Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity today fired football coach Mark Richt, a day after Richt's Bulldogs capped a 9-3 season with a 13-7 win at Georgia Tech.
"Coach Richt and I met this morning to discuss the status of our football program," McGarity said in a release, "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.
"On behalf of the University of Georgia Athletic Association and Bulldogs everywhere, I want to thank Mark and Katharyn for 15 years of remarkable service to the UGA community, hundreds of our students and staff, and to college football."
Richt has a 145-51 record with the Bulldogs in 15 seasons, leading them to Southeastern Conference titles in 2002 and '05.
"I appreciate the opportunity of serving the university as well as considering any other options that may present themselves in the future," Richt said in a statement.
McGarity has given Richt the opportunity to remain on our staff, saying he would be "heavily involved with outreach programs for our former football lettermen" as well as other athletic department initiatives.
"Mark's record on the field was outstanding; however, his impact on college football goes well beyond the gridiron," McGarity said. "His fingerprints are evident on shaping the lives of children, many of whom attend a Bulldog summer camp or a retreat; they are evident on the prospective student-athletes as they determine what college to attend - whether it be UGA or a competitor; they are evident on his current players, and probably even more so, on those who have lettered and are in the workplace, as fathers and husbands. For those contributions, we are sincerely appreciative.
"Mark has touched thousands of lives over the past 15 years - he has a huge heart and his positive influence has affected many people, young and old. We will never actually know how many people were positively impacted by
a comforting phone call, a sympathetic or uplifting note, an autographed football or photo - he had the unique ability to shine a bright light on others when they needed it most."
For more information, ready Monday's Times Free Press