In a stunning move, Mark Richt stepped down as the head coach of the University of Miami on Sunday afternoon and announced his retirement from coaching. After stepping down, Richt released a statement explaining the decision.
"Dear Hurricane Family:
A few hours ago, I informed UM Director of Athletics Blake James that it is time for me to retire from coaching so I am stepping down as the Head Coach of UM Football. The decision came after a great deal of thought, discussions with my family, and prayer. This was my decision.
The University of Miami has been a part of my life for more than three decades. It shaped me as a young man and provided me with the coaching opportunity of a lifetime. My love for The U is simply great. My true desire is for our football program to return to greatness, and while terribly difficult, I feel that stepping down is in the best interests of the program.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the entire Hurricane Family for welcoming me back home and for supporting the outstanding young men in our program. I only wish that we could have achieved greater things in return. I also want to thank President Frenk and Blake for their incredible support, as well as the outstanding men and women in UM Athletics. Most importantly, I want to thank the incredible coaches, staff, and their families who gave their all to The U each and every day, and our student-athletes, who wore The U jersey with pride and who worked hard towards their degree.
Katharyn and I will be cheering on the Canes in the years to come and The U will never leave our hearts.
Sincerely,
Mark Richt"
Richt ends a coaching career that spanned over 30 seasons, beginning with Florida State in 1985 as a grad assistant. His head coaching career lasted 18 years and the former Miami QB won a total of 171 games as the program leader for both Georgia and Miami, good for 40th all-time in career wins among head coaches. Richt ends his Miami career with a 26-13 record and led the Canes to their first-ever Coastal division title and ACC Championship Game appearance in 2017.
AD Blake James will hold a press conference today at 3:30 pm.
"Dear Hurricane Family:
A few hours ago, I informed UM Director of Athletics Blake James that it is time for me to retire from coaching so I am stepping down as the Head Coach of UM Football. The decision came after a great deal of thought, discussions with my family, and prayer. This was my decision.
The University of Miami has been a part of my life for more than three decades. It shaped me as a young man and provided me with the coaching opportunity of a lifetime. My love for The U is simply great. My true desire is for our football program to return to greatness, and while terribly difficult, I feel that stepping down is in the best interests of the program.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the entire Hurricane Family for welcoming me back home and for supporting the outstanding young men in our program. I only wish that we could have achieved greater things in return. I also want to thank President Frenk and Blake for their incredible support, as well as the outstanding men and women in UM Athletics. Most importantly, I want to thank the incredible coaches, staff, and their families who gave their all to The U each and every day, and our student-athletes, who wore The U jersey with pride and who worked hard towards their degree.
Katharyn and I will be cheering on the Canes in the years to come and The U will never leave our hearts.
Sincerely,
Mark Richt"
Richt ends a coaching career that spanned over 30 seasons, beginning with Florida State in 1985 as a grad assistant. His head coaching career lasted 18 years and the former Miami QB won a total of 171 games as the program leader for both Georgia and Miami, good for 40th all-time in career wins among head coaches. Richt ends his Miami career with a 26-13 record and led the Canes to their first-ever Coastal division title and ACC Championship Game appearance in 2017.
AD Blake James will hold a press conference today at 3:30 pm.
