re: Why don't we ever hear Mark Richt's name in coaching search rumors?

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So if UGA doesn't put forth the effort financially to take UGA over the top then why does Richt always stay and not even flirt with other schools? He love Athens that much?

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We have been discussing this today on the Georgia Sports Board. I think the limited commitment has frustrated Richt; for instance he has been asking for a full, on campus indoor practice facility for many years and what he got instead was this mini facility that is a joke and is in the only location where a full size facility could have been located. While his salary is competitive in the 3 million range most of his staff salaries aren't as competitive and we don't even have the allowed number assistants. We also have self imposed recruiting constraints that pretty much prevents us from maintaining a full roster by not oversigning/allowing for typical attrition. There was some data on this board this week that basically showed that UGA spends less per player than most of our competition in the SEC.

Having said this, to answer your question, I think Richt has reconciled himself to the situation and recognizing the constraints takes pressure off him to win championships. Our admins seem pretty happy with 10 win seasons most years as long the money keeps rolling in. They aren't really in a position to complain much about Richt considering his very positive public relations image along with a consistently good win/loss record including bowl games. They of course would love for Richt to win a NC overcoming the constraints but they aren't willing to commit enough resources to make it happen.

Bottom line: our university is focused on building it's academic standing and athletics is secondary at best.