What Mark Richt had to say at end-of-season news conference …
ATHENS — Mark Richt officially turned the page to 2011 at his end-of-season news conference Wednesday morning.
“Just want to start out by saying I’m glad 2011 is here,” Richt said. “I’m excited about that. Last season certainly was not anywhere close to what we expected or what we expect here, and it was certainly well below the standard of what Georgia football is all about. I understand that as much as anybody. I’m not happy with the way things went, but I do think in the process of going through what we went through, we’ll be better for it in 2011.”
Despite the team’s 6-7 record this past season, Richt said he has “a greater sense of excitement than I’ve had in a long time,” partly because of changes implemented in conjunction with new athletic director Greg McGarity that Richt said will free him from some administrative duties to spend more time focusing on football in 2011.
“In some ways, I feel like a first-year head coach,” Richt said. “Usually when you come in as the first-year head coach, the administration is coming to you and saying, ‘Coach, what do you need? What do you need to win?’ You wouldn’t think going into your 11th year you’d have that kind of feeling, but that’s what’s going on.
“Instead of me being the new guy, Mr. McGarity is the new guy. And as he has come in, we have had many conversations about what we need to get done to make this program the very best in the United States of America. That revives me; that rejuvenates me; that excites me in a big way.
“We’ve got some things that have been put in place and are being put in place that are going to make us better. And quite frankly things are being put in place that are going to help free me up to [spend] more time doing the things I love the most, which is study the game of football and … be on the cutting edge.”
Richt said director of player development John Eason, a former wide receivers coach, and administrative assistant Dave Van Halanger, a former director of strength and conditioning, will handle certain duties that previously fell on the head coach. Eason serves as the football program’s academic liaison, and Van Halanger heads a new mentoring program for the players.
Also, Richt said, “there are a lot of little things that crop up along the way that sometimes don’t get solved [or] sometimes take too long to solve in my opinion, but now the relationship that I have with Mr. McGarity is helping us expedite some of those things. . . . I am just spending less time messing around with things that Greg will be able to take off my plate from an administrative point of view.”
Richt, though, did not express any intention to take over as the Bulldogs’ play-caller.
“I’m not saying I’m taking over as the [offensive] coordinator or anything like that,” Richt said. “Mike Bobo is the coordinator; Mike Bobo is the quarterback coach, and Coach [Stacy] Searels is the running game coordinator. And they have done a great job . . . so I have confidence in those guys.
“The point I’m making is, I’m going to have the ability to have the time it takes to truly study the game of football, the trends and what’s going on, so a higher percentage of my time is going to be able to be used for that, which is exciting to me.”
Overall, Richt spoke with a confident tone as McGarity and several of Georgia’s associate athletic directors watched and listened.
“We’re not looking to blow anything up,” Richt said. “In my opinion, we are very close. I mean, how many teams have what would be considered a down season one year and the next year they are right there?”
He also stressed the importance of the recruiting class Georgia will sign on Feb. 2.
“You’ve got to get a boost from your recruiting class, your freshman class,” Richt said. “I’ve never been on a championship team that didn’t have guys step up and make a difference.”
– Tim Tucker
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727 comments Add your comment
ron
January 5th, 2011
11:44 am
Frankly, I don’t see a sinking ship, but it will if the AJC writers and bloggers keep jumping on the program discourging 5 star players from coming on board. Talk up the program so these HC kids can see that the fans are behind the team. If the team fails next season, it will be handled at that time, but don’t tear it down before the season.
Dug
January 5th, 2011
11:46 am
If he thinks Coach [Stacy] Searels is doing a great job, he and I are watching differant teams. This is the most enemic running game in the history of UGA. Stop blowing smoke up my a$$ becasue you don’t (or can’t) bring yourself to fire your buddies. You want friends coach? Buy a damn dog.
NORCROSS DAWG
January 5th, 2011
11:46 am
HEY GUYS,,I (NORCROSS DAWG) HAVE BEEN TELLING ALL THAT WILL LISTEN TO ME WHAT A PUS-CUM-BOOTS CMR IS…I HAVE WATCHED HIM HAVE NO FIRE ON THE SIDELINES FOR WAY TO LONG AND HAVE BEEN LETTING OTHERS KNOW WE NEED ACHANGE AT THE HC POSITION…..NOW PEOPLE ARE FINALLY GETTING IT,,,YOU CANT MOTIVATE 100 BROTHERS WITH A SATURDAY MORNING SERMON! IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN! LOOK AT THE SUCCESSFULL COACHES…SPURIER,SABAN,HOLTZ,DOOLEY,ETC,,,THEY ALL WOULD DOG CUSS OUT A REFEREE AFTER A BAD CALL…OR RIP INTO A PLAYER AFTER A BONEHEAD PLAY WHEN THEY GET TO THE SIDELINES,,,CMR JUST LOOKS SKYWARD,,WONDERING WHO THE HELL KONWS WHAT…PLEASE GREG..SELAH
I-185
January 5th, 2011
11:46 am
gosh gee whizzzz
I just cannot wait for 2011. Let’s do a black out for Boise State.. Then we can have an endzone celebration IF WE SCORE A TOUCHDOWN…….
HanDAWG
January 5th, 2011
11:46 am
http://www.bighairyblawg.com has perspective on Richt.
dbc
January 5th, 2011
11:46 am
I can just picture it now. CMR all warm and cozy, wearing his UGA snuggie, sitting in a beanbag chair studying football… Heartwarming!
NotAnIdiot
January 5th, 2011
11:46 am
UGAMAN the QB is not overrated, he was a FRESHMAN you moron with exceptional stats for a freshman. Richt is not going anywhere and UGA got much tougher with the new DC. Wait till he gets players that are even suited for his system. Man you guys cat see the forest for the trees!!!! GA sucked in 79, Bama sucked in 77 I believe. What happened the next year? Won it all.. But not if they fired there coaches you douchebags! Support your coach and UGA or find another school to pull for. Us true fans who sticj with a good coach in the bad years and there will ALWAYS be down years are sick and tired of you impatienmt and intolerant cry babies. So grow up or go be a Tech or Clemson or Auburn fan becasue you all make UGA look very bad, especially to possible recruits when you are calling for the coach to be fired who is the main reason over half of them WANT to come in the first place! Idiots please stop being fands of UGA!
BoB
January 5th, 2011
11:46 am
Why doesn’t he try to keep the team on the field and out of trouble? Theirs something to focus on!
Joey
January 5th, 2011
11:46 am
Something about rearranging deck chairs and sinking ships comes to mind when reading this…….
DawginLex
January 5th, 2011
11:46 am
Read between the lines boys.
He is making changes while salvaging his staff.
He is going to call the plays. Regardless of what he is saying, he will now be calling the plays. This is what is needed and he is doing it.
Putting Papa Bear Van Halanger in charge of the mentoring program is another great move. He now has bad a$$ Coach T in charge of S&C and bada$$ Grantham in charge of the defense. Richt is now back in charge of the offense.
Make no mistake, Mark Richt is back to being Coach Richt because he knows that he has to.
Call me a fool if you want to, but I’m pleased. I wanted him fired after the bowl game but now if he is truly going back to coaching, I’m happy and willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Terence Moore
January 5th, 2011
11:47 am
All of you Dawg fans are mad just because you racist against black players.
Notso Fast
January 5th, 2011
11:48 am
WOW…Everything is going to be better in 2011. He feels like a first year Coach. I think things had better be better or the Coach may be asked to leave.
NORCROSS DAWG
January 5th, 2011
11:49 am
RON,,I AGREE,,,BUT IT IS TO LATE AND WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH ‘REALITY’! JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK THE OTHER RECRUITES AND SEC COACHES ARE SAYING TO THESE TOP RECRUITS? IT AINT HARD TO FIGUR EOUT! SELAH
w s
January 5th, 2011
11:49 am
How about win more games than you have players arrested, maybe no arrest. Get players that have heart to play for UGA instead of how many stars they have by there name.. Discipline would also be great for this team and teach the fundamentals of blocking, tackling, cover, 100% effort on every down instead of constant let down. Grantham, give him time to get the wright players for the scheme. Bo Bo has had his chance needs to go or (Qb coach). Coach Richt, beat Fl, win 10 games or so, go to a BCS bowl next season to save your job. The O-Line was the biggest let down for me this season. UGA football is in a state shame. 4th and inches in a Bowl game, Field Goal, Really!!! GREAT TEAMS SCORE TOUCHDOWNS! Moving personnel within the program makes it look like your doing something, but your not. What a sad year, all these so called top recruiting classes and it cant get put on the field.. Glad you NOW get to study football after all these years..
Whopper Dawg
January 5th, 2011
11:49 am
If not having a running game means the OC and running game coordinator are doing a great job, so be it. Maybe the Independence Bowl will revive its alliance with the SEC so maybe we can go there. I don’t think Saban or anyone else is losing any sleep.
a nony mous
January 5th, 2011
11:49 am
OBVIOUSLY, THE BRAIN TRUST ON THIS BLOG JUST GOT OVERLOOKED WHEN UGA WAS LOOKING FOR A HEAD COACH.
WONDER WHY ?
Do Woodchucks Chuck Wood
January 5th, 2011
11:50 am
Is CMR through?
extrapoint
January 5th, 2011
11:51 am
YAWN!
NORCROSS DAWG
January 5th, 2011
11:51 am
TERRANCE,,,,,,’BAND OF BROTHERS’ SELAH
Al
January 5th, 2011
11:51 am
Unless the recruits come through in a big way, look for UGA to be a four loss team going into the Fla game. If we loose in Jacksonville I expect CMR to fired the following Sunday morning and will not even be given the opportunity to finish out the season. I sure hope I am wrong about this. The monkey is really on McGarity’s back to have a backup plan ready to roll.
Greg Talley (Ho)
January 5th, 2011
11:51 am
Yes, Bobo and Searels ARE DOING A GREAT JOB. Richt is right. Bobo is the top OC coordinator in the SEC and likely in the country. Searels is considered a genius offensive line coach. The problem with this team is a “cultural” problem like kicker Walsh said. Thought the press conference was Richt at his best, confident and in control.
NORCROSS DAWG
January 5th, 2011
11:52 am
TERRANCE,,, HOW DID U LIKE THAT STANFORD TEAM? THEY WERE WHITER THAN THEIR UNIFORM!
NotAnIdiot
January 5th, 2011
11:54 am
Norcross dawg that works with some guys but not with most…Donnan got onto players and Goff he certainly did but that did not help them win ANYTHING! All of you crybabies are not UGA fans. Cry about BOBO yes but you are all barking upp the wrong tree with Richt. You guys would not have had a SEC CHAMPIONSHIP since 1982 if not for Richt!
Henry "The Manuver" Heimlich
January 5th, 2011
11:54 am
So, Richt has been “mentoring” the players instead of “studying” the game of football and it’s trends? I guess that is why the team is full of fine upstanding members of society! HA! At least Richt has accepted responsibility for all of the off field troubles.
All of the Florida, Auburn, and Tech fans are snickering…
NotAnIdiot
January 5th, 2011
11:55 am
RICHT WILL BE AT UGA 10 YEARS FROM NOW AT LEAST SO YOU ALL BETTER GET ON BOARD OR JUST BE UNHAPPY FOR THE NEXT DECADE OR 2
Terence Moore
January 5th, 2011
11:56 am
NORCROSS DAWG, they on roids man!
Tally
January 5th, 2011
11:57 am
CMR is taking us all along for another humiliating season. He has absolutely no clue. I’m convinvced now that his early success was due largely to Donnan’s recruits and the staff around him then. He is a worthless piece of sh** as a coach and leader. He’s merely banking all he can to support himself and his family once he enters the ministry full time. I”m fed up with his sorry, lame ass excuses for not getting it done. Get rid of him now and save us all a wasted year!!!!!!!
RICH ROD
January 5th, 2011
11:57 am
I am available now to bring the spread to UGA
sprouse27
January 5th, 2011
11:57 am
Same stuff every year. Insanity is doing the same things over again and expecting a different result.
Snoop Dawg
January 5th, 2011
11:58 am
Sounds like da Preacha Man has take this opportunity to refine his academic curiosity about the finer aspects of football theory. What an idiot! We need action, not academic adventures!
Preacha Man’s saying that Bobo and Searles have been doing an outstanding job? They have proven themselves incapable of doing their jobs. What a joke.
Richt doesn’t get it. Adams and McCavity are totally wrecking our football Tradition for years to come, perhaps forever.
Could McCavity be a Gator mole sent to destroy UGA’s football program by keeping Markt Wrecked in charge until the Bulldog Nation divorces its football team? He does not get it.
OFF WITH THEIR HEADS. They are all a bunch of bumbling idiots and big time losers.
This just in!!!
January 5th, 2011
11:58 am
Richt resigns and leaves UGA to coach his son at Mars Hill College in NC.
Greg Talley (Ho)
January 5th, 2011
11:59 am
Richt was strong today. His backing of Bobo and Searels was unexpected. There is little doubt in knowledgeable fans minds that both of these coaches are the best in the SEC, if not the nation. Just imagine next season with a strong recruiting class…..AWESOME.
sandman053
January 5th, 2011
11:59 am
lol @ Norcross Dawg…that was funny right there!
LagDawg
January 5th, 2011
11:59 am
With a speech like that, I guess we can expect the same lack of coaching again next year. Bobo should be gone. I thought that the OC handled the entire offense, not just the passing game. Why is Searles in charge of the running game. He needs to focus on the OL and the lack of blocking we have seen over the last two years. Ralph Friedgen would have been a great pickup at the OC slot, but of course we will continue to live with a peewee football OC. This is a joke and Richt will get himself fired before the end of next season. I don’t want to hear any excuses when they lose about not being properly prepared for the game. If the team is not prepared it is Richt’s faught. The excuses have gotten old and personally I’, tired of losing.
Reader of Morons and quite a few idiots or at least one idiot.
January 5th, 2011
12:00 pm
NUFF SAID.
NORCROSS DAWG
January 5th, 2011
12:00 pm
YESanIDIOT….SOME GUYS BUT NOT MOST? HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING FOOTBALL? LET A REF KNOW OF A BAD CALL,,,AND YOU JUST MIGHT GET A CLSOE CALL YOUR WAY…TELL SOMEBODY WHAT A CRAPPY JOB THEY DID AND THEY SHOULD WANT TO DO BETTER…UGA PLAYERS HAVE TAKEN ON THE PERSONALITY OF THEIR HC…AND I KNOW THAY YOU KONW WHAT KIND OF PERSONALITY CMR HAS CAUSE YOUR NOTanIDIOT.. CMR WON THE 1ST SEC CHAMP WITH DONNAN’S RECRUITS,,,,HE IS LOST ON THE SIDELINES…DO YOU SEE HIM INVOLVED IN ANYTHING DURING A GAME? THINKING OF THE KIDS IN RUSSIA OR SOMEHWERE…HE NEEDS TO RESIGN AND DO WAHT IS IN HIS HEART…ITS NOT UGA FOOTBALL 4 SURE..SELAH
Paul N Destin
January 5th, 2011
12:00 pm
When someone has to tell the Coach you need to spend more time on football then the battle is lost. The buyout is just to great to dump the guy so the AD is trying to get folks to do handle what Richt can’t . The problem is Richt but the worst problem is how you ever agreed to such a buyout of a damn coach!! Saban can leave tomorrow or today with no buyout from either side yet Richt can get 8 million for his ability. This my friends is your problem.
Bail Bondsman
January 5th, 2011
12:01 pm
… changes implemented in conjunction with new athletic director Greg McGarity that Richt said will free him from some administrative duties…
Translation: Richt will no longer be the one to go to the Athens jail and bail out his arrested players.
Dug
January 5th, 2011
12:01 pm
If you were a 5 star recruit, why would you come to Ga over ANYWHERE? I’m tired of memphis, I’m tired of Shreeveport. Alabama turned it around in 1 year. All it takes is a coach.
Snoop Dawg
January 5th, 2011
12:01 pm
The SEC Coaches would like to thank Adams and McCavity by leaving their friend and patsy Markt Wrecked in charge of UGA football.
As a token of thanks, all SEC teams will now designate their games with UGA as their Homecoming Games.
Vanderbilt, in particular, would like to thank the UGA senior adminstration and AD for ensuring that the Commodores will no longer have to dwell in the SEC East cellar…
The SEC would like to match the UGA’s offer to Markt for a 20 year contract extension.
Jabo
January 5th, 2011
12:02 pm
Richt said a few years ago that he would have a better chance to oversee the totality of the program by handing over the play calling duties to Bobo. I don’t see where that has done any good, so I’m not sure how this renewed sense of excitement will be any better. Every year its the same old spiel.
tony
January 5th, 2011
12:02 pm
OMG!! This has got to be a bad dream. To be honest with everyone, it doesn’t surprise me one bit to read Mr.Richts inept comments. Like I said before, he’s either the most inept coach in college football or he just hate dawg nation. Take your pick.
I think some of these fans are suffering from amnesia. Mr.Richt is a terrible playcaller and I believe that’s why he turned the duties over to his qbc(Bobo).
What make anyone think letting Mr.Richt go will hurt the program? I’m 100% sure that if they hire the right coach that team will be better off without Mr.Richt. I want Todd Grantham to replace Mr.Richt because the man knows how to motivate and he has improve the defense immensely from a year ago.
Give him a quality OC and a quality Strength and Conditioning Coach who has the ability to make our linemans stronger, I believe we will win 11 games next season.
Greg Talley (Ho)
January 5th, 2011
12:02 pm
I cannot believe you fools. Idiots most of you. Do you not understand what a great coach we have in Richt? The greatness of Bobo? Searels teaching and depth of knowledge? Get a grip and lets get behind the best coach we have ever had in coach Richt.
NORCROSS DAWG
January 5th, 2011
12:02 pm
THANKS SAND,,,I GOT MORE COMING!
Hector
January 5th, 2011
12:03 pm
I still say that Muarry is too short!!
bruce mac
January 5th, 2011
12:03 pm
The ignorance of college football fans on this blog is mind boggling. All coaches including Bear Bryant had very bad seasons. Mack Brown just had a worse season that CMR. Bear went 6 and 5 and 5 and 6 in back to back years. Dooley had 6 and 5 years, etc. etc. etc. No one knows the future and to say CMR has no chance of succeeding and the end is here is just plain stupid. Get behind the program for 2011, CMR is your coach for now and you can be assured the AD is on it and UGA has plenty of money to do what is necessary. GO DAWGS
Dawgtards ruin this state
January 5th, 2011
12:04 pm
All you thUGA fans need to be honest with yourself. thUGA has beaten Tech, but all games under CPJ (1-2 against thUGA) have been 1 score games and very close. I have attended all 3 and you didn’t kick anybody’s ass. You won close ball games by making a good play late in the game (just like Tech did 3 years ago to get that win). It’s a win for thUGA, not a beatdown. Get your facts straight.
The defintion of an ass kicking or beatdown is Florida vs thUGA the last 20 years. They have scored like 200 more points than thUGA over that period. The vega$ odds makers have had Florida a double digit favorite 18 out of 20 years. That is the definition of being OWNED!
Any Questions?
Reader of Morons and quite a few idiots or at least one idiot.
January 5th, 2011
12:04 pm
bruce mac, make that at least 2 idiots.
PositiveDawg
January 5th, 2011
12:05 pm
After 11 years at Bama Bear Bryant had a couple of down years in 1969 went 6-5 overall 2-5 in SEC in and lost the liberty bowl, In 1970 6-5-1 overall and 3-4 in the SEC. After 1970 he went on to coach for 12 more years winning 3 more national titles and never had another season with less than 3 losses expect his last year in 82. CMR God is not through with you yet!
Big Al
January 5th, 2011
12:05 pm
Huh??