Georgia players found out the news about Mark Richt just a few minutes before the rest of the world did.
It came not from the athletic director or any other school official, but via a mass text message from a team staffer, who was passing it along from Richt, according to one player. It said that the bowl game would be Richt’s last game with the program.
“Then a few minutes later, I saw the news blowing up on Twitter,” said the player, who did not wish to be identified.
Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt was in Elbert County with the mother of 5-star recruit Mecole Hardman when the news broke.
“I was in church with Mecole’s (mom),” Pruitt said. “I’m just recruiting. Not sure what to tell you.”
Georgia’s assistant coaches have been asked by UGA to remain with the program to continue coaching and recruiting.
Defensive line coach Tracy Rocker said he planned on staying through the bowl.
“I’m going to do my job,” he said. “It’s called finish the drill.”
Some reactions former and present UGA players:
“I was his first recruit to Georgia. It’s kind of disappointing to hear. I’m kind of sad and hurt by it. It’s a complete surprise to me to see it happen and to see it happen especially after the way they finished the season. I thought he’d get a chance to finish it out and try to turn it around the best way that he can. It’s disappointing right now. It’s kind of hard.”
— Former UGA quarterback D.J. Shockley
“Kirby Smart up next.”
— Former UGA receiver A.J. Green
“Have a winning season and still get fired smh.”
— Former UGA linebacker Amarlo Herrera
“Coach Richt will always be the Head Coach at Georgia 2 me Always No matter what. His Impact far surpassed just football. Love ya CMR.”
— Former UGA defensive back Brandon Boykin
“Hate to see CMR go. Great Coach and even BETTER man. Would do anything for me. UGA is a better place because of you Coach @MarkRicht.”
— Former UGA receiver Michael Bennett
“@MarkRicht turned a immature 18 yr old, into the man I am today. Thank you for taking me in.”
— UGA linebacker Davin Bellamy
“It’s a great job but a bad business. The world we live in now, with the social media and pressure, it is just crazy. First of all, you better have a good contract. Winning nine or 10 doesn’t seem to be enough anymore. When they are firing a guy like Mark Richt, that gives every coach out there a lot of perspective. A lot of the people cheering for you and rooting for you are the same ones that will run you out the door if you have a few bad few games or a couple so-called bad seasons. They are 9-3 over there at Georgia. I don’t know. It is crazy. Nobody is going to feel sorry for the coaches, but I know this: This is also a profession. There are real people involved, real feelings, and real families. I hate it. I hate to see it. There’s not a better football coach in America than Mark Richt. He’s won with dignity and class and consistency.”
— Clemson coach Dabo Swinney
