"Congrats on being a finalist, Mark." (Brant Sanderlin, AJC)

Credit: Mark Bradley

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Credit: Mark Bradley

Esteemed and eagle-eyed colleague Michael Carvell -- the man reads everything -- passes along this nugget: Georgia's Mark Richt is among 12 finalists for the Dodd Trophy , which the modest folks who oversee its presentation claim "is the preeminent coach of the year award."

Here's who's not a finalist for the Dodd Trophy: Paul Johnson of Georgia Tech.

Here's where Bobby Dodd became a coaching legend: Georgia Tech.

Here's the sponsoring body of the Dodd Trophy: The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

Here's where the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is based: Atlanta, Ga.

Here's where Georgia Tech is based: Atlanta, Ga.

Here's how many ACC coach of the year awards Johnson has won this season: Two.

Here's how many SEC coach of the year awards Richt has won this season: Zero.

Here's how many division titles Johnson's Jackets won this season: One (of a possible one).

Here's how many division titles Richt's Bulldogs won this season: Zero (of a possible one).

Here's how many of the finalists' teams Johnson's Jackets beat this season: Two. (Clemson's Dabo Swinney is also among the dozen. Holy mackerel.)

I have nothing to add -- nothing you're not already saying to yourselves --  except that balloting must have been conducted with 18 seconds remaining in the Tech-Georgia tilt.

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC