Mark Richt gets new 5-year contract, Grantham extended 2 years
ATHENS — So much for a nice, slow Monday.
Last week, Georgia scheduled a press conference for football coach Mark Richt for today to discuss the relatively mundane details surrounding next week’s start to spring football practice. As it turned out, news came pouring in from multiple directions.
- The day started with news breaking of starting cornerback Branden Smith’s arrest in South Alabama for marijuana possession. Richt confirmed that was the case and that he had spoken briefly with Smith. Later, AD Greg McGarity confirmed that the arrest would mean a mandatory suspension of up to two games at the discretion of the head coach.
- UGA also released the news that it had reached agreements on new contracts for Richt and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. Richt received a new five-year deal that will extend him through the 2016 season. Financial details are “still being tweaked,” according to McGarity, but Richt is expected to receive a slight raise from the $2.81 million salary he currently receives. That does not include annual longevity bonuses that boost his earnings to more than $3 million annually. Grantham received a two-year contract extension that will guarantee his salary of at least $750,000 through the 2014 season.
- As for on-the-field football business, Richt confirmed his decision to move wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell to cornerback for spring practice. Mitchell had said he was going to try to play both positions next fall. But because of position meeting conflicts and the challenge of learning the Bulldogs’ defensive system, Richt said he made the decision to have Mitchell work with the secondary full time when spring practice begins March 20. A decision for where Mitchell will line up in the fall has not been made.
- Richt also confirmed the completion of the Bulldogs’ strength and conditioning staff. UGA hired Penn State’s head strength coach John Thomas as senior associate director under Joe Tereshinski and “speed specialist” Sherman Armstrong of Tampa as associate director.
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303 comments Add your comment
Verlaine
March 12th, 2012
1:34 pm
The dawgs will lose half their starters to arrests, failed drug tests, and flunk-outs before the season even begins.
Missouri 37, UGA 24
AltamahaDawg
March 12th, 2012
1:34 pm
yea, Annie It only took 4 yrs for that scumbag Smith to prove what you knew all along about him, huh?
(did the coach at YOUR school recruit him back in HS, just wondering)
At Lakedawg: re: drug policy
March 12th, 2012
1:34 pm
Good points in your 1:20 post. I am for a level playing field in drug testing, which would not put UK and UGA at a disadvantage. NCAA should have a third party handling the drug testing, and the punishments should be standardized across the board. Too many of our rivals have a policy that gives a mulligan to those first timers.
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
1:37 pm
Isn’t it supposed to be about wins and losses?
Not when you are talking about games that should be blowouts.
Nothing Could Be Finer
March 12th, 2012
1:38 pm
Verlaine
March 12th, 2012
1:34 pm
The dawgs will lose half their starters to arrests, failed drug tests, and flunk-outs before the season even begins.
Missouri 37, UGA 24
————————————-
Mizzou might not score that much.
I’m thinking Mizzou 34, Dogs 17
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
1:38 pm
The man is gonna bring us a title, just you wait.
Well, I have to admire the hope, even though there is little evidence that he will ever come close.
Wow, now GTBob...
March 12th, 2012
1:39 pm
…is criticizing UGA for NOT beating Tech more soundly than they have – what a whiner and weiner…
ckgator
March 12th, 2012
1:39 pm
What is it with cornerbacks and weed? Defensive tackles too. Lord knows we’ve had our issues in Gainesville.
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
1:40 pm
GTBob – remind me again about why you are on ever UGA blog? Do you not have a life? UGA envy? No Job? do not have a life?
Nope, I am a homeless, jobless, and girlless.
Nothing Could Be Finer
March 12th, 2012
1:43 pm
Dorial Green-Beckham is gonna have a field day against that dog secondary when they visit Mizzou.
I might even consider watching that game.
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
1:45 pm
…is criticizing UGA for NOT beating Tech more soundly than they have – what a whiner and weiner…
Nope, I am criticizing Richt for not being able to beat any good teams, or perform adequately against mediocre teams.
DawgTime
March 12th, 2012
1:46 pm
In the next 5 years, Richt will take UGA to new heights! Mark this down–Richt wins the SEC in 2012 and is in the BCS title game in the next 3 years—with all these dream team recruits, Ga will start dominating the SEC.
DawgNole- Lady Dog Basketball
March 12th, 2012
1:46 pm
The lack of national championships is the only blemish on Andy’s career slate. We should have beaten Old Dominion in 1985. Definitely had a better team than UT in 96. Beat them every time but the championship game. If you define success as national titles, no he has not been successful. I would not define success that narrowly.
I think winning numerous SEC titles (second only to UT), 30+ years on the job and a 100% graduation rate for players who finished their eligibility, impeccable record when it comes to NCAA compliance, five final fours, 29 NCAA appearances, etc. etc. etc. This was all done in what has been traditionally the toughest conference in women’s basketball. It was also Andy’s lot to have a parallel career to arguably the greatest coach in the women’s game.
So yes, he has not won the big one, but I think the odds on his successor topping his success are not good.
Tim
March 12th, 2012
1:46 pm
Still thinking about those questions I presented to you huh bobbie?
AltamahaDawg
March 12th, 2012
1:46 pm
Of cource YOU will watch. It involves UGA after all.
Big Crimson 75
March 12th, 2012
1:47 pm
The Grantham extension was a no-brainer.
Nothing Could Be Finer
March 12th, 2012
1:49 pm
DawgTime
March 12th, 2012
1:46 pm
Mark this down–Richt wins the SEC in 2012
———————————————
We’ll see how you feel after that loss to Mizzou.
Jimmy Crack
March 12th, 2012
1:49 pm
The Missouri game is looking more and more competitive every STINKING day.
Commings…Smith…STUPID TEAM KILLERS.
Big Old Dawg
March 12th, 2012
1:53 pm
GTBob…..”So Richt went from the hot seat to a new 5 year contract after going 10-4, and losing to every good team he played” dang, I’m impressed ole’ GTBob admits Tech is a loser and sucks…hahahahahaha
DawgNole
March 12th, 2012
1:54 pm
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
1:37 pm
“Isn’t it supposed to be about wins and losses?
Not when you are talking about games that should be blowouts.”
____________________
It’s about wins vs losses, GTBob, and that’s all it’s about. If a team (UGA) has won 10 of the past 11 games against its top in-state rival (GT), the margin of victory–even when it was 51-7–matters not one bit. It’s the Ws that matter.
Bad Dawg
March 12th, 2012
1:55 pm
What is the excuse this year? Good grief every year its something else with Richt. The Missouri game is looking tougher everyday. Who is gonna cover that monster receiver they got? Blake Sailors? This is why I am sick of Richt, everyone believes he is so holy, but his players are always in some kind of trouble. UGA needs a head coach who is more focused on discipline. This is embarrassing and Richt botches up this easy schedule this year it will be even more embarrassing.
59bulldawg
March 12th, 2012
1:55 pm
I’m not sure but I think, they are working Mitchell full-time on defense only this spring . . . not moving him there full time . . . although if we keep getting members of the secondary suspended or kicked off the team, it might be a possibility. This year’s secondary is shaping up like last year’s backfield.
insanity
March 12th, 2012
1:58 pm
FIVE MORE YEARS of this?
I think it’s a setup. Take the heat off and watch us slide back to where we were year before last…..
Tim
March 12th, 2012
1:59 pm
Y’all have to forgive Bobbie. He is more into “Moral” victories that the actual victory where the team has the most points.
I guess when your tek your brain is just trained to enjoy moral victories becaused the real victories are few and far between against your biggest rival.
kybodawg
March 12th, 2012
2:00 pm
all this talk from the players about how this is going to be a special year on defense., and we have already lost four members of the secondary, the thinest position. so much for being commited to being specila. actions speak louder than words. selfish immature kids who havent acomplished anything.
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:01 pm
Still thinking about those questions I presented to you huh bobbie?
I answered your questions. I am every negative thing you think I am.
Charlie Hayes
March 12th, 2012
2:02 pm
There are two (2) reasons for moving Malcome Mitchell to CB. The first and obvious reason is the depth. Losing two (2) starters for the first two (2) games is a major issue. Losing Nick Marshall, whom was heir to the CB throne is also a major issue. The second and not so obvious reason is for recruiting. Now, UGA will appear much thinner at WR next season with King and Brown graduating after 2012. This will open up a big-time spot for a 5-star receiver like Ahmad Fulwood or Mike Williams to join the Dawgs.
The possibility of MM returning to offense is not clear at the moment. However, I would fully expect to see him playing both ways this year. Now it is clear he will be a CB full-time and a WR part-time.
Great move by CMR given his resources and look for the future.
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:03 pm
It’s the Ws that matter.
So if UGA beats Buffalo on a last second field goal this year you will consider it a great coaching job?
Joke of the Day
March 12th, 2012
2:03 pm
I’m suprised that the Alabama fans haven’t jumped all over this yet. Oh wait, it’s only 2 o’clock and I guess they haven’t woken up yet. Must have been a long night shift at the chicken processing plant
DawgNole
March 12th, 2012
2:03 pm
DawgNole- Lady Dog Basketball
March 12th, 2012
1:46 pm
The lack of national championships is the only blemish on Andy’s career slate. We should have beaten Old Dominion in 1985. Definitely had a better team than UT in 96. Beat them every time but the championship game. If you define success as national titles, no he has not been successful. I would not define success that narrowly.
I think winning numerous SEC titles (second only to UT), 30+ years on the job and a 100% graduation rate for players who finished their eligibility, impeccable record when it comes to NCAA compliance, five final fours, 29 NCAA appearances, etc. etc. etc. This was all done in what has been traditionally the toughest conference in women’s basketball. It was also Andy’s lot to have a parallel career to arguably the greatest coach in the women’s game.
So yes, he has not won the big one, but I think the odds on his successor topping his success are not good.
______________________
Your thinking is like that of ATL pro teams/fans: A half-century of competition, with only one championship to show for it (’95 Braves). That kind of performance is whathas earned the city the label of “Losersville.”
Same situation with Landers. I don’t expect a NC every year, or every other year, or every third year, or every fourth year, etc. But NOT ONE NC IN 24 YEARS coaching an elite program? No excuse for that. None whatsoever.
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:04 pm
Y’all have to forgive Bobbie. He is more into “Moral” victories that the actual victory where the team has the most points.
When have I claimed any moral victories? I know my team will never compete with UGA. I am just surprised that Richt hasn’t done better against us.
Ghost
March 12th, 2012
2:06 pm
GTBob, Does tech play anyone that’s good? Whats the GTbob definition of a good team?
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:06 pm
dang, I’m impressed ole’ GTBob admits Tech is a loser and sucks…hahahahahaha
I have admitted that for a while. You must be new.
Tim
March 12th, 2012
2:08 pm
10 and 1 against your in-state rival is not good enough? It IS about the “win” and not about the margin.
Then again, I get it, y’all are not use to being competitive not only with UGA but in the A She She as well. ENJOY!
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:08 pm
GTBob, Does tech play anyone that’s good? Whats the GTbob definition of a good team?
A team that is ranked and is one of the leaders in their conference. If you have no chance at winning your conference then I don’t see how you can be considered a good team.
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:09 pm
10 and 1 against your in-state rival is not good enough?
Not when you have 50 times the talent of the other team. UGA should win with ease every year and it is surprising that they don’t.
G-Dawg
March 12th, 2012
2:11 pm
Time for a Code Red!!
mcdaviddawg
March 12th, 2012
2:13 pm
The extension of bad football is on. We pay more to get less. Richt will never make it through five more years.
DawgNole
March 12th, 2012
2:13 pm
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:03 pm
It’s the Ws that matter.
So if UGA beats Buffalo on a last second field goal this year you will consider it a great coaching job?
___________________
Absolutely not. But I’ll sure as hell consider it a W. I’m not talking about “coaching jobs” or margins of victory; I’m talking about Ws vs Ls–specifically UGA’s Ws vs GT’s Ls in their series. Margins of victory or coaching jobs don’t mean a thing if you get the W. If UGA gets 13 Ws next fall, they’ll go to the NC game; same with GT. If they don’t, they probably won’t. You have to think W, GTBob. That’s all that matters in the end.
Tim
March 12th, 2012
2:14 pm
Hey Bobbie, Walk over to the practice field and tell your “so-called” team that UGA is 50 times better than they are. What do you think will happen?
So, I guess what your saying is that tek sucks so bad and even UGA is good I will still come on a UGA BLOG and spout off about how they are not good.
Makes about as much sense as if I would get on a Florida blog and say, “Well, we have come close a couple times in the past 20 years, several times you only beat us by 7 or less points.” See how stupid that sounds…. Probably not because you have no clue!
Just go back to your own blog you pest!
Big Crimson 75
March 12th, 2012
2:15 pm
Richt signs 5 year extension on the same day another Dawg gets arrested!!
oh, the Irony.
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:17 pm
But I’ll sure as hell consider it a W. I’m not talking about “coaching jobs” or margins of victory
Well there is the discrepancy. The argument started because I think Richt has done a poor job as a coach even in the GT games. You are talking about W’s and L’s and I am talking about coaching ability whether a team wins or loses.
Tide Pride
March 12th, 2012
2:17 pm
Mitchell to CB is a great move. Most schools recurited him as a DB.
Both UGA projected starting CB’s suspened for first 2 games.
Upset brewing in Columbia, MO
UGA does not fare well in B12 country – look at your last 2 trips that far west – humbled in Stillwater and Boulder. Missouri will be ready.
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:18 pm
Hey Bobbie, Walk over to the practice field and tell your “so-called” team that UGA is 50 times better than they are. What do you think will happen?
Judging by the lack of effort in last years game I would say they would probably agree with me.
mcdaviddawg
March 12th, 2012
2:19 pm
Also, we’re shorthanded in all most all positions because we’ve under recruited for the last three years. Our great dream team recruiter can’t fill the slate. We’ll be playing with less players than Sout Carolina which lost scholarships. Maybe a raise will get do nothing Richt to work?
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:20 pm
Makes about as much sense as if I would get on a Florida blog and say, “Well, we have come close a couple times in the past 20 years, several times you only beat us by 7 or less points.”
Florida and UGA are on roughly equal playing fields talent wise. UGA and GT are not and never will be.
DawgNole
March 12th, 2012
2:20 pm
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:09 pm
10 and 1 against your in-state rival is not good enough?
Not when you have 50 times the talent of the other team. UGA should win with ease every year and it is surprising that they don’t.
_______________________
Not surprising at all. That’s what happens in rival games. The inferior program (GT in this case) often plays competitively against its superior rival (UGA).
slydog
March 12th, 2012
2:22 pm
With the recent arrest of Branden Smith, UGA made a grave mistake giving CMR a 5 year contract. This coach has a discipline problem. Of course, it’s common sense to not blame the coach for every single decision a person makes, but look at UGA football program’s current atmosphere. You have a team full of athletes who are taking too many risks at key positions or critical moments. UGA MIGHT have 6 SEC-ready DB’s next season and look what decision Mr. Smith decided to make? Orson Charles starts training for the combine “late”, gets bad advice concerning getting ready for the pro game, and then gets a DUI right after a bad pro day. There are simply too many football players taking too may risks on this football team and it shows when they play on the field. Take a look at the results of the past 11 years. If someone can “prove” that he deserved it, then that means you are ok with mediocre, non-disciplined football. The proof is in the pudding. I would expect that a devout Christian would at least be able to teach these young men about “manhood” and making good decisions. A belief in Jesus is just not enough.
DawgNole
March 12th, 2012
2:25 pm
GTBob
March 12th, 2012
2:17 pm
But I’ll sure as hell consider it a W. I’m not talking about “coaching jobs” or margins of victory
Well there is the discrepancy. The argument started because I think Richt has done a poor job as a coach even in the GT games. You are talking about W’s and L’s and I am talking about coaching ability whether a team wins or loses.
______________________
I’m talking about what matters, GTBob, and Ws are all that matter–not coaching jobs or margins of victory–especially in rivalry games.
Ghost
March 12th, 2012
2:26 pm
GTBob ,So was Virginia a good team last year?Was Louisiana tech a good team , they won their conference?