Factor 5: Look at the Coaching Staff- Starting at the Top
If your program has an outstanding player development program, odds are that you have player loyal to the program, the “Me First” types have been eliminated or avoided, and a solid Senior Class is ready to take charge of their team.
But if any of the above conditions have not been addressed and corrected, the coaching staff – starting at the top must be evaluated. Currently, UGA does not have Senior leadership assuming charge over their football team. Numerous “Me First” personalities litter the program throughout the class ranks. Numerous players on the team have no knowledge or concern for Georgia football history and tradition. The strength and conditioning program is not preparing these boys to mature into men – mentally and emotionally. Most are muscle-bound spoiled brats.
The Georgia football head coach should make these book mandatory reading before a player steps foot upon the grass of Sanford Field: Echoes of Georgia Football, Belue to Scott, From Herschel to a Hobnail Boot, and The Junction Boys. And while The Junction Boys does not related to Georgia football, the book does relate to a proven path to enduring hardship and attaining greatness.
So that brings us to Mark Richt and his coaching staff. Coach Richt’s personal life appears to be above reproach. And as the song goes, Coach Mark Richt is a fine man. But being a fine man does not make one a great college football coach – or bring in championship trophies. Traditionally, much like the historic business tycoons of the late 19th century, great football coaches are not nice people. Some, like Jimmy Johnson or Les Miles, appear to have warm personalities on the surface. Others, like Nick Saban or Bear Bryant, seem a bit standoffish. But one thing they all have in common, they are coldblooded and ruthless men who are willing to do what it takes to win. They never consider taking prisoners – or asking forgiveness. If your team is not prepared to do battle, they better not step on the field. Their men are drilled to show no mercy.
And lacking that heartless characteristic may be Mark Richt’s fatal flaw. He is a compassionate man – a man who is loyal to his friends. He believes no opposing player or coach should have been stripped of their dignity as they leave the field of play. He loves to win – but not at any cost. And that is why Mark Richt is a fine man – but not a great football coach. And probably why Mark Richt will never win a championship at Georgia – or anywhere else.
So the question for Georgia fans is: Do you want to win a championship at Georgia –regardless the cost?