About James "Friday" Richards

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

• Age: 56.

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AJC File James "Friday" Richards coached Marrietta High School football from 1995, compiling a a 107-58 career record, and winning four region titles.

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• High School: Marietta, class of 1972 (2,090 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns).

• College: University of Florida, where he was a blocking fullback.

• NFL: Drafted seventh round by New York Jets 1976. Spent one season with Jets, one with Washington Redskins.

• High School coaching: Returned in 1978 to teach and coach at Marietta High, where he coached sports ranging from girls basketball to track. Became head football coach in 1995 (107-58 career record, four region titles).

• Origin of the nickname “Friday”: It does not refer to his love of Friday night football. Richards said it dates back to his pre-school days, growing up in Marietta public housing. But beyond that, he keeps the meaning of the name a secret. Not even his wife of 30 years knows the root of it. He had promised to let Dorothy Richards in on the secret when she was delivering their only child, daughter Jaimie. “But when I started contractions, I didn’t care. All I was looking for was the epidural. Afterward, he just told me, ‘You had your chance,’ ” Dorothy said.