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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 22
Monday, December 22, 2008
Welcome to the hot seat, Willie
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So the Willie Martinez issue appears to have been settled, and in fact isn’t really an issue at all, from what we’re told. Mark Richt supports his staff, including the fans’ favorite whipping boy, Martinez, and Damon Evans supports Mark Richt.
End of story, right?
Well, maybe not. There’s a wild card in Georgia athletics that hasn’t been heard from … UGA President Michael Adams, who in the past has shown no reluctance about pulling the trigger on decisions that his athletic director isn’t ready to make.
If, heaven forbid, Javon Ringer and the Spartans run up and down the field against the Dawgs in the bowl game and Martinez’s defense again gives up 30-plus points in a loss, will Adams be willing to sit back and let things ride? Or will he call Richt in and tell him Georgia can’t go another season with such woeful defense and the only change that can be made needs to be made without delay?
Even if Adams doesn’t intercede and Martinez’s job is safe for another year, his defense’s performance in the bowl is going to be closely scrutinized. And if it’s another bad day, the pressure and debate will do nothing but increase during the off-season.
Even in the best-case scenario, next year would seem to be make-or-break for Martinez. Another bad year for the D and Richt might find himself being dragged down if he isn’t willing to cut Martinez loose.
Generally, there’s only room for one on the hot seat. Right now, it’s Martinez who occupies it.
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