UGA’s Martinez could be in line for Miami job

Athens — Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez may get a call to come home.

The Miami Herald speculated Tuesday on its Web site that Martinez could be University of Miami coach Randy Shannon’s top target to be his next defensive coordinator. Bill Young, who was Miami’s coordinator last season, accepted the same position at Oklahoma State Tuesday afternoon, according to the Daily Oklahoman.

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Brant Sanderlin/bsanderlin@ajc.com

Could Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez be headed for Miami?

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Coach Mark Richt said through a spokesperson that no one from Miami has contacted him, and that the speculation was “news to him.” Messages left on the Martinez’s cellphone have not been returned.

Martinez, 45, is a native of Coral Gables, Fla., a Miami graduate and a defensive back on its 1983 national championship team. Martinez was the focus of fan criticism this past season as the Bulldogs (10-3) gave up 24.5 points per game, the second-highest total in school history. Georgia’s secondary coach since Richt became head coach in 2001, Martinez succeeded Brian VanGorder as defensive coordinator in 2005.