5 reasons Brad Kaaya can win the 2016 Heisman Trophy

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Dec 8, 2015; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head football coach Mark Richt speaks to the fans during a timeout the first half against the Florida Gators at BankUnited Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Mark Richt’s arrival

Kaaya, if he isn’t already, will surely become one of the biggest fans of the university’s decision to hire Mark Richt as the football team’s next head coach.

Richt went 145-51 with two SEC titles and two Sugar Bowl wins in 15 seasons as the head coach at Georgia, but Richt was fired after the Bulldogs finished the regular season with a 9-3 record. Shortly thereafter, Richt agreed to become Miami’s head coach, taking over for interim coach Larry Scott, who coached the team’s final six games after Al Golden was fired on Oct. 25, 2015.

Richt was a standout quarterback in high school at Boca Raton High School before playing collegiately at Miami, where he was primarily a backup for future Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Jim Kelly.

Before taking the head coaching position at Georgia, Richt spent 11 years as an offensive assistant at Florida State. Two of the quarterbacks under Richt’s guidance, Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke, became Heisman Trophy winners. Richt also helped develop Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in 2009 by the Detroit Lions, into a premier passer at Georgia.

There is a track record of success with quarterbacks, and Kaaya could be the next one in line under Richt’s tutelage.

Next: No. 4: Heisman history

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