New Miami football coach Mark Richt drew a big ovation when he was introduced midway through the first half of the Hurricanes' basketball game against Florida in Coral Gables, Fla., Tuesday night.
"I came here tonight to support coach (Jim) Larranaga and the basketball team," Richt, a Miami alum, told the crowd. "I just also wanted to say I'm so thankful to be back home."
Richt was the University of Georgia's coach for 15 seasons before being fired on Nov. 30. He quickly accepted the job to lead Miami's football program.
He was 145-51 as the Bulldogs' coach, 9-3 this season. Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, a former Georgia defensive back, has replaced Richt as Georgia's coach.
No. 17 Miami beat rival Florida 66-55 in Tuesday night's basketball game.
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