McGarity expects Richt back next season (updated with Richt reaction to Colorado interest)
AUBURN, Ala. – Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said Saturday that he expects Mark Richt to remain the Bulldogs’ coach next season.
“Sure I do,” he said before the game against Auburn. “Absolutely.”
Asked if he’s ready to say unequivocally that he wants to retain Richt — often rumored to be on the occupational “hot seat” – as Georgia’s coach next season, McGarity elaborated:
“I’d say, based on the first 10 games, [there's] no question about that. I know we’re 5-5 [before Saturday's loss], but you go back and you look at all the dynamics involved — how close the games were. It’s not like we’re dealing with situations here of lop-sided losses, of being non-competitive. There are some games we wish we could have won by taking care of the ball a little better or making certain tackles or interceptions. You go back and play that through your mind, and if you dwell on it too long, it’ll just eat you up. You’ve just got to focus on getting better every day and do what you can do to be the best you can be.”
McGarity made his comments on the same day the Denver Post reported that Colorado is interested in talking with Richt about its vacant coaching job. The Post cited an unnamed source “close to the Colorado search.”
When informed of that report, McGarity said: “Really? I did not know that. That’s the first I’ve heard of that.”
UPDATE: Richt chuckled when told after the game about the report. “Georgia is my home,” he said. He left it at that.
McGarity said he has not been contacted by Colorado and has gotten no indication that Richt wants to be anywhere other than Georgia. Richt, in his 10th season as the Bulldogs’ coach, has said repeatedly over the years that he wants to complete his career at UGA. McGarity said his sense “absolutely” is that Richt wants to be at Georgia.
“He and I have had great discussions all season long,” McGarity said. “We have been very frank with each other. . . . I have seen nothing but all things pointing to him wanting to stay at the University of Georgia.”
Asked if he, reciprocally, has signaled to Richt that Georgia wants to keep him, McGarity said: “I think so. I tell you what: One thing we’re going to do is spend all the time necessary with our coaches to give them all the resources they need. We’re in the hole with them. When we lose, we’re right there with them: ‘What can we do to help?’ I think you actually work harder when you have some adversity. It’s easy when things are going right to pat yourself on the back.”
McGarity said he and Richt have not talked specifically about the future because they are focused on this season.
“If we get going about the future and things of that nature, then we’re getting off track,” McGarity said. “We’ll talk about that later. I am working with Mark Richt — I think our whole staff is — to help make this thing happen. I fully expect Mark to be with us for a while.”
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391 comments Add your comment
Dawg Whisperer
November 13th, 2010
5:52 pm
There is a reason why Colorado is interested in coach Richt. Even though their team beat UGA this year, they obviously see attributes in Richt that they don’t see in other coaches. He brings a level of integrity that is unsurpassed. He has proven himself as the head coach during his 10 year tenure but the local AJC media seem to think that isn’t enough. It’s the what have you done for me lately mentality. Evidently, Colorado believes coach Richt has done enough.
DB
November 13th, 2010
6:03 pm
I am all about winning and firing him if needed to win, but 1 season isn’t a reason to drop someone like Richt. You get on more…you might want to consider firing some people so you don’t get fired
.
e.lo
November 13th, 2010
6:04 pm
Keep Mark Richt!
bart
November 13th, 2010
6:05 pm
I think it’s time for Richt to go; however, it’s not for me to say. The big dollar donors will ultimately help to make that decision. Once the money starts drying up, Richt will go.
Thomas
November 13th, 2010
6:08 pm
I doubt Richt wants to leave Georgia, but I surely would not mind if he goes. He is a nice person but that is it, not a very good coach. A good Coach hires good people around him. Look at this game Georgia is moving the ball well on offense but the OC goes to wild cat and all fancy bulls**t. We can win this game if we stay solid.
John Denver
November 13th, 2010
6:23 pm
We’re all Rocky Mountain High out here. Mark Richt and the thug type players he brings in would fit in great in Colorado. The cops let the kids get away with so much more shenanigans around here.
ALDawg
November 13th, 2010
6:57 pm
CMR, please go to Colorado. The SEC is too much for you.
CommerceDawg
November 13th, 2010
7:02 pm
Richt is a wimp. He can’t handle the pressure at UGA. Colorado has much lower expectations and they won’t care if he has Bobo in the box and Mrs. Richt on the sidelines. If he goes maybe they will hire a man.
NoAxeToGrind
November 13th, 2010
7:06 pm
Richt would probably be better off at Colorado. Colorado football fans aren’t as rabid about winning as SEC fans. See FL, Tenn, LSU, etc. When Richt goes, 2011,2012, McGarity better find someone who can compete against Myer and Saban consistantly or else his tenure at UGA might not be that long.
To The Haters!
November 13th, 2010
7:08 pm
I agree with Rob
treyingeorgia
November 13th, 2010
7:12 pm
It’s time for Richt to go…. enough with the mediocrity and lack of coaching… the onside’s kick to start the 2nd half is a microcosm of what Georgia Football has sunk to…. Lack of fundamentals plain and simple… Auburn has maybe 3 to 5 players that might play on Sunday’s— whereas UGA has double digit players… total lack of coaching and creativity… pitiful….F’ing pathetic….
college is forever
November 13th, 2010
7:14 pm
http://ww.collegelunchboxes.com From what I understand nothing happens till the Big Money is upset and as of right now they are not upset, Richt is not leaving. 6 weeks till Christmas check out the UGA Classic Tin Lunchbox available at metro Atlanta Kroger’s and online. Cam was just to much we played well. Go Dawgs, Beat Tech!!!
bart
November 13th, 2010
7:15 pm
If we don’t have one of the worst, most overpaid, clueless DC’s in the history of the world, I don’t know who it is. Richt hired him which says something about Richt’s judgement. We have an awful coaching staff, and I for one am tired of being embarrassed and frustrated. This program has consistently gone downhill since Van Gorder left. All you Richt apologists need to get a clue. We have a team with no discipline on or off the field. I know Richt is a “nice guy” but at 3 million dollars a year, he needs to be winning some ballgames.
cpsmith
November 13th, 2010
7:16 pm
FIRE RICHT. Enough is enough. 10 years and all there is is this crap. All these top classes. All these athletes, NOTHING. Want to spend 25 years waiting on something good? Your choice UGA.
Bye Bye Bobo
November 13th, 2010
7:33 pm
Something’s gotta change.
Margaret
November 13th, 2010
7:36 pm
MARK, YOUR HOME IS IN COLORADO. YOU HIDE IN THE SNOW THERE WHEN YOU MAKE IDIOT DECISIONS. GO, MARK, GO!
Marv
November 13th, 2010
7:36 pm
To all Richt apologist, 2nd tier thats where UGA is and where UGA will stay with CMR.
Margaret
November 13th, 2010
7:39 pm
WE DON’T WANT RICHT HERE ANY MORE. HE CAN TAKE HIS ENTIRE COACHING STAFF WITH HIM, TOO. THEY’RE ALL LOSERS.
lance
November 13th, 2010
7:42 pm
Hire somebody that wants to win!!! Auburn sucks and is a ghetto school.
blue
November 13th, 2010
7:48 pm
I never knew so many UGA fans enjoyed losing that is the ONLY reason you could want CMR to stay
DawgFan
November 13th, 2010
7:50 pm
Typical Auburn win, let the refs do it for you and take dirty shots at the QB…Shows what kind of class Auburn is. Not to mention the Head Coach when he lets the dirty player continue to play. I hope the SEC and the NCAA comes down hard on Auburn and it’s dirty/Illegal players.
Johnathan
November 13th, 2010
7:52 pm
Lance at 7:42 P.M. is a dumb, ignorant, facist and racist.
bam
November 13th, 2010
7:52 pm
I will admit early on I wanted Richt gone. However the whole team including coaches showed great heart and perseverence under adverse conditions. They are to be commended and praised for their heart. Cannot wait until next year. Go Dawgs.
stendek
November 13th, 2010
7:52 pm
UGA director total idiot! Look for Bulldog season to be in toilet after second game in 2011. Disappointing losses like the one in Alabama will continue to pile up. No relief in sight as long as Mark Wretch and his clueless cronies are in charge. I strongly enourage all UGA alumi to close their pocketbooks as long as Wretch remains. Only coach worth keeping is defensive guy. I still have doubts about him. A halfway decent leader would have had his players pumped up when facing a No. 2 squad. Not Wretch! Mike Dodo continued to be among worst offensive coordinators of all time. Quick 21 points then same shet that cost Dawgs six defeats this year. Too damn many for Bulldog Nation. Tire to fire Wretch! Stop bleeding. Things will only get worse. That is the truth. Oh yeah cheaters do win. Proof can be found on Auburn University campus. Nauseating debacle by heartless Bulldogs. Completely unacceptable! STENDEK
DogGone
November 13th, 2010
7:53 pm
I like him, but the team was not ready to play at the beginning of the year and the lack of discipline off the field shows a team with some serious issues. I wouldn’t fire him, but he’s got to get control of this team and have them ready to play from week 1 next year.
Love Mark Richt-Hate Coach Richt
November 13th, 2010
7:53 pm
You would have to be completely delusional to not see how far this program has fallen.
straitpirate
November 13th, 2010
7:55 pm
I like this UGA team. McGarity and Richt will lead this program to greater sucess. Go Dawgs.
stendek
November 13th, 2010
7:55 pm
Screw you Johnathan! I agree with him. STENDEK
stendek
November 13th, 2010
7:55 pm
Screw you Johnathan! I agree with him. STENDEK
stendek
November 13th, 2010
7:55 pm
Screw you Johnathan! I agree with him. STENDEK
ocangler
November 13th, 2010
7:55 pm
I want Rickt fired………but he won’t be. I expect UGA to constistantly beat KY and Vandie.
ocangler
November 13th, 2010
7:55 pm
I want Rickt fired………but he won’t be. I expect UGA to constistantly beat KY and Vandie.
ocangler
November 13th, 2010
7:55 pm
I want Rickt fired………but he won’t be. I expect UGA to constistantly beat KY and Vandie.
blue
November 13th, 2010
7:55 pm
DogGone what does liken him have to do with it. I dont need a friend UGA needs a coach
Brian Asselstine
November 13th, 2010
7:57 pm
Why is everyone saying Bobo must go? They have 4 or 5 straight SEC games over 30 points. That is top in school history I believe. Bobo has unleashed the kid Murray and if they can get anyone that can play TB, they will be one of the top offenses in the country. ” Bobo must go” is puzzling
Garrison Hearst
November 13th, 2010
7:57 pm
To all those Mark Richt lovers; it’s simple. You either keep Mark Richt and continue a slide into irrelevance (Yaaaay!!), or change and win the games we’re supposed to.
Your choice, simple.
GOP Cannon
November 13th, 2010
7:57 pm
For all of you “fans” that are trashing Richt, who exactly is waiting in the wings to replace him? The SEC is the toughest division in the country and there is NO guarantee that another coach could come in here and be successful.
I am as frustrated as everyone about this season, but firing CMR is not the answer.
LagDawg
November 13th, 2010
7:58 pm
I hope Richt stays but, I do hope that his team needs to develop a more physical nature on and off the field and I also hope he gets rid of BooBoo and hires a OC that knows how to call plays and dissect the opponents defense and also who knows how to recruit other players besides QBs.
Johnathan
November 13th, 2010
7:59 pm
The people who want Richt to stay are losers just like him.
Johnathan
November 13th, 2010
8:00 pm
Parents, don’t let your athletes go to Georgia.
adam
November 13th, 2010
8:00 pm
anyone who wants mark richt to be gone is a total dumba$$ that include jeff schultz and mark bradly. You two guys a freakin idiots! IDK how you guys still have a job at the AJC and I would love to swap jobs with you for one week and I guarantee I could write stuff that is more accurate than what you two write. Heck you can still get the paycheck from when I write for you.
AFDawg
November 13th, 2010
8:01 pm
Please, Please Richt take the Colorado job. Once again today — absolutely no imagination on offense. We get a lead — then Richt and Bobo start palying not to lose again. We should have had the foot on the gas wide open the whole game. Have we even run a single trick play the entire year. And what is up with our kick-off retuen team? Not ready for an on-side kick after the half — you learn that in highschool. Our kick returner looked timid on his returns — he should have downed them for a touchback. Fire Richt — clean house with the coaching staff.
blue
November 13th, 2010
8:02 pm
GOP It seems every other school that needs a coach finds one look at the coaches who have come to the SEC after CMR and had more success ALB,AUB,LSU,FLA and now schools like ARK are beating CMR
AFDawg
November 13th, 2010
8:03 pm
Adam — you must be either a Tech fan or Gator Fan.
AFDawg
November 13th, 2010
8:04 pm
Hire June Jones and the team of professional assistants he would bring with him. June Jones would do great in the SEC — especially in the state of Georgia.
St. Bernard
November 13th, 2010
8:06 pm
Chizik = sleez
MCDAVIDASTRO
November 13th, 2010
8:06 pm
FIRE RICHT AND LET HIM GO WHERE EVER HE PLEASES. GEORGIA NEEDS A FULL TIME COACH WHO WANTS TO WIN. IF COLORADO WANTS HIM, SEND HIM OVER WITH BOWS AND ROSES.
dawginduluth
November 13th, 2010
8:06 pm
On keeping Richt…
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”
Albert Einstein
railman311
November 13th, 2010
8:07 pm
ok smart people who ya gonna get thats better????
dawghuff
November 13th, 2010
8:08 pm
This quote says it all about CMR supporters… “I am proud of our team win or lose”
You who accept this nonsense are proud even when you lose…that makes you a loser like CMR.