AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > May > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRicht’s hard not to like
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
You know what? It is impossible to dislike Mark Richt.
OK, OK. Maybe you might have a problem with the guy if you can’t stand Santa Claus, or if you’re sort of into Buzz more than UGA IV.
It’s just that, whenever the Georgia football coach talks about anything, you get the feeling that he actually believes what he says, and that he really is telling the truth.
Sounds simple enough, but such isn’t necessarily the case for many of Richt’s coaching peers. You know, on the other side of the equally straightforward Chan Gailey at Georgia Tech.
All of this came to mind again as I was reading Richt’s responses to questions from the AJC at the annual SEC spring meetings this week in Destin, Fla.
For example:
On the departure of defensive back Paul Oliver for academic reasons: “I knew going into the (spring) semester that it might be a tough one for Paul … but we’ve got some pretty talented young players back there.”
On Matthew Stafford’s infamous Internet photos: “If nothing else, it was helpful for him to understand, even more than us telling him, that he is not a normal guy. He has no privacy, and he has to understand that. That is just part of the responsibility of being the starting quarterback at Georgia.”
On the off-the-field screw ups of linebacker Akeem Hebron: “I believe he can learn a valuable lesson from it. I think he can grow into more of a man for it … What happens between now and the end of his career will measure him more than what just happened.”
Very nice.
And Richt can coach, too.
Permalink | Comments (45) | Categories: Quick Hit, Terence Moore
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By Stephen
May 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Before he ever coached his first game at UGA, I heard coach Richt speak here in Dalton. You could tell he was a good guy and knew he was hired for a reason. No one is perfect, but coach richt is a great guy, and a great coach. Well respected by his peers.
Proud to have him
By scott
May 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
CLASS ACT AS ALWAYS. WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE HIM COACHING THE DAWGS!!!!
HURRY UP SEPT. 1ST!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Darryl
May 30, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Coach Richt is a class act. He seems to genuinely care about his players and their futures, beyond their years of eligibility. He’s not only an asset to his players, but also to the university. Keep up the good work, Coach.
By Bobby Scott
May 30, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t trade Mark Richt for any coach in football. He is a great coach and an even better human being. We are lucky to have him. GO DAWGS!!!
By Troy
May 30, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
He is a great person…he gives so much back to his players, the university, and the state of GA. Good job coach.
By gdawginkalamazoo
May 30, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Great coach and great person. On a mission to help the young people to make better decisions in life. Only better things to come from CMR. Proud to have him coaching UGA.
By shane
May 30, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
so richt is a good guy and can coach,what a scoop! what college football fan did not know that? i am proud of him and what he has done at georgia,but i am most proud of the way he has learned to be harder and more demanding of his players,and of the way he gave play-calling duties to bobo.we forget that he learned to be a head coach on the field at a bcs school.that was not an easy task.he is still maturing as a coach,and will only get better.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
May 30, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
People have known that Mark Richt was a good guy who had his players best interest at heart all along. Shane is right in the fact that he had on the job training at a BCS school and has done well. We’ve seen the maturing process come to a head in the last year. The changes he has made in his coaching staff, going out on the road during the Spring and the overall attitude are things that represent outstanding growth and more will come in the future. Yes, we Dawgs are a lucky bunch to have him and I’m looking forward to watching him work in ‘07.
By gatorbait1
May 30, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Yep, easy to hate the pups! But how could anyone dislike their Coach ?
By IlliniBrave
May 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
As a UGA alum, I couldn’t be prouder of our two coaches - Richt and Felton. After the obnoxious condescending Donnan and the embarrasingly crooked Harrick, these two guys are a breath of fresh air. They restored confidence in their programs and have quickly won back the respect of not only UGA fans but their coaching peers and the sports media. I hear folks balk at Richt’s salary, and undoubtedly Felton’s next contract won’t be cheap. But for me, you can’t pay these guys enough. I’m just so glad that I don’t have to apologize anymore for my alma mater and their coaches.
By B'HAM DAWG
May 30, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Mark Richt has been a huge gain for UGA. Most of the players commit because of his philosophy in life and because he is HONEST with them. I truly feel that recruiting will only get better, and the character of the team will continue to improve due to the man in charge.
By tim
May 30, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
I met coach Richt. One of the few honest coaches left in football. Glad to have him on board
By Scott in Blackshear
May 30, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
WE ARE IN GOOD HANDS WITH COACH RICHT.
GO YOU SILVER BRITCHES!!!!!
By Matthew At The SLC
May 30, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
That’s what I love about Coach Richt. He wouldn’t sell his mama, or his beliefs (which yes, include Christian forgiveness, which is why he gives many chances to screw ups) to win football games. He’s not a slick, oily huckster. You can’t say that about Fat Phil. You can’t say that about Spurrier. You can’t say that about Saban. You can’t say that about Urban Myth. You definately can’t say that about Jim Tressell, Bob Stoops, or Pete Carroll. Those guys would sell their souls to the Devil to win; some already have (ahem, Jim Tressell, meet Maurice Clarett).
By sonnyliv
May 30, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
hey gatorbait, that was nice—are you ill?
By JB
May 30, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Met him 5 or 6 times….always looks you in the eye and listens to you. will not leave you if someone walks up and interupts. Super guy. I scream at him sometime watching the games, but I’m really looking forward to Bobo calling the plays, although I think it’ll be 70-75 % the same, I’ll think we’ll see Mike not give up on the run so quick. I also think we’ll be less predictable. Even I could guess most of the plays in certain situations, you know a veteran coach studying the film could.
By Andrew
May 30, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Even this Gator fan has to admit that Richt is a good coach and a complete class act. I may not be a fan of the Dawgs but I can’t knock their coach.
By UTVOLnATL
May 30, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Keep patting yourselves on the back Dawg fans. He can be the nicest guy in the world but it really doesn’t matter when teams are laying 51 points on you at home. What a crazy thing to discuss, like you actually know these people. Get a grip.
By Matt
May 30, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Richt is the most underrated coach in college football. He’s rarely mentioned among greats like Carrol, Tressel, or Stoops, but his record ranks right up there with those guys. Take for instance his 4-2 record against the East Tennessee Inbreeds (3-0 at that craptastic hole in the ground known as Neyland Stadium). Pretty danged impressive. The only thing missing from his resume is a mythical national title and that is only a matter of time in my opinion.
By Ryder
May 30, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Wow, UT and their coach phil the thong wearing fatty gets one win against UGA and some vols a** kisser wants to talk smack. At least we know Richt isn’t a snitch like fatboy. That’s all right, Stafford and the boys will knock UT off their supposed pedestal next year.
Thanks to the Gator fans for showing respect. Richt represents what a true man of God is about, strong character and backs it up in more than just talk.
By Nautidawg
May 30, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Hey UTVOLnATL, Nice work against LSU AT HOME
By The Dentist
May 30, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
UTVOLnATL,
My assistant tried to reach you down at the Port-O-Let company but they said that you had already emptied all the units so you could go put skirting around your new “house” they rolled into placed this afternoon. Anyway your tooth is ready. Now they can’t call you the toothless wonder anymore.
By UTVOLnATL
May 30, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
” Richt represents what a true man of God is about, strong character and backs it up in more than just talk.”
How do you know this? Do you know him personally? Are you one of his football players, a potential recruit, or the father of either? The point I’m making is that it won’t matter how nice he is if UGA goes through some rough times. I just think all of you should be careful about annointing someone as a hero when you don’t even really know the guy. I don’t care what Fat Phil does in his personal life, but if the team doesn’t show up ready to play or the players aren’t developing correctly then I have a problem with him. For all I know he could wear women’s clothes on the weekends, that doesn’t take away his national title. It’s not trash talk, it’s fact.
By NC Dawg
May 30, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
I’m sure Coach Richt would be the first to tell you that God is responsible for who he is. Let’s give credit where it’s due.
By Nautidawg
May 30, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
UTOLnATL- Maybe your gay assistant.
By gdawginkalamazoo
May 30, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
UTVOLnATL,
We don’t know you personally either but from your previous posts we can correctly guess that you are classless.
By Matt
May 30, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Nobody is going to take away Fat Phil’s national title, mainly because they don’t care about it. It was 9 years ago for creek’s sake. Since then he’s accomplished nothing of any importance (except winning the occasional barbecue eating contest) and is 2-4 against Mark Richt. Richt>Fat Phil, unless we’re talking about waist size.
By UTVOLnATL
May 30, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Everyone feeling better yet? You can keep it coming, I don’t mind. I’ll take anything if it makes football season get here sooner. Glad I could shake you guys up a little bit. We’ll see what happens this year when Chosen One of God (Richt) goes up against Fat Satan Boy (Fulmer)…oh wait, they are just coaching not playing each other. But why should they even play, Richt has the lord on his side, so he can never lose, can he? What would you like me to do, just agree that Richt is nice guy and that I respect him…ok, I respect him, but man I really can’t stand the fact that he has our number at home. Oh well, apparently our disgusting, fatboy coach has known what he was doing the last 2 trips to Athens, so maybe I’ll stick it out and hope that he can pray for forgiveness and perhaps, maybe beat the Dawgs in Knoxville this year.
By biffpocoroba
May 30, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
I just wish he’d kick back with a couple of cold beers now and again…
By Matthew At The SLC
May 30, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
I’m lonely, will you be my friend?
By JB
May 30, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
this tenn. guy has alot more than Richt to worry about. Word is this guy at Bama can coach a little football, and I’m sure since Phil pushed the Tide under the bus, the folks down there are looking forward to getting that program back in shape and kick that big’ol orange A* !!!!!! Between Richt and Saban pounding the Vols, the ole boy might go to judging BBQ full time.
By Sick and Tired
May 30, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
Just remember Dawg Fans, most of the time things that appear too good to be true, are. He’s not a saint and he’s not a saviour and he’s not perfect. A good coach yes, a great coach not. But he’s better than Goff. He’s not half the recruiter Donnan was. Donnan’s players have run out where’s the next great ones? Stafford you say, hey, let him throw more TD’s than interceptions before you give him the Heisman please.
By Matthew At The SLC
May 30, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Hahahaha! Hey, Idiot Racist Redneck Stalker, that’s not me! Would you like to know who I am? This is the second time you’ve said I am someone I’m not. The first time, you spent what must have been hours writing an insane diatribe. I’m not 26. What, did you search Athens and pick some random guy named Matthew in Athens? I guess that guy and me are the only people named Matthew in ALL of Athens. Idiot Racist Redneck Stalker… you’re such a homo. Hahaha!
By shane
May 30, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
you guys should back off ole phil,ole steve in carolina is much better at knocking him and is funnier than you. i don’t know any sec coahes personally,but have met several and heard them speak.i have not met one that didn’t impress me.i have also met chan gailey and found him to be smart and very personable.throw bobby bowden into the picture,then try to name another region of this country with better college coaches,or a better brand of football than we have.
By RJ
May 30, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
NC Dawg,
I’ll bet murderers on death row would say the same thing. Keep that credit going.
By Kendall
May 30, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
The ut fan made the comment that seems to permeate the hills of east tennessee. He doesnt care what fat phil does in his personal life. Typical. He represents your university. you should care. You dont and that is why he continues to embarass UT. Gonna fight me on that one? Alabama incident, not showing up for media day, his wife going up in the booth to attack a media person, his daughters, his players attacking students on camera, throwing gf’s off of balconeys, pointing toy guns at off duty police officers…the list is long and NOT typical of college students. yeah, UGA has issues with drinking. Big deal, we all drank too much and did stupid stuff in college. However last time I checked, I never attacked or threw my fellow students. Get a grip ut boy, fat phil is a punk, and that fish stinks from the head down. Your best bet is at OC…you better hope he sticks around.
By AltamahaDawg
May 30, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
I agree with Terrance, but wouldn’t it have been easier to just have said. “I like Tony Barnhart’s article”?????
By DHNF
May 30, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
People will really be talking about Richt when UGA surprises everyone and wins the SEC yet again.
By mad dawg
May 30, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
All this love for the Jesus Freak. They did not hire him to be a hypocritical Jesus Freak whose players run afoul of the law all the time. They hired a damn football coach. He won with Donnan’s players. He can’t recruit and he will never win. This program has been in serious regression since 2002. Richt will be fired in 2009. Richt sucks! National championships are the goal, not SEC championships, and not being the jesus freak choir boy coach with all the gangsta players. FIRE MARK RICHT! FIRE TERRENCE MOORE WHILE YOU ARE AT IT TOO!
By UGA slobberknocker
May 30, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
mad dog, even Terrence Moore makes more sense than you. i just hope you arent sitting next to me this yr..i would have to kick your a*
By Matthew At The SLC
May 30, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
mad dawg = Jealous Bug
Wow. Just wow. Georgia has been in decline since 2002? Richt can’t win with his own players? I guess, stupid little Bug, that you’ve erased the whole year of 2005 from your memory? You know, when a whole team of Richt recruits went out and won an SEC Championship and beat the crap out of Mythical National Title contending LSU. But, if I were a Bug, I’d have had to erase many years from my memory.
Have fun with Chan The Man calling offensive plays yet again!
By Sick and Tired
May 30, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Well you won’t be the first Dawg fans to fight each other. Maybe you can curse the players when your’re done fighting.
By shane
May 30, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
mad dawg,you sure picked the right handle there old buddy.you must have rabies,or an anger management problem.can’t recruit?have you seen the guys commiting for 2008?rivals.com has uga rated in the top 10 or TOP 5 each year richt has been there.i remember donnan and his 7-5 and 8-4 years very well.donnan was not fit to carry vinces playbook,and all it had in it was off tackle left and off tackle right.the man,[dooley],did win over 200 games and a national title.what the hell did donnan do with all that talent he amassed? remember,ray goff was the best recruiter we ever had,and donnan started with HIS players.
By shane
May 30, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
by the way guys,i said ray was the best recruiter,not the best coach,so don’t jump on me.i am not going to get into ray’s coaching,it is in the past and he is a good man and a fine person and has been dragged through the mud enough.
By GW
May 30, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Richt has proven that a coach can have a burning desire to win without the sport being his first priority in life. That’s a lesson we all could learn. He is more aware than any of us that he is paid to win but still puts God and family first. If you don’t believe that takes courage just read these idiot bloggers.