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One program's trash is apparently another program's treasure.
Just days after being let go at the University of Georgia, Mark Richt has reportedly been tabbed as the 24th Head Coach in the history of the University of Miami's football program.
Mark Richt to Miami is a done deal according to Peter Ariz of https://t.co/6kjmLuazpV. -Scott https://t.co/zBiQjblrLU
— The Real NCAA Talk (@RealNCAAFTalk) December 2, 2015
Georgia was 145-51 (9-5 in bowls) in Richt’s 15 seasons at the school.
The UM alum and one time back-up QB to Jim Kelly will now be charged with returning his Alma Mater to glory after a 12 year slumber in Coral Gables, including 0 ACC Conference Titles.
Remember, before Richt took over at UGA they had gone 20 years with out an SEC title.
In his first five years, they won 2 (2002, 2005).
And despite the fact that Miami has not even appeared in a conference championship game since joining the ACC, Richt will be charged with not only winning the conference but also winning a National Championship by a demanding fan base.
So what does Richt bring to the table?
He's a winner, he can definitely coach offense and develop QB's, and he is one of the classiest individuals in all of college sports.
Pretty amazing words about Mark Richt from UGA basketball coach @coachmarkfox (via AJC) pic.twitter.com/2LipMv6jgD
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) December 2, 2015
He's also not afraid to take a penalty to fire his team up.
The down side...
Richt hasn't exactly won a lot of big games the past few seasons in Athens. Georgia is 2-14 since 2008 against teams that finished the season ranked.
So can he wake up the sleeping giant that is Miami Hurricanes Football?
Time will tell.
For now there is little doubt he is a huge upgrade over Al Golden.
Putting together a top staff will be critical to making this hire a success.
So keep an eye on that progression as well.
We'll have much more on this story and its many angles as we learn it in the coming days.