5 Candidates to Replace Mark Richt at Georgia

5 Candidates to Replace Mark Richt at the University of Georgia

After a lot of speculation about his status, Mark Richt will reportedly be gone as football coach at the University of Georgia. Depending on your source he either agreed to step down or was fired, but over 15 seasons at Georgia there's no debating Richt's record as he led the Bulldogs to a 145-51 record (83-37 in the SEC) and a bowl berth each season. Georgia is now clearly one of the top job openings in college football, and here are five candidates to replace Richt.

5 Candidates to Replace Mark Richt at the University of Georgia

After a lot of speculation about his status, Mark Richt will reportedly be gone as football coach at the University of Georgia. Depending on your source he either agreed to step down or was fired, but over 15 seasons at Georgia there's no debating Richt's record as he led the Bulldogs to a 145-51 record (83-37 in the SEC) and a bowl berth each season. Georgia is now clearly one of the top job openings in college football, and here are five candidates to replace Richt.

5. Lane Kiffin, Offensive Coordinator, Alabama

Finding an offensive-minded head coach could be a priority for Georgia. Kiffin, for all his past shortcomings as a head coach, is at least that and spending time under Nick Saban surely didn't hurt his resume.

5. Lane Kiffin, Offensive Coordinator, Alabama

Finding an offensive-minded head coach could be a priority for Georgia. Kiffin, for all his past shortcomings as a head coach, is at least that and spending time under Nick Saban surely didn't hurt his resume.

4. Mike Gundy, Head Coach, Oklahoma State

Gundy is 94-46 over 11 seasons at Oklahoma State, and this year feels like a high point despite two straight losses to end the regular season. Georgia should be making a call to Gundy's representatives, and despite ties to Stillwater as a Oklahoma State alum a move to the SEC shouldn't be ruled out.

4. Mike Gundy, Head Coach, Oklahoma State

Gundy is 94-46 over 11 seasons at Oklahoma State, and this year feels like a high point despite two straight losses to end the regular season. Georgia should be making a call to Gundy's representatives, and despite ties to Stillwater as a Oklahoma State alum a move to the SEC shouldn't be ruled out.

3. Tom Herman, Head Coach, Houston

Houston is 11-1 in Herman's first season as head coach, and he is sure to be a hot candidate for virtually every current coaching vacancy. Herman may not want to leave Houston after just one season, but the lure of the SEC and the resources Georgia offers would be hard to turn away from.

3. Tom Herman, Head Coach, Houston

Houston is 11-1 in Herman's first season as head coach, and he is sure to be a hot candidate for virtually every current coaching vacancy. Herman may not want to leave Houston after just one season, but the lure of the SEC and the resources Georgia offers would be hard to turn away from.

2. Dan Mullen, Head Coach, Mississippi State

This list would not be complete without Mullen, who has a 54-35 record over seven seasons at Mississippi State and worked with Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity when the two were at Florida. But Mullen has job security that Richt did not enjoy in recent years, and it's truly unclear if he has much interest in leaving Starkville.

2. Dan Mullen, Head Coach, Mississippi State

This list would not be complete without Mullen, who has a 54-35 record over seven seasons at Mississippi State and worked with Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity when the two were at Florida. But Mullen has job security that Richt did not enjoy in recent years, and it's truly unclear if he has much interest in leaving Starkville.

1. Kirby Smart, Defensive Coordinator, Alabama

Smart has been able to be selective when it comes to head coaching opportunities, but it's only a matter of time before he leaves Tuscaloosa. He is a Georgia alum, so any interest could be mutual and give the school an inherent advantage over rumored suitor South Carolina.

1. Kirby Smart, Defensive Coordinator, Alabama

Smart has been able to be selective when it comes to head coaching opportunities, but it's only a matter of time before he leaves Tuscaloosa. He is a Georgia alum, so any interest could be mutual and give the school an inherent advantage over rumored suitor South Carolina.