Georgia AD Greg McGarity to begin search for new coach immediately

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity met with the media Monday, but mostly to focus on the departure of coach Mark Richt.

He tried his best to deflect questions on the search for a new coach, but did give some brief answers now and then through the 30-minutes news conference.

The highlights include saying he’s ready to get after the search immediately, he will hire a search firm to help in some way and he’s well aware that the hire will go a long way in determining the perception of his success as the school’s athletic director.

Here’s what he had to say:

https://twitter.com/UGAfootballLive/status/671349295795167232

#UGA AD Greg McGarity says he will retain a search firm. "I think the job is wide open."

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 30, 2015

No issues with Richt’s unsigned deal per AD Greg McGarity. “A deal’s a deal”.

— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) November 30, 2015

Greg McGarity’s career will be defined by first major hire (updated) https://t.co/EJ7L05SLQi

— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) November 30, 2015

If Greg McGarity is like his mentor, Jeremy Foley, he already knows who he wants and will zero in on that person ASAP.

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 29, 2015

@ParrishWalton Thought Richt handled it perfectly. Thought McGarity’s contributions (or lack thereof) were unusual.

— Zac E. (@rzacellis) November 30, 2015

Greg McGarity: "I am accountable for everything here."

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) November 30, 2015

Many Georgia fans aren’t happy with how all of this is playing out. Here’s some reaction from others on what McGarity said about the search for a new coach:

https://twitter.com/steveroney/status/671361893236215808

4. Greg McGarity is a lying scumbag. His avoidance of questions makes him look even worse than he already does.

— Missi (@Missi_W5) November 30, 2015

Greg McGarity looked REALLY uncomfortable that whole press conference. Richt, on the other hand, looked calm and confident as always.

— Garrison Smith (@garrisonbsmith) November 30, 2015

https://twitter.com/FiredMarkRicht/status/671365096245858304

https://twitter.com/UGAfootballLive/status/671354594417639424

BTW: You guys beating up on Greg McGarity need to chill out. There was no way he was going to outline the decision sitting next to Richt.

— Tony Barnhart (@MrCFB) November 30, 2015

Tom Brew

Tom Brew is an award-winning journalist and author who is covering SEC football for Saturday Down South.