Contract extension likely for Mark Richt, but what about Todd Grantham?
Georgia head coach Mark Richt (L) and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham have proven to be a pretty effective tandem for the Bulldogs this season. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
ATHENS — It’s reasonable to assume — and we have to assume since Athletic Director Greg McGarity is reserving comment — that Georgia will extend the contract of head coach Mark Richt after the season if the Bulldogs get past Kentucky on Saturday to secure a spot in the SEC Championship Game.
Richt has only two years remaining on his agreement following this season and it would only seem logical that UGA would lengthen that by at least three or four years sometime after the season.
But there’s another contract matter with which the 15th-ranked Bulldogs are going to have to deal if the season continues to progress as it has.
The three-year contract that Todd Grantham signed to come to Georgia to coach its defense expires on Jan. 31, 2013. And while that’s still 14 months away, what the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator has done on his side of the ball in Year Two has made him a pretty hot commodity.
So says Grantham’s agent, at least. Michael Harrison, an attorney out of Stevenson Ranch, Calif., said he has already “gotten inquiries” from some NFL teams about the possibility of his client returning to that league as a coordinator. Harrison also said he has “gotten feelers” indirectly from colleges gauging Grantham’s interest in becoming a head coach.
Grantham came to UGA from the Dallas Cowboys, where he coached linebackers, and he was a defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns before that. It’s Grantham’s stated desire to one day become a head coach — the buyout in his contract is waived if he does — and several college positions have already opened up. More will surely become available at the conclusion of the regular season, and Harrison expects Grantham to be a part of those conversations.
“Todd wants to be at Georgia, though,” Harrison insisted. “But we’d like to get an extension.”
Here’s the rub: McGarity is not likely to be keen on providing multi-year deals for assistant coaches. It’s something he never did in 18 years as Jeremy Foley’s right-hand man at Florida.
Georgia’s multi-year contract for Grantham was executed by former UGA Athletic Director Damon Evans, who previously also had not offered extended deals for assistants. Grantham is the among the top three highest-paid coordinators in college football at $750,000 a year, according to a survey by USA Today, and the only UGA assistant coach with a multi-year deal.
How McGarity might actually feel about the situation we have no way of knowing because he’s not willing to comment on it at this point.
“We don’t talk about anything like that during the season,” McGarity said Monday, referring to both Richt and Grantham. “Our full focus is on our players and our opponent and right now that is Kentucky. We’ll deal with all that after the season.”
Asked whether the decision on Grantham would ultimately be his, McGarity said, “the head coach makes decisions on his staff.” But you can be sure McGarity will have input.
This much is also certain: Georgia’s defense has looked a lot better under Grantham’s guidance. After Georgia’s 45-7 win over No. 20 Auburn this past Saturday, the Bulldogs (8-2, 6-1 SEC) moved up to No. 4 in the nation in total defense. They’re also No. 5 against the run, No. 5 against the pass and they lead the SEC in quarterback sacks and tackles for loss. The TD it allowed in the first quarter against the Tigers was just the ninth in the last eight games against the defense.
In fact, Georgia’s defense has improved significantly in national ranking in every category kept in Year Two of Grantham’s leadership.
2010—-Defensive category—–2011
24————-Total————-4
27————-Rush————-5
72———–Pass Eff. ———–5
34————Passing———-15
40————Scoring———-12
51————-TFLs———–10
52————-Sacks———–25
The improvement over 2009, before Grantham was defensive coordinator, is even more significant.
Of course, Grantham does not come without faults. He was roundly criticized for making choke signs at a Florida kicker as he prepared to make the game-winning kick against Georgia in overtime in 2010. And Grantham ended up in a shouting match with Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin at the end of the Vanderbilt game last month. Both incidents resulted in internal reprimands from UGA and certainly could be a factor in any job considerations going forward.
Harrison said he does not believe it will be an issue. “A lot of people want a coach with Todd’s fire and passion for the game,” he said.
Certainly it would be in Richt’s best interest to keep Grantham. Richt has spoken glowingly recently of his defense and its coordinator.
“It’s a lot more fun to coach when you’ve got a good defense and the guys are playing the way our guys are playing,” Richt said Saturday. “It makes up for a lot of deficiencies. It just kind of helps you iron some things out sometimes. . . . Todd studies defenses and offenses as well as anybody I’ve been around. He will have a plan and he will understand what needs to be done. But then he’ll try to make it as simple as possible for our guys. He understands tendencies, he understands formations and groups and when different guys are in the game. He knows the percentages and he’s got fire in his belly. He’s really doing a great job.”
So I put the question to you. Should the Bulldogs move to lock up Grantham as soon as they can for as long as they can? Or should Georgia remain guarded in their approach to long-term contracts?
– Chip Towers
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882 comments Add your comment
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 14th, 2011
8:44 pm
Dawg 48
I agree about Ralph Friedgen
Dawg48
November 14th, 2011
8:46 pm
Has any one seen the size of this QB that committed to the dawgs this weekend?
He is a big ole boy
Mad Dog One
November 14th, 2011
8:49 pm
An old FD coach once told me if you can’t score on me the very best you can do is tie. And we all know there is no ties in CF any more. Enough said about a very good DC that has all of his team ready to play at a high level for him. I agree with sharkman give CTG a good contract with a buyout to go anywhere. As always GO DOGS & GATA
PS A word for the trade school be afraid be very afraid the DAWGS ARE COMMING and you are in for a good old fashion SEC a$$ whopping.
Dawg48
November 14th, 2011
8:51 pm
Flat
He would be a great hire for ole miss
Big Wally
November 14th, 2011
8:51 pm
Pay him whatever he wants. I want him here for a long, long time. Recruits will love to play for him. Look at the stats Jarvis Jones is racking up.
ZinoDawg
November 14th, 2011
8:51 pm
I would give him a 10 year deal worth 1.5 million a year. He’s that good and UGA has the cash so why the he’ll not?
Go Dawgs!
Big Wally
November 14th, 2011
8:51 pm
IN TODD WE TRUST.
cattledawg
November 14th, 2011
8:51 pm
Trish the skank was on the falcon blog yesterday, someone asked where she was. Can we not wait till the year is over and really see what kind of job cmr has done before he gets a golden parachute?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 14th, 2011
8:55 pm
See I do not have to prove anything to you as the followers of this blog know your agenda. Just ready to see you have that humble pie and glass of Kool Aid once you realize this team is not ‘06 or’07. Or Richt is not putting self in front of team. That last line sound familiar to ya?
Andrew
November 14th, 2011
8:59 pm
Amazing video of a high school player from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team.
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JKwgwFY3g
Wants to go to Georgia Tech. That is his # 1 favorite!!!
Dawg48
November 14th, 2011
9:07 pm
If he likes to punt gt is the place to go!
Dawg48
November 14th, 2011
9:11 pm
Dang kid can kick!
SE GA Fan
November 14th, 2011
9:12 pm
Pay him what it takes!
Spaceman Spiff
November 14th, 2011
9:17 pm
@ UGA grad 90
Really, do you just say stupid sh!t? Go back to your technerd blogs, please…
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 14th, 2011
9:19 pm
Lowcountry Bulldawg ‘
Whats wrong with the coment of putting self ahead of UGA
Sorry bud, but I stand by what I stated.
Richt put his friendship of Willie Martinez ahead of the UGA program
Oh and yes this season is like the 07 in that we should have not lost to Boise or SC
So if you consider that a nasty opinion then you need to join Altamaha Dope in staying out of the hot sun during the summer time your brain is a little fried
Also I think this line will sound familiar to you……
“I will be glad to eat humble pie if Richt beats FL 2 yrs in a row; and wins the east outright and not have to have other east teams lose to get into the SEC championship game until then I will stay off the bandwaggon”
Sorry bud; go back to the drawing board, you still havent schooled me
AltamahaDawg
November 14th, 2011
9:22 pm
Not sure how somebody “had it coming” to deserve a lowlife insult about their daughter either.
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
9:25 pm
So inquiring minds want to know whether Richt gets a raise with his extension?
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
9:30 pm
Let’s see, I put my business on autopilot for four or five years, see what I have left when I return. I would like to see Richt “earn” his extension and raise.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 14th, 2011
9:31 pm
AltamahaDawg
So Im a low life now; Mr. Im Ok with legalizing pot
GT Joe
November 14th, 2011
9:31 pm
GTBob, please clean my UGA blow-up doll when you are finished with it!
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
9:32 pm
Flat Tire, just take back the comment about LC’s Daughter, it was inappropriate to a fellow Dawg, and a bit childish.
gdawginkalamazoo
November 14th, 2011
9:34 pm
I am with McGarity on this and the coaches should be too. Wait until the season is over with. Then start negotiations. I loved the game last Sat. That was just wild. Can’t believe Auburn was ranked #20 and played like that. Bobo actually called a game and the guys executed. The D was awesome. IF we play that well the rest of the way then do what we can to keep Grantham with Richt. The combo has been working so far. Sure Grantham can use some civics lessons but he does a damn good job of making that D work.
Snoop Dawg
November 14th, 2011
9:35 pm
If it’s between Richt and Grantham, by all means keep Grantham.
DO NOT extend Richt past the time Grantham is extended. Richt’s entire success this year is due to Grantham and Grantham alone.
Richt and Bobo are looking ok right now because of Grantham and the easiest UGA schedule in modern history. Richt and Bobo remain incompetent although they have proven themselves to be capable recruiters.
Let Bobo go or else demote him back to QB coach.
Hire a special teams coach.
Please do not extend Richt. We will all live to regret it…
ED
November 14th, 2011
9:39 pm
keep grantham. 3rd best dc we have ever had behind erk and van gorder.
doggie
November 14th, 2011
9:39 pm
Dang, Finebaum is a dork. sounds like a 5th grader arguing with someone
AltamahaDawg
November 14th, 2011
9:40 pm
well to be accurate you need to call me: Mr. I’m OK with Somebody Else Opinion that Legalizing Pot has a Lot of Merit.
BUT even if I was a complete stoner pot head, I still wouldn’t stoop so low as to insult your daughter, completely out of context, and for no appearant reason. But that’s just me.
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
9:42 pm
Got any leftover Halloween candy left Altamaha?
Mark (I want to be their friend) Richt
November 14th, 2011
9:45 pm
no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He didn’t do crap! it’s the soft Schedule. We’re going regret this.
Brucerugby79
November 14th, 2011
9:45 pm
we have the money—lock him down
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
9:46 pm
So does anyone want to comment on whether Richt deserves a raise, and Grantham already makes almost a million. I say give Grantham a two year extension to match what Richt already has with a token raise and evaluate the whole staff at the end of next year. Richt has earned another year but that’s it IMO.
Big Dawg
November 14th, 2011
9:47 pm
The numbers speak for them selves: This is a no brainer. Write the check jack asss!
2010—-Defensive category—–2011
24————-Total————-4
27————-Rush————-5
72———–Pass Eff. ———–5
34————Passing———-15
40————Scoring———-12
51————-TFLs———–10
52————-Sacks———–25
joe taxpayer
November 14th, 2011
9:49 pm
For three year CMR has failed and this year he has an easy schedule and everyone is back drinking the kool-aid. Where has he been the last 3 years?
AltamahaDawg
November 14th, 2011
9:49 pm
Fortunetely, we are not in the loop for T/T ers, so we don’t have to stock up. I could probably scare up a toostie roll if I tried though.
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
9:53 pm
The no brainer is to “Write The Check” based on one year? If Grantham has that little integrety where he would bolt “the Richt Family” I wouldn’t consider him a “dawg worth his salt”.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 14th, 2011
9:56 pm
Low Country
I appologize for the comment about calling that girl that got caught your daughter
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 14th, 2011
10:00 pm
Mobile Dawg
I agree we should wait until after next season before Richt gets another contract extension
I would give Grantham another 2 yr though with a bonus if next year has just as good results
flo-ri-duh
November 14th, 2011
10:00 pm
Common sense says extend Grantham’s contract to the same length as Richt’s and increase his pay for the added on years to $1,000,000 per year. So, if they extend Richt’s contract 3 years they should do the same for Grantham. As for Grantham’s behavior, it was shown on TV replay twice yesterday that Franklin actually forcefully pushed Grantham. Maybe said something to Franklin but still you should never put your hands on another coach with anger.
AltamahaDawg
November 14th, 2011
10:01 pm
Grantham stays to work with Richt. That’s why he came in the first place. He knows where he stands, he doesn’t need to be shown. And he would leave if the situation was right. It’s just the way it is. And nobody should blame him. We aren’t going to tie him up with some contract, but Nobody is going to insulting him over money either.
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
10:03 pm
Good boy Flat, now don’t you feel better. Now we gotta get Altamaha some candy for his munchies.
When I was in school, around 77, I had some buddies from let’s say, “North of the Mason Dixon”. My Mother and Grandmother introduced them to “fried okra” along with some other Southern delicacies, fried chicken, collards, cornbread, etc. About midnight I heard some rummaging through the fridge and caught them munching down that fried okra. They ate it like popcorn.
Dawg48
November 14th, 2011
10:07 pm
Is any one watching the NBC interview with Sandusky?
AltamahaDawg
November 14th, 2011
10:07 pm
McGarity has been around the game long enough he doesn’t need to “wait and see”. He knows right now what his critera is, and if the program is meeting it or not.
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
10:10 pm
I like the idea of the bonus for Grantham, even going so far as having a base salary for Richt with bonus incentives. Richt gave Granthan a good opportunity, and a better paycheck. Grantham owe’s Richt a little “reverse loyalty”, that’s my opinion. If Grantham wants to leave he should go, your performance is directly proportional to your investment, financially and emotionally.
papadawg
November 14th, 2011
10:11 pm
I hear Vandy is looking for a DC. HA! Seriously I can’t blame the man for leaving for a head Coaching job but if he wants to stay then sign him
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
10:14 pm
You may be right but an insurance policy is money in the bank, just have to disagree there. An extension next year would be just fine, that’s still before his contract expires. If I’m McGarity I have more to worry about than Richt’s feelings.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 14th, 2011
10:16 pm
If I were in Granthams place there is more long term security at UGA than the NFL or a head coach position
UGA is known for putting up with stuff
As long as he is performing near to what he is doing this season if RIcht were to leave or get fired the chances of him being kept by the new coach are pretty good
George Rogers
November 14th, 2011
10:16 pm
Just one question: Who is going to coach Georgia in the SEC Championship Game since Mark Richt will be fired after the regular season because he lost his first two games of 2011?
AltamahaDawg
November 14th, 2011
10:17 pm
I don’t know what Richt’s feeling has to do with it.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 14th, 2011
10:19 pm
Flat Tire,
Do not worry about it. I knew what you meant. While I do not agree with your posts and your angle of the current state of affairs within the program you have never showed what some would be low class behavior. We just agree to not get along. Thats fine, its called life. Ya cant get along with everyone. So no worrys my friend.
Mobile Dawg
November 14th, 2011
10:20 pm
I think the Dawgs are on the right track, Richt has to realize that change is a constant, that’s where he’s failed in the past. McGarity will make sure Richt understands that. The family died with Delta Air Lines bankruptcy.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 14th, 2011
10:21 pm
Altamaha,
Sorry you got lumped into my opinion on how legalizing Pot would assist in rehabilitating our economy.