McGarity speaks on Richt's future

[Carter]

AUBURN, Ala. – Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity said today he “absolutely” expects Mark Richt to be the Bulldogs football coach next season.

“I would say based on the first 10 games, no question about that,” McGarity said prior to today’s Georgia-Auburn football game. “I know we’re 5-5, but you go back and you look at all the dynamics involved, how close the games were. It’s not like we’ve been in situations of lopsided losses, of being non-competitive.”

McGarity said he has not been contacted by Colorado for permission to approach Richt about the Buffaloes’ head coaching vacancy. The Denver Post has reported that Richt has emerged as a possible candidate for the job that opened with Dan Hawkins’ firing.

“They need to contact me first,” said McGarity, who added that “I have seen nothing but all signs pointing to him wanting to stay at the University of Georgia. … I think it’s in our coaches’ contracts too. I’d have to check the specific language, but they’re supposed to alert us – me or the president – if there’s been any contact made by an outside group.”

Richt’s current contract runs through the 2013 season, which falls under the four-year window that some coaches prefer for recruiting purposes.

Asked if he agrees with the four-year thought for coaches’ contact extensions, McGarity replied, “I don’t buy into that.”

"Bottom-line," he said, "it’s the relationship you have with your coaches. … Just trust the relationship you have with each other. Those are things that aren’t built in two months.”

http://georgia.247sports.com/Article/McGarity-says-he-expects-Richt-to-return-5593

[Cable Guy]

Great news to hear. This will only help with recruiting.

[Threepac Daddy]

this is the season that puts him on the hot seat. if this year repeats it self he will be fired no doubt about it

[Carter]

this is the season that puts him on the hot seat. if this year repeats it self he will be fired no doubt about it

Everyone said that last year and we did worse this year. Despite all the talk in the media, I still don't buy that Richt is on the hot seat. If we lose to Tech then he will definitely be on the hot seat, though. And everyone will know it.

Now I won't say that he's still safe if 2011 is another mediocre year, but I believe Richt will retire before the situation ever realistically arises with McGarity to consider firing him. And I don't mean one of those "retire to save face" type of deals... I just don't see Mark Richt being fired. As long as UGA is competitive and showing improvement, he'll be here... and when he steps away from the game, he'll be done with it. Richt is not a guy who will get shafted by UGA and pop up to coach somewhere else like we see so often in coaching these days.

So as I said, I don't buy the hot seat line. I think Richt has an uncommon bond with this university and the football program. Losing to Tech this year is the only thing in my mind that could propel him to hot seat status. If 2011 is a repeat of this year then I might buy into the hot seat bit to an extent, but I don't think Richt will be fired. But I also don't see the defense doing anything but getting better... the offense, I'm not totally sure on. AJ's decision to stay or go pro will have a great impact on my outlook for the offense next year.

[jtcrews75]

Everyone said that last year and we did worse this year. Despite all the talk in the media, I still don't buy that Richt is on the hot seat. If we lose to Tech then he will definitely be on the hot seat, though. And everyone will know it.

Now I won't say that he's still safe if 2011 is another mediocre year, but I believe Richt will retire before the situation ever realistically arises with McGarity to consider firing him. And I don't mean one of those "retire to save face" type of deals... I just don't see Mark Richt being fired. As long as UGA is competitive and showing improvement, he'll be here... and when he steps away from the game, he'll be done with it. Richt is not a guy who will get shafted by UGA and pop up to coach somewhere else like we see so often in coaching these days.

So as I said, I don't buy the hot seat line. I think Richt has an uncommon bond with this university and the football program. Losing to Tech this year is the only thing in my mind that could propel him to hot seat status. If 2011 is a repeat of this year then I might buy into the hot seat bit to an extent, but I don't think Richt will be fired. But I also don't see the defense doing anything but getting better... the offense, I'm not totally sure on. AJ's decision to stay or go pro will have a great impact on my outlook for the offense next year.

You made some good points but I think if we have another 5 or 6 loss season next year richt will be gone one way or another. There would be way to much pressure on mcgarity. Nevertheless he will be our coach next year and I'm happy about that.