Rapid Reaction: Mark Richt farewell press conference at Georgia

Former Georgia coach Mark Richt said goodbye Monday, hosting a press conference with Bulldogs athletic director Greg McGarity in Athens.

Richt didn’t rule out coaching elsewhere and said he would coach the Bulldogs in a bowl game.

He also didn’t rule out possibly staying at Georgia in some role, though coaching seems to be at the forefront of his thinking.

Here’s what he had to say:

Richt said he will listen to anyone who wants to speak with him about coaching again

— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 30, 2015

Richt: " I was thankful for opportunity to coach bowl game."

— Scott Michaux ?? (@ScottMichaux) November 30, 2015

Richt on coaching in the upcoming bowl game: "I was thankful for the opportunity. Are you kidding me? I'm excited to coach these guys."#UGA

— Logan Booker (@LoganMBooker) November 30, 2015

Mark Richt making pretty clear, at least to me, that he's interested in coaching again.

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) November 30, 2015

Richt said he talked to Jacob Eason last night and told him to be patient. Wait and see who the next guy is.

— Logan Booker (@LoganMBooker) November 30, 2015

Richt was suppose to be on the road for 14-straight days recruiting.
He says now it's all being used to contemplate next move. #UGA

— Logan Booker (@LoganMBooker) November 30, 2015

Weird to hear Mark Richt say "they" when talking about Georgia.

— DawgPost (@Dawg_Post) November 30, 2015

Richt: "As soon as a new guy is named there will be a lot of electricity around here. The fans should support him."#UGA

— Logan Booker (@LoganMBooker) November 30, 2015

Richt seems happier and more at peace than he's been in years. Bulldog Nation weighs heavy on the shoulders.

— Scott Michaux ?? (@ScottMichaux) November 30, 2015

Here’s some reaction:

https://twitter.com/nanCmousa/status/671347879659876352

There isn't a better guy in the business than @MarkRicht. Total class. Not many men like CMR in today's world.

— Elliott Echols (@elliott_echols) November 30, 2015

Mark Richt to Bulldog fans: "I'm going to be fine. My wife and I will be fine."

— WALB Sports (@WALBSports) November 30, 2015

I have never covered a coach as classy as @MarkRicht. He's winning his outgoing press conference. That's really hard to do.

— Scott Michaux ?? (@ScottMichaux) November 30, 2015

One thing that has been solidified after watching this Mark Richt press conference, he is just an incredible human being.

— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) November 30, 2015

As expected, @MarkRicht is winning this Press Conference. KEEP COACHING – even if it's not w/ us – more young men need your guidance. #DGD

— SennoEctoGammat (@carringtonmoore) November 30, 2015

Tom Brew

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