs (I thin Mack Brown just got an extension so Muschamp would have to leave to fit into that 2-3 year timeline). Point is I don’t want one of these guys coming in for 2-3 years and then leaving and us being in the same boat again before the 2010 recruting class even graduates. We need stability too.
MARK RICHT
December 16th, 2009
3:10 pm
STOKE MY….