UGASports.com Premium article required but that is what it says and its known now throughout some sites so it isn't confidential anymore. Brian Van Gorder was the reason UGA has been so successful the last 4 years....not Mark Richt....I should say....VG had a bigger on-field part, IMO.
It will be interesting to see how the UGA D responds. He brought his own style into Athens and the new DC will bring his own.
AJC article on said topic http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/0105/11van.html Georgia defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, who was named college football's top assistant coach in 2003, is leaving Mark Richt's staff for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He will be replaced by Willie Martinez, the Bulldogs' secondary coach. Georgia football spokesman Claude Felton confirmed that VanGorder has agreed to terms to become the Jaguars' linebackers coach. VanGorder's position isn't the only one Richt will have to fill. Running backs coach Ken Rucker is also leaving the Bulldogs for a similar position at the University of Texas, Georgia announced today. A press briefing has been scheduled for 4 p.m. today in Athens {SNIP} :geauxtigs
Van Gorder was pretty happy until the Michael Grant incident last March. UGA figuratively stabbed Van Gorder in the back after he spent hours and hours recruiting Grant. I don't blame him for looking at the bottom line a little closer. I will miss him, but I wish him well.
Martinez has been pretty good. He coached both Sean Jones and Thomas Davis into first round NFL picks before their senior years. Martinez will probably stick with almost the exact same system in place. Georgia has plenty of talent on D, so they just have to select someone who can keep the linebacker group sharp. Texas will not be helped by Rucker. A bad move for Texas. Richt was probably quietly overjoyed to see him resign. A nice guy, but not a very effective coach. I wish him well, but I will not miss him. :nope: :dis:
