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.”
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190 comments Add your comment
robodawg
December 16th, 2009
3:10 pm
Any specifics come up about how the firings went down? I haven’t seen anything other than the initial announcement (3 coaches fired) and the subsequent news that they declined to coach the bowl game.
toga
December 16th, 2009
3:10 pm
Tuberville will be the new DC, it will be announced early next week.
“HOW IS THE NEW SEARCH FOR A HEAD COACH GOING”
December 16th, 2009
3:11 pm
CHANGING THE FCCKING NAPKIN DOESNT CHANGE THE FCCKING TASTE OF THE DRINK AZZHOLES!!!!!
Really?
December 16th, 2009
3:12 pm
Todd – It is apparent you have not paid attention to UGA football this year or any of the recruiting classes over the past 2 years. There is plenty of young talent on our Defense. Might want to do some research before posting on here.
Zeus
December 16th, 2009
3:14 pm
Being a jerk to people makes you a moron? Never knew that, thanks Newnan Dawg.
I have no idea what Richt is up to, of course neither do you nor does anyone else on this blog. If you want to keep having wet dreams about who our DC will be, go for it. I’ll just sit here and make fun of you while you do. And then I’ll tell you I told you so when we hire some ‘no name’ DC like Manny Diaz who started his career at FSU when Richt was there and is now at Middle Tennessee.
tomta20
December 16th, 2009
3:15 pm
I think Smart will come to UGA…several reasons…some already mentioned…home, family…but one that has not been mentioned is maybe he views this as an opportunity to increase his stock…if he can come into UGA and rebuild this defense, then his stock soars….sure he is doing great at bama with great recruits that saban is bringing in with saban’s scheme, and saban’s philosophy, but what if does just as great at UGA???…maybe he is not ready to be a HC…doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to…just not ready…if family is that important to him, he may not want that level of committment or responsibility yet(b/c if he becomes a HC and flops, then it is one step forward, two steps back)…but if he comes to UGA…builds a successful defense…helps UGA become a NC contender for say…the next 5-6 years…then he has opened up a whole new world of possibilities…and maybe then he feels more prepared for a HC job…just my thoughts…but on the other hand, maybe none of us have a clue what we are talking about…but sure is fun waiting on “Christmas in January”!
PEACE!
MARK RICHT'S MOTHER
December 16th, 2009
3:16 pm
I KNOW MY SON IS STUPID SO PLEASE FIRE HIM.
MARK RICHT'S MOTHER
December 16th, 2009
3:17 pm
FIRE MARK RICHT. FIRE MARK RICHT FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT. FIRE MARK RICHT FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT. FIRE MARK RICHT FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT. FIRE MARK RICHT FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT. FIRE MARK RICHT FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT. FIRE MARK RICHT FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT. FIRE MARK RICHT FIRE MARK RICHTFIRE MARK RICHT. FIRE MARK RICHT FIRE MARK RICHT
MARK RICHT'S MOTHER
December 16th, 2009
3:19 pm
http://www.FireMarkRicht.net
Raise The Bar
MARK RICHT'S MOTHER
December 16th, 2009
3:22 pm
Under Fire, UGA Coach Mark Richt Seems To Be Wearing a “Kick Me …
MARK RICHT'S MOTHER
December 16th, 2009
3:23 pm
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.dawgrant.com/rant/messagetopic
Serious question
December 16th, 2009
3:24 pm
How soon can we fire Mark Richt so we can start the rebuilding process?
Serious question
December 16th, 2009
3:25 pm
STRONG FOR HEAD COACH
Serious question
December 16th, 2009
3:26 pm
http://www.chacha.com/question/will-uga-fire-mark-richt
Really?
December 16th, 2009
3:27 pm
MARK RICHT’S MOTHER – I remember when I was 12 years old
Really?
December 16th, 2009
3:30 pm
Serious question – sorry buddy but you and MARK RICHT’S MOTHER(which are obviously the same person are about the only ones that want Richt fired. You are defiantly in the minority. It is obvious that you have no idea about football if you want CMR to be fired.
NewnanDawg
December 16th, 2009
3:31 pm
Zeus – in case you hadn’t noticed, I have not mentioned a single name for the new DC. I just keep saying that it is already done, whoever it is, and also said that Dorsey may have been right or wrong on the names, who knows…. Let me clarify my other comment – People who think that the appropriate way to disagree with someone else’s point a view is to immediately label them a moron, especially when that person didn’t post anything rude or obnoxious like so many on here, just his opinion (in Dorsey’s case), are usually pots labeling kettles. I’m certainly willing to admit I may be wrong. Your Reggie post was funny and has nothing to do with it. But just because I disagree with the names on Dorsey’s list, I don’t think he is a moron, and I also don’t think you are in a position to judge it since you seem to know nothing about the subject.
Go Dawgs!
Brad
December 16th, 2009
3:32 pm
I like how our rivals on here keep saying it’s not Kirby Smart. What they mean to say is they “hope” it’s not Kirby Smart
'bama1
December 16th, 2009
3:42 pm
Why would Kirby Smart want to go to Georgi? He’s about to get a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RING at Alabama. Thats something that he’ll never get at Georgia! He’s not stupid and Georgia’s pockets are nut deep enough! Ya’ll can forget about Kirby, cause nobody wants to be on a losing team. Put youself in his position.
Marseilles Mutt
December 16th, 2009
3:43 pm
If you take Richt’s statement at face value, and insert a common time line, he is saying, “I have my man and he (a) is currently coaching a team in a college bowl game”, or (b) “does not want to commit until the NFL season is over.”
The NFL prospect would have to come from a team NOT involved in the playoffs to be ‘available’ after the first week in January, I believe. Personally, I hope it is an experienced NFL guy with a southern collegiate background.
Dawgs Run This State...
December 16th, 2009
3:45 pm
CMR has a BCS DC lined up. We know it is not our little sister’s in ATL. Iowa’s? Alabama’s? TCU’s? We’ll find out after Alabama and Texas play.
Zeus
December 16th, 2009
3:48 pm
Newnan,
Unless you are best friends or family w/ Dorsey, you are getting way too bent out of shape about this. I thought his post was absolutely stupid so I called a spade a spade and said so. I’m so sick of hearing/reading people’s blind certainty that we are getting some big name candidate and that its already secretly decided. I’m not sure why you are so convinced that I know so little about the subject based on my posts, but if that makes you feel better, so be it. Believe me; I’d love it if Smart or Muschamp came here. I’d also love it if I could pull tail like Tiger Woods. Unfortunately, neither is going to happen.
AceDawg
December 16th, 2009
3:55 pm
Todd – Yeah right – UGA as an SEC power is VERY attractive to coaches around the country. It doesn’t mean a lot of them aren’t happy where they are, etc, but the recruiting at UGA and the facilities crush most schools. Most d coordinators around the country would love the chance, but first UGA doesn’t want just any coach and second some coaches are still normal human beings that weight factors such as family before tehy move. In any case, the UGA defense is certainly not a rebuilding situation – just a repair. Great coaches can work magic quickly, especially with 4 and 5 star athletes.
NewnanDawg
December 16th, 2009
3:59 pm
Zeus – don’t know Dorsey from Adam; just thought your comments would be better directed at “MARK RICHT’S MOTHER,” “Serious Question,” “HOW’S THE SEARCH….,” or someone like that. Now those are definately morons! I agree that I’m tired of hearing pie in the sky names when no one knows, but it is a done deal with someone. Anyway, your last post was funny – Merry Christmas!
Go Dawgs!
Kirby's Man
December 16th, 2009
4:02 pm
Kirby Smart will take the uGA job, but it will take serious money–at least $1.5 mil per year plus a coach in waiting tag.
Zeus
December 16th, 2009
4:07 pm
Merry Christmas Newnan. I like you.
Paul Johnson's Mammographer
December 16th, 2009
4:22 pm
Just remember all you Tech GEEKS…..30-24!!!!! UGA RUNS THIS STATE!! Don’t forget it!! You guys are a joke!
dawg85
December 16th, 2009
4:22 pm
There are plenty of good DC’s around. I like Kirby but not to see him come in and bolt in a couple of years for a head coaching job. This team has plenty of talent. CMR will make the right decision and not because of the screaming of a bunch of jock sniffers like the poser who posts as Mark Richt’s Mother. Now that’s either a really stupid Georgia fan or a nerd posing as one.
NewnanDawg
December 16th, 2009
4:24 pm
Watch it Zeus – that sounds creepy from a blogger….
Ken
December 16th, 2009
4:27 pm
Zeus, NewnanDawg……….that was sweet. I havn’t felt this warm n fuzzy since I watched “It’s a wonderful life”
haywood jablomey
December 16th, 2009
4:35 pm
would you, tech fans?
NewnanDawg
December 16th, 2009
4:36 pm
Ken – it’s Christmas. I’ll be a hard a$ next year!
Go Dawgs!
Ken
December 16th, 2009
4:49 pm
Hey NewnanDawg, I’m out of state, but I was born in Newnan and raised close by… Merry Christmas!!
Dorsey Hill
December 16th, 2009
4:52 pm
Zeus,
FYI- On this here AJC blog I have said:
In 2007 that we would be in the running for the MNC and we finished 2nd in the country. Coming off a dissapointing 2006, I was called a moron by a lot of bloggers.
In 2009, I posted here that that we might be a 6-6 team. I was called a moron by a lot of bloggers, but I was right again.
However, the week of the Tech game I stated: “We are going to win the damn game, period.” Again I was right, but still called a moron by some. The sentiment on this blog was that we about to get our asses handed to us. I KNEW we would win the game and said so.
In 2008, I dont know if I posted it or not (I probably didn’t want to jinx it), but I really wasn’t feeling that we were a #1 team and I saw the Alabama game as a huge landmine. Again, I was right.
Am I always right? No, but my track record about UGA is pretty damn good. If I’m wrong about my post, I’ll be the first to admit it, but if I were you I wouldn’t bet against me.
Scott
December 16th, 2009
5:00 pm
Tuberville coming for 1 yr as DC and then HC when Richt retires to do msiisionary work.
snoopy
December 16th, 2009
5:13 pm
hey nitwits.
stated 3 weeks ago that UGA needs Gardner and he has been second fiddle long enough and needs to be given a chance. look at the number of players he has coached up to NFL standards. no other defense coach has that many players on NFL rosters. Gardner needs opportunity and UGA needs Gardner. Go DAWGS!!!!
snoopy
December 16th, 2009
5:21 pm
nitwit bloggers___+===
Look no futher than in our backyard and realize that Gardner is a diamond in the ruff. he has been a deciated d-line coach with a lot of success. just look at his performers in the NFL. he is a proven commodity, team player, and deserves opportunity at DC. I know he will be successful based on prior record. CMR must see something in him as he has been a carry over before CMR and now with all the defense coaches turnover. Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happydawg
December 16th, 2009
5:53 pm
Let’s go get Marion Campbell, I heard he is available.
Dorsey Hill
December 16th, 2009
6:06 pm
With respect to Garner, when other colleges start offering him DC positions I’ll consider whether we should as well. As of right now he has been offered plenty of lateral moves to Auburn, UT and LSU. None of the offers have been to be their DC. If they don’t want him for DC, then why should we?
TXDawg
December 16th, 2009
6:23 pm
Is there an ERK RUSSELL JR?
clemkudtlhopr
December 16th, 2009
6:41 pm
Lets bring up a D2 coach. Mike White head coach from Albany State has a very impressive resume as a Defensive Coach. Check him out.
mgdawg
December 16th, 2009
7:06 pm
I know the main reason people say that smart would like to leave is because he played at uga, but also because right now he is getting overshadowed by saban. I know he seems to be a hot commodity right now, but a lot of people wonder if the defense is really being controlled by saban. If he leaves there and ressurects UGA’s defense I think it will look a lot more impressive when looking for a head coaching job. Aso, I really don’t think it’s going to be that hard to turn around the defense depending on who leaves for the nfl, which I really don’t know of anyone other then curran for who it would make sense. The defense is loaded with talent, I just think they need a new scheme new coaching philosophies.
Having said that, I don’t know if it is going to happen, and I kind of question how good he really is. Saban is supposed to be this master of defense, you really think he lets the DC run the show? All the stuff I’ve read I like bumpas from tcu.
FL Dawg
December 16th, 2009
7:07 pm
If you read the entire post UGA has not offered the job to anyone yet. Foster never said that UGA offered him anything, only that it was the most serious of his possibilities. Koening, who knows what the deal was, UGA may have not even contacted him.
Personally, as of today, I do not think Richt has anyone lined up and ready to sign on the dotted line. I feel sure he has made inquiries beyond Foster, he may even have a top candidate that he has had very in-depth discussions with and they may be working out details as we blog. Timing may be the key to the signing and appears to be a very large part of it.
dvj
December 16th, 2009
7:27 pm
http://dawgsvsjackets.blogspot.com/
GATOR MAN
December 16th, 2009
7:32 pm
To be THE MAN, YOU’VE GOT TO BEAT THE MAN,,,THE MAN being URBAN MEYER. And, Ugay ain’t ever go’n to beat THE MAN. No matter who is the Ugay DC.
Dawg stuck in Bham
December 16th, 2009
7:39 pm
Hear’s what I’m hearing from connections in Athens….
1. So far, it’s not Smart….especially considering he and Saban are recruiting together today(Wed) at Buford HS
2. Richt and Adams are somewhat at odds right now. Richt is calling Adams out on some promises Adams made regarding his asst. coaches(Searles and Garner)…live up to what you promised my coaches so I can hire with confidence or risk losing them…and me.
3. Richt is being firm with Adams and Evans….if you want us to hang with UF and Bama, then you need to give me the $$ for the best coaches and best facilities.
4. Why all the tight lip from Richt??? Also….Richt has apparently threatened jobs if rumors start coming from coaching staff…who says this man ain’t got fire??????
Dang I love this man…give em hell coach!!
murfdawg
December 16th, 2009
7:40 pm
Who was coaching the mighty gators in 2007? Charlie Pell?
Note to gatorman: never say never and always avoid always!
Make a hire already
December 16th, 2009
7:43 pm
Travis Jones!!!!! That’s what the team needs. He is in the mold of a Charlie Strong. Someone took a chance on him and I think that this team, with the group of kids they are getting, needs someone they can relate to and respect.
Dostoyevskiy
December 16th, 2009
7:50 pm
Why not hire Chuck Amato recently of FSU: flashy, loud, big dawg bark (no bite). he’d fit right it.
Hi Georgia Basher, I see You're Back!
December 16th, 2009
8:32 pm
I love your new fake name, Richt’s Mom, classy, says a lot about you. Those 3 words are so persuasive that typing them 1,000,000 times would help. If you don’t post at least 1 million more times here on this post, you’re admitting you love Richt.