Photos: Mark Richt press conference - Nov. 30, 2015

Sports

Photos: Mark Richt says farewell to Georgia

Mark Richt makes remarks in press conference officially announcing his dismissal as Georgia's head football coach Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, in Athens.

Georgia head coach Mark Richt makes opening remarks at press conference officially marking his dismissal as the Bulldogs' head football coach Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, in Athens.

Mark Richt arrived with a prepared statement but instead spoke openly about his feelings following his dismissal as Georgia's head football coach after 15 years.

Mark Richt had been Georgia's head coach for 15 years. Richt thanked a number of individuals - including Vince Dooley - and organizations that had a time during his tenure in Athens.

Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity expressed his gratitude for Mark Richt's years at Georgia. He would not go into details about the decision to dismiss Richt as Georgia's head football coach.

Mark Richt enters the press conference in Athens. Richt was going to spend the next few weeks on the recruiting trail. With his scheduled clear, Richt says he will spend that time looking at his options.

Mark Richt thanked former Georgia coach and athletics director Vince Dooley (who was in attendance) for giving him the opportunity to coach the Bulldogs 15 years ago.

Mark Richt on the reason he believes he was dismissed: "I think it got to the point where there wasn't enough confidence that my leadership" could not bring Georgia another title.

Mark Richt said he will be looking for opportunities beyond coaching, including an offer to remain at Georgia in some capacity. But Richt emphasized he would be speaking to whomever wanted to offer something.

Mark Richt spoke openly about his Christian values and how the decision to coach or pursue other goals are "God's will."

Mark Richt on the reason he believes he was dismissed: "I think 15 years is a long time. I think the expectations have been built to the point where if you don’t win a championship it’s kinda miserable around here."

Mark Richt says he was offered a role to stay at Georgia but it has "not been defined totallly."

Former Georgia athletics director Vince Dooley is asked his opinion on the firing of Mark Richt Monday at the press conference. On Sunday, Dooley told the AJC's Mark Bradley he was 'fine' with the decision.

Mark Richt said he was unsure of what he'll do next, but "if and when I do coach again I’ll look forward to coaching again. Being more hands on. I miss coaching quarterbacks, I miss calling plays.”

Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity declined to get into what ultimately led to the decision to let Mrak Richt go as the Bulldogs' football coach.

Mark Richt had not signed his contract extension at Georgia. Athletics director Greg McGarity reiterated that they will live up to the deal he gave Richt earlier this year. "A deal’s a deal," he said.

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Georgia head coach Mark Richt makes opening remarks at press conference officially marking his dismissal as the Bulldogs' head football coach Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, in Athens.

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