After losing Saturday to perennial SEC bottom feeder Mississippi State, the Georgia Bulldogs fell to 1-3, 0-3 in the SEC. A poor start to this season following an 8-5 record last year is more than enough to fuel speculation regarding the future of head coach, Mark Richt. Add recent player arrests, defections to the NFL, as well as the dismissal of former AD, Damon Evans and you've got a program that is down from its customary top 10 ranking.
Should UGA fire Mark Richt?
Unless there is something I am missing, the answer is absolutely not. Recent results have not been good, but Richt has a proven track record of success at the highest level of college football, including two SEC championships. Richt is a good man. He recruits good players and graduates and/or sends them to the NFL. Until recently, he has won games. Richt has three years and around $9M left on a contract that is reported to be guaranteed if he is fired, so UGA would be on the hook for that money in addition to the salary of a new coaching staff.
From Wally Butts to Vince Dooley, UGA has a history of keeping coaches. Dooley had some poor records in his years coaching and the school stuck with him. He went on to win a national championship.
UGA plays in the best conference in college football. Each season their schedule includes Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia Tech and others (this season Arkansas and Auburn). They are going to lose some games.
Mississippi State is the bad loss this season. The loss indicates they have reached a down time or a bump in the road. Their best player, AJ Green, has not played this season due to NCAA suspension for selling a game jersey. Green is eligible for their next game, against Colorado.
No doubt, Richt will look to improve all areas of the program. If that has not happened when his contract expires, UGA may look not to renew. Until then, Richt should be given the opportunity to recruit, choose staff, and coach the team out of this low point and back into the BCS bowl picture.
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