Mark Richt will be on Miami’s campus Friday, but he may not be there for long.
Richt agreed in principle Wednesday to a multi-year contract. UM did not confirm the hire Thursday, but called a press conference to “introduce the 24th head football coach in school history,” set for 10 a.m. Friday.
After Richt departs that stage, he undoubtedly will hit the road.
With less than two months to go before signing day – Feb. 3 – and 10 days remaining before the NCAA prohibits coaches to contact recruits for four weeks, Richt will recruit as vigorously as possible. He may do so for the Hurricanes as soon as he is cleared by the school’s compliance department.
Friday, he meets his new Hurricanes family — and looks for the next generation. One of the recruits he’ll check in with soon is four-star linebacker Shaquille Quarterman of Orange Park-Oakleaf High (Fla.). Quarterman, who committed to Miami before Richt and UGA parted ways, posted a message of support on Twitter soon after news of Richt’s decision broke Wednesday evening.
“First coach to ever offer me face-to-face was Richt,” wrote Quarterman. “Told me he didn’t offer [written scholarships to] 16-year-olds but knew ‘Dawgs when he saw them.
“We ‘Canes now.”
Another Miami commit, Michael Irvin II, the son of the former NFL and Hurricanes great, also welcomed Richt. "He knows we shouldn't expect anything but the best because we're Miami," Irvin told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "He's part of the family."
