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Georgia fires coach Mark Richt after 15 seasons

Graham Watson
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 7: Head coach Mark Richt of the Georgia Bulldogs in the fourth quarter of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats on November 7, 2015 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. Georgia won the game 27-3. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 7: Head coach Mark Richt of the Georgia Bulldogs in the fourth quarter of the game against the Kentucky Wildcats on November 7, 2015 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. Georgia won the game 27-3. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Georgia has fired coach Mark Richt, according to various reports.

ESPN.com’s Mark Schlabach was the first to report the move.

Georgia will hold a press conference on Monday.

Richt was 145-51 in 15 seasons with the Bulldogs, including a 9-3 record this year. The Bulldogs defeated Georgia Tech on Saturday to end the regular season.

Richt won two SEC titles at Georgia, but the last came in 2005. Georgia hasn’t played for an SEC title since 2012. However, Richt has only had one season where he’s finished with fewer than eight wins (6-7 in 2010).

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity issued a statement Sunday thanking Richt for his service and offering him a chance to stay at the university in a lesser role.

Mark has the opportunity to remain on our staff at the University of Georgia, and would be heavily involved with outreach programs for our former football lettermen via the PO Network as well as other University and Athletic Association initiatives.

Rumors of Richt’s firing have been floating around all season, but many believed after a 9-3 campaign that included three straight wins to end the season, Richt would survive for at least another year. However, Georgia was under a bit of pressure to make a move, especially with Florida getting better in the first year under a new coach and other fellow SEC East opponents Missouri and South Carolina looking for new leadership as well.

Also, Richt’s 5-10 record against rival Florida has been a major sticking point with boosters and fans.

Georgia now enters a crowded coaching market with few high-level candidates. One would have to believe it at least had some feelers before putting Richt out otherwise this would be a stupid move. Similarly, Richt is going to have a lot of suitors calling, including some within his own former division. Don’t be surprised if Missouri and South Carolina both gauge Richt’s interest and Virginia also could be a potential fit.

For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!

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