So much of this "stuff" goes on, and what really gets our attention is the fact that so many buy into as you say yd1, regurgitated "stuff".
Watching this thread closely, and I say this for one reason . . . . those with "understanding" should not avoid posts like this. Who is it that I think about at this particular time, as if what I think makes a difference . . . . thriller. Understands the game, played the game, excellent poster.
thriller has up close experiences with Mark Richt, along with his daughter. Impressions mean a lot, and Richt is "very good" when shaking hands and greeting folks. As yd1 and others mention (including Buc) that is what Mark Richt can do and does very well. That is part of the game of college football.
Whether my "jabber" means anything, or not, that is what our head coach does very well, but in my opinion does not translate to the football field.
When you and I are invited to a gathering, and many of us are on occasion, we are on our best behavior. That is for the public view of our stance in life. When you or I return to our area of "real time", things change, or should change because it is an entirely different world.
Allow me this example . . . .
When Richt/Fox are out and about, do any of us expect to get a "scoop"? Only way that happens is if there is a slip of the tongue.
In my heart I do not believe that Mark Richt will get us to where most of us want to go. If it was a lack of talent or backing by the higher ups, that is a different direction for anyone to take.
Takes me to this . . . . Nick Saban gets what he wants in Tuscaloosa. Mark Richt is the direct opposite of Nick Saban. One of the points that I will make is the Indoor Practice Facilty. I believe this. If Nick Saban had been hired to be head coach of the Red and Black, the Indoor Practice Facility would have been up and used soon after he arrived.
Do I think that Mark Richt is a pushover . . . . no. Do I believe he is on the level that many of us think can move us to the top five or so year after year, no. That is as nice as I can be.