Mark Richt Featured On SportSouth's "Head Coach"

Georgia Bulldogs Football
June 21, 2007

Mark Richt of the Georgia Bulldogs is featured in Episode 4 of "Head Coach" on SportSouth. The episode, which originally aired on April 8, 2007, can be seen at various times on Dish Network channel 437, DirecTV channel 631, Comcast channel 53 and Charter channel 36 (note: Atlanta area channels).

Speaking about Coach Richt in the interview are FSU Head Coach Bobby Bowden, UGA F.C.A. Team Chaplain Kevin "Chappy" Hines, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Dave Van Halanger and former UGA AD and Head Coach Vince Dooley.

Among the topics covered are:

Richt's time as a Quarterback at the University of Miami
Trying to make it in the NFL
Various jobs he had
Coaching at Florida State
Seeking and obtaining the job at Georgia
His wife Kathryn Richt's battle with cancer
His children Jon, David, Zac and Anya

Richt on his plan at Miami:

"I was going to start as a Freshman, be All-American my 2nd year, win The Heisman my 3rd year and then go to the pros...I had it all worked out."

Richt on speaking with Coach Lou Saban about the other QB's at Miami:

"Can you tell me about this guy Mike Rodrique?" "Awww...don't worry about him, you see that QB slash DB, he's a DB, don't worry about him" Saban said to him.

"What about this guy named Jim Kelly from East Brady, PA. It says quarterback with no slash next to it. What about him? I thought I was your man?" Richt said. He said coach Saban looked him in the eye and said "Mark, somebody's got to back you up."

Richt on his career after Miami:

Signed a free-agent contract with Denver of the NFL, then John Elway got traded from the Colts to the Broncos. Richt camped a week but was cut by Dan Reeves.

Richt then tried life insurance sales and health club membership sales. He tried out with the Miami Dolphins in 1983 and practiced with Dan Marino before he was cut.

"I think the Lord knew I was going to be a Quarterback's Coach one day, and I needed to know what one looked like, I couldn't look in the mirror."

After bartending and then some janitorial work, Bobby Bowden gave Mark Richt his first opportunity in coaching.