Richt Will Take Over at Georgia

By day, Mark Richt is the offensive coordinator at Florida State, at least for another week. At night, he’ll get started on his new job--Georgia coach.

Richt formally accepted his first head-coaching position Tuesday, taking over a program that fired Jim Donnan despite a 40-19 record and four consecutive bowl victories.

Georgia Athletic Director Vince Dooley allowed Richt to remain on Bobby Bowden’s staff until after the Jan. 3 Orange Bowl, when No. 3 Florida State meets top-ranked Oklahoma.

But Richt will begin working the phones at night, hiring a staff and touching base with potential recruits. He hopes to follow the Bowden formula, which has made the Seminoles one of the country’s most dominant programs.

“I’m excited about a chance to try to build something very similar to what he’s built,” said Richt, who actually accepted the job last week but remained quiet until the Bulldogs completed their final season under Donnan in the Oahu Bowl.

The 40-year-old Richt, accompanied by his wife and four children, said it was difficult to leave Tallahassee. He has been on Bowden’s staff for 15 seasons, serving the last seven as offensive coordinator and working with Heisman Trophy winners Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke.

But when Richt heard his name linked to Georgia, he decided to pursue a job for the first time. He asked both Bowden and Grant Teaff, former president of the American Football Coaches Assn., to call Dooley with a recommendation.

“It’s not only the perfect place to raise a family,” Richt said, “it’s a place where you win at the highest level.”

But his most immediate concern is helping Florida State win its second consecutive national title. He hurried back to Tallahassee to rejoin the Seminoles, who were flying to Miami this morning.

“It’s been a great pleasure having him on our staff,” Bowden said in a statement. “He and his family have been role models for our players and fans.”

Dooley and university President Michael Adams chose Richt after also interviewing two NFL assistant coaches: Green Bay receivers coach Ray Sherman and Miami offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

Richt received a five-year, $3.75-million contract.