Report: Georgia fires Mark Richt
The University of Georgia has fired Mark Richt.
Shocking news out of the college football world on Sunday afternoon as the University of Georgia fired head football coach Mark Richt one day after the Bulldogs downed rival Georgia Tech, 13-7.
Georgia coach Mark Richt has been dismissed per source. 1st ESPN.
— Thayer Evans (@ThayerEvansCR) November 29, 2015
Richt has been living in a gray area for quite some time during his stint at Georgia. A perennial bridesmaid, he could never quite get his team over the hump. A perfect example is the 2014 campaign. During that season, his Georgia team appeared to have a golden road to the SEC Championship Game – a play-in for the College Football Playoff – but losses to moribund South Carolina and Florida teams felled his team’s chances once again. Missouri would represent the East that season.
In 2015 it was more of the same, as Richt’s team appeared to be the far-and-away best team in the SEC East during the preseason. However, after losing to Alabama and then falling against Tennessee – a game in which star tailback Nick Chubb was lost for the season – the wheels came off for the Bulldogs. They finished 9-3, but will watch Florida represent the East in Atlanta.
Georgia’s administration had apparently hit what it felt was a glass ceiling under Richt. He’s a class act and a wonderful ambassador for the school, but the nice guys finish last specter had grown too large.
Richt’s firing comes at a curious time for the Bulldogs, as in other years they might very well be the biggest team on the market. However, with the likes of USC and Miami in the hunt for a coach, they are arguably the third-best candidate. Also, SEC East rival South Carolina is on the coaching market, thus presenting another rival in the search.
A number of names will arise for the high-profile position. Expect to hear everyone from Chip Kelly (who is attached to seemingly every opening) to Kirby Smart (former Georgia defensive back and current Alabama defensive coordinator) to be mentioned for the position.
In 15 seasons with the Bulldogs Richt amassed a record of 145-51. He won two conference titles (2002, 2005) and six total division crowns. His conference record was 83-37.