Former Georgia players congratulate Mark Richt on his coaching career

Mark Richt’s decision to step down at Miami and retire from coaching surprised many in the college football community. The 2019 season will be college football’s first without Richt coaching at some level since 1985.

RELATED: Kirby Smart reacts to Mark Richt retiring as Miami’s head coach

The most memorable years of Richt’s multi-decade career were, of course, at Georgia where coached from 2001-15. Bulldogs players from throughout those 15 seasons, including DJ Shockley, Aaron Murray and Leonard Floyd, paid tribute to their former coach on social media.

Check out what they had to say:

Thank you Coach Richt for all the time, energy and love you gave me! Not only did you teach me to become the best football player I could be, you helped mold me into a man. I could not have asked for a better mentor; congrats on an incredible career! #CMR @MarkRicht pic.twitter.com/lEX3Lpx2pj

— Aaron Murray (@aaronmurray11) December 30, 2018

Shout out to @MarkRicht on his retirement I’m glad you gave a country boy a chance to play ball at the university of Georgia much love coach#DGD 4life

— L8F4➰➰ (@Leonard90Flo) December 31, 2018

Just heard the news my former coach and good friend @MarkRicht is retiring. 1 of the best coaches I have ever had but even better man that showed not just me but many young men how to be a great MAN! Blessed to have been around him. Wishing you the best in retirement coach

— DjShockley (@DjShockley3) December 30, 2018

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.