Mark Richt (AP photo)
Normally, Georgia football coach Mark Richt is calm, laid-back guy. But a speaking appearance on Thursday in Macon, the head coach grew a little hot under the collar after a question/complaint from a fan.
The fan was critical of Georgia’s running game and the play-calling of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.
An excerpt from Michael A. Lough’s story in the Macon Telegraph:
“I’ll tell you this, and you’re certainly close to an expert in football, I’m sure you are,” Georgia’s head football coach said as the 250-plus fans at the Macon stop of the Bulldog Club tour Thursday night at the Walnut Creek Shooting Preserve began to create a buzz.
And he dissected all of the elements that lead to a good running game, and then he noted that a team has to do more than just run the ball to win.
“I’ve seen teams throw the ball and win the national championship; I’ve seen teams run the ball and win the national championship,” Richt said. “Believe me, you can win the SEC doing it more than one way. Steve Spurrier, when he was at Florida, he chunked the ball, and he won how many SECs?”
And then the temperature rose a little bit more.
“I see your frustration, I understand your frustration,” Richt said, politely but sternly. “I wasn’t born yesterday, I’ve coached football for 25 years, so I know what the hell I’m doing, OK?”
Richt later apologized for using the word “hell” in his response.
