There will be no final game for Mark Richt as University of Georgia football coach.
Richt informed Bulldogs players Thursday afternoon that he would not be coaching them in a bowl game. The 55-year-old is scheduled to be introduced this morning as the new coach at the University of Miami, his alma mater.
Replacing Richt on an interim basis is Bulldogs receivers coach Bryan McClendon, a former Georgia receiver who has been on Richt's staff the past seven seasons.
"I've asked Bryan to assume all administrative duties of the head coach," Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said in a release. "This will be the least disruptive option for our players and staff as they begin preparations for our bowl game."
McGarity fired Richt on Sunday but allowed him to coach in a bowl. Richt said Monday that he welcomed the opportunity of guiding the Bulldogs one more time, but his 15-year run in Athens that yielded a 145-51 record and Southeastern Conference championships in 2002 and 2005 is now at an end.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and all other assistant coaches will remain in their roles with their current responsibilities, McGarity said in the release. That is all subject to change, however, should any of those coaches leave for other jobs as well.
The man who has agreed to be Richt's replacement, Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, is expected to help coach the Crimson Tide through early January. Alabama radio analyst and Senior Bowl executive director Phil Savage said on SiriusXM radio Thursday that three sources have told him that Smart plans to finish out his ninth season by Nick Saban's side.
"I think it all depends on whether Alabama wins on Saturday," Savage said. "If they were to lose and if they were just going to a bowl game, that would change the picture."
Alabama can all but assure its spot in college football's four-team playoff with a win Saturday over Florida in the SEC championship game. The No. 2 Crimson Tide are 18-point favorites over the No. 18 Gators.
By remaining as the Tide's defensive coordinator for a few more weeks, Smart would follow in the footsteps of Tom Herman. Houston's first-year coach was Ohio State's offensive coordinator this time last year and remained with the Buckeyes through their national championship run before taking over the Cougars.
Smart staying with Alabama could hinder Georgia's recruiting efforts, though not dramatically. The NCAA has a dead period - when there is no contact allowed with recruits - from Dec. 14 until Jan. 13.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.