Fire Richt! An alternative view

What if it were December 2009 and UGA decided to make a change, because 'it is clear Mark Richt will never get us the championship we deserve with all of this talent' and 'we aught to NEVER lose to Kentucky' (both actual quotes from various places, with emphasis in original). We get the feel good, thanks for all you did for us, win over Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl. During most of December, we quietly talk to Jimmy Sexton, because that is what programs do. Rumors are floated about Boise State's Chris Peterson, Jon Gruden, Central Michigan's Butch Jones, Houston's Kevin Sumlin, Falcon's assistant Brian Van Gorder, Florida assistant Charlie Strong, Will Muschamp, Kirby Smart, and in the craziest of all crazy rumors, Steve Spurrier.

And, of course, Houston Nutt because we talked to Jimmy Sexton.

Behind the scenes, however, we do an extensive search and after making two offers (one to Gary Patterson and one to Miami's Randy Shannon) that are spurned, we find our man in Greenville, North Carolina.

Skip Holtz. The same Skip Holtz that ran South Florida into the ground starting in 2010. Who took Jim Leavitt's talent and went 8-5, 5-7, and 3-9. He was fired last season six months after negotiating a new contract.

The same Skip Holtz that now coaches Louisiana Tech and lost to Tulane last night. The same Skip Holtz that went for two down nine points with 4 minutes left to play. Of course, LaTech didn't convert, so he coached his team into a two possession deficit with 4 minutes to play.

Suffice it to say, the Bulldogs lost to Tulane, who matched their win total from last year with the win.

Where do you think our program would be right now? If that doesn't convince you, how would you feel about South Carolina being in the National Championship talk after having hammered us at home last week? What about five losses in a row to Florida? Having gone 2 of the last 5 to Tech? Being so far behind talent wise that we look like Auburn? Oh, and we also have about $6.5M a year less in the budget each of the next three years for coaching buyouts.

Look, I don't write this as a hand wringing, devil you know is better than the one your don't type post. We should never you run our program afraid to make changes that need to be made. If we'd had another year in 2011 that we'd had in 2010 (and frankly really started in 2008 with some things) with the same issues we'd faced in S&C, recruiting, and program ambition and urgency, I'd be willing to say there would have been a need to consider a change.

Right now, I'm just thankful the Tylers in Atlanta don't run the football program.

TD
(EDITORIAL NOTE: Added link to S&G post regarding the statements at beginning)

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