Richt: Talk of staff changes premature

By Tim Tucker

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia coach Mark Richt, interrogated by some unhappy Bulldogs fans on his weekly radio show Monday night, said this is not the time to discuss staff changes.

"I think a lot of people expect blood. They want somebody to be let go and fired and all that kind of thing and maybe that's what needs to be done," Richt said to one critical caller. "But at this point right now, we're going to do what we know is the best thing to do and that is to focus on this game this week [at Vanderbilt]."

Last week's 45-19 loss to Tennessee ignited a firestorm of criticism on Internet message boards frequented by UGA fans, with much of it directed at defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and Richt.  Callers to Richt's  radio show  were more contentious than usual.

To one who implored Richt to "earnestly and honestly evaluate our program" and possibly make difficult changes, Richt reiterated that the  focus must remain on the upcoming games.

"I can promise you we aren't bailing out on the season," Richt said. "I think a lot of fans want the season to end and I don't think that's the way we should function at Georgia. Right now, we need to . . . work like mad to get ready to play this Vanderbilt team.

"As time rolls on, there'll be time for other things as far as this evaluation you're talking about," Richt added. "There is evaluation you do as you go, and there is evaluation you do in reflection, too. All of those things will happen and I can understand your frustration. I am frustrated, too."

Etc.

Richt said he expects tight end Bruce Figgins, who completed a six-game suspension last week, to be redshirted.  "I do not think he'll be playing this season," Richt said. . . .  Asked about playing freshman quarterbacks Aaron Murray or Zach Mettenberger this season, Richt said: "I'm not saying it's an impossibility at this point, but I'd say it's not very likely." . . . Vanderbilt is calling for a blackout Saturday, urging Commodores fans to wear black  to the homecoming game against Georgia. . . . The Bulldogs return to the practice field today. They did not practice Monday, per their regular weekly schedule. "There's a lot of questions to be answered, and hopefully we'll find [the answers] this week," senior wide receiver Michael Moore said. "Everybody has to look at themselves as a man and be able to take ownership of what they did wrong and hopefully go out there and correct it."