Today, the University of Georgia confirmed that Mark Richt will step down from the head coach position. In spirit of this decision, let's look back at the history of Mark Richt.
The Georgia Bulldogs hired the former Florida State offensive coordinator in December of 2000. Mark Richt's first season with the Bulldogs ended with an 8-4 record. The Bulldogs finished in the NCAA's Top 25 for the fifth consecutive season. Richt also gave the University of Tennessee their only regular season loss and beat hometown rival Georgia Tech for the first time since '97. Richt made an incredible first impression on the Bulldog nation.
His first impression was just the beginning of Richt's success at Georgia. In the past 14 years, Richt led the Bulldogs to 14 bowl games finishing with a post-season record of 9-5. Mark Richt has an overall record of 145-51 at the University of Georgia. After the 2015 season, Georgia is again bowl eligible with a regular season record of 9-3 with wins over Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, Missouri, and South Carolina.
Mark Richt produced only one losing season during his 15 seasons at Georgia. That season, 2010, the Bulldogs even went to a bowl game, falling short to the University of Central Florida 10 to 6. Richt also claimed two SEC Championships in 2002 and 2005. Richt is responsible for 6 of Georgia's 7 SEC East Division Championships in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011, and 2012.
Under Mark Richt, more than 80 UGA football players have been drafted into the NFL including greats like Boss Bailey, David Pollack, Thomas Brown, A.J. Green, Aaron Murray, and Todd Gurley. With all the success Richt has produced, his character shines brighter.
From the wild uproar the last hour has produced, a few things have become more clear.
Greg McGarity, the UGA J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics, released a statement saying that he and Mark Richt met to discuss the future of the football program. From that discussion, both parties mutually agreed that Richt would step down from head coach. McGarity shared his gratitude towards the Richt family and Richt's impact on players, the university, and community. McGarity implied that Richt would coach the bowl game by saying Richt "would have the opportunity to accept other duties and responsibilities at UGA following the bowl game."
With that being said, head coach Mark Richt will be missed. His character, family values, and talent has been noticed by a nation. Today, I ask the Bulldog Nation to awaken. Mark Richt made history in 15 years and as a Bulldog fan, I wish the best for Mr. Richt and his family.
From the Bulldog Nation, thank you, Coach Richt, for everything.
