ATHENS, GA. — Mark Richt says Georgia has been his home and being in Athens has been a blessing for him and his family.
Channel 2 Action News first reported Sunday that the University of Georgia has parted ways with the 15-year veteran of the Bulldogs.
“I think it got to the point where there just wasn't enough confidence in my leadership to get it done and that’s the prerogative of the people in charge and I understand that,” Richt said in a news conference Monday.
UGA’s Athletic Director Greg McGarity didn’t address why the change was made, just saying “that will remain private between Mark and I.”
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Richt was well-known as a coach who cared about his players both on and off the field. In the news conference, he says one of his biggest accomplishments was helping his players become great men.
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“He’s a person that I’m exceptionally proud of that I hired who performed on the field and also performed off the field. His legacy is well intact,” legendary coach Vince Dooley said about Richt.
When Dooley was asked about qualities he wants to see in a new coach, he said, “I think Mark Richt's would be a good start.”
Who will be the next head coach?
The next coach has not been named, but McGarity says the search will start immediately and will be announced in “due time.”
Channel 2’s Zach Klein spoke with one Bulldogs assistant coach who told him the feeling among the coaches in Athens is that Kirby Smart with be Richt’s replacement.
Smart has spent the last eight years next to Alabama head coach Nick Saban as the Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator. Smart has helped Alabama win three national championships and has strong ties to Georgia. He played defensive back for the Bulldogs in the mid-'90s and was an administrative assistant on the 1999 coaching staff and the running-back coach in 2005.
Richt says he wants the school and its alumni to rally around the new coach when the announcement is made.
One official inside the UGA football program told Klein not to expect that announcement this week because of the SEC Championship game. He said official word could come early next week.
What’s next for Mark Richt?
Richt says he still has one game left and is “really looking forward to coaching these boys one last time.”
"My plan right now is to prepare for the bowl game and coach these players one more time,” Richt said.
As for what comes after that, Richt said he will listen to any and all offers.
“I’m looking forward to coaching again in terms of being more hands-on. I miss coaching quarterbacks, I miss calling plays, I miss that part of it. So whether it’s in the role of head coach, coordinator, quarterbacks coach, whatever it is, if in fact I choose to do that, I’d be really excited about coaching QBs again,” Richt said.
McGarity and University of Georgia President Jere Morehead said Sunday Richt had been offered another position at the school that would include helping former players and fundraising for the university.
Richt said the offer to continue to work at the University of Georgia is an appealing one.
"I'm not ready to say what I'm going to do yet, but it is very attractive to have the option to stay in Athens ... and have the opportunity to help young people,” he said.
When asked how he wants to be remembered in Athens, Richt said, “That (I) love Georgia and (I) did it the right way. That (I) did it wholefully in such a way that it was well pleasing to the Lord.”
Fans, players react to the decision
Fans set up a small tribute for Richt outside the team's football facility. The words "Thanks Coach Richt" were written on a white poster board, set near a burning candle. A smaller sign said, "Fire McGarity."
UGA football players said that they loved Richt and will continue to fight for him.
Some of the biggest questions moving forward will be what assistant coaches stay and what recruits change their minds.
Jacob Eason, a five-star quarterback and the crown jewel of what is expected to be another top 10 class, has not commented publicly since Richt was dismissed, but Richt said Monday that he spoke with Eason Sunday night.
“I said be patient. I said see who the next guy is. You might get really excited by that. I’m not saying don’t check out other options, but don’t jump the gun. You chose Georgia for a reason and it was more than just me or coach Schottenheimer or whatever it may be,” Richt said.
Mark Richt’s history at UGA
Richt was named SEC Coach of the Year in both 2002 and 2005. His record against non-conference teams is 52-10 and his teams are 43-14 when playing in an opponent's home stadium.
Georgia (9-3) concluded its regular season with Saturday's 13-7 win over Georgia Tech.
There has been speculation about Richt's future since losses to Tennessee, Alabama and Florida ended the Bulldogs' hopes for a Southeastern Conference championship. But in the news conference Monday, McGarity said the decision was not officially made until after the Georgia Tech game.
Richt was 145-51 with two SEC championships.
McGarity said the $4.1 million buyout in Richt's contract will be honored, even though the new version of the deal recently approved by the athletic board has not been signed.
"A handshake means something here," McGarity said.