Blake James is just the guy to give a high profile coach like Richt everything he needs along with making it clear that state of affairs would continue. If you are a football coach that wants to be powerful in the athletic department, Blake James is a nice "boss" to have.
Some may call that soft, but it seems like he is owning who he is and being **** successful in doing so. I'll take that to manage the results we've seen - veteran football and basketball coaches who appreciate the autonomy and respect they are afforded.