Nick Saban, Todd Gurley speak on Mark Richt’s dismissal

When Nick Saban speaks, everyone listens. So when Nick Saban openly criticised Georgia’s administration for booting Mark Richt on Sunday, I’m sure everyone agreed, too.

Saban said on the SEC teleconference: “I don’t what the world’s coming to in our profession.” He added: “Mark Richt’s been a really good coach and real positive person in our profession for a long, long time,” Saban said. “I think when you win nine games, that’s a pretty good season, and especially with the body of work that he’s been able to put together there for however years he’s been there….I hate to see people that have the character and quality and ability to affect young people in a positive way like Mark Richt not be a part of our profession.”

Ironically, Georgia’s destruction at home by Alabama – and other frustrating losses to boot – paved the way for Richt’s dismissal, in the same way as Les Miles’ failure to beat Alabama for the last four years may have paved the way for his dismissal at LSU had it not been for the intervention of fans, the media, players, and a home win against Texas A&M.

Todd Gurley used Instagram to send his message. “Greatest coach of all time and an even better person. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Words can’t explain how this feels but I know God has a plan.” He also added: “That hurts,” when told about it after St Louis played their NFL game yesterday.

Under Richt, 72 Georgia players were chosen in the NFL Draft. That’s a pretty impressive resume.