Mark Richt out at Georgia

Mark Richt has resigned as the head coach of Georgia, the university said today.

UGA’s AD Greg McGarity said: “Coach Richt and I met Sunday morning to discuss the status of our football program…and we mutually agreed that he would step down as head coach and would have the opportunity to accept other duties and responsibilities at UGA following the bowl game.”

Richt added: “I appreciate the opportunity of serving the University as well as considering any other options that may present themselves in the future.”

Richt had been at Georgia for 15 years, where he won 145 games and two SEC Championships. However, Georgia had struggled to ‘get over the hump’ recently against Top-25 ranks, and pressure on Richt mounted with the team’s heavy losses to Alabama and Florida respectively.

Georgia’s top target is said to be Alabama’s defensive co-ordinator Kirby Smart, who was a Georgia graduate. Every time word came out over the years that Richt might be under pressure, Smart’s name had been mentioned.

There have also been some mentions of Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen looking at the role, thanks to the exceptionally fertile coaching area that is Atlanta and the State of Georgia.