Questionable Thoughts About 2013, and Beyond

Wartdawg wrote: ..but look at who is in charge of the hiring process, so lord knows what we'll get..

Say it again Wartdawg, would love to see Christian Robinson be allowed to step forward. There will come a day when many supporters of UGA will say the same things that have been said about Kirby Smart leaving. We have dedicated, smart young men that are shown the curb. Anyone want Kirby Smart back? I believe the same dedication rests in Christian's young mind.

Your statement above is spot on . . . .

Bernie's Dawg Blawg
A DAILY LOOK 'TWEEN THE HEDGES
More on Lakatos, then moving forward

Reading the tea leaves from this post by Emerson, those that think the Georgia defensive backs coach was fired, appear to be mistaken.

This has been in the works for awhile, from what I'm told, and it may have happened - perhaps even probably still would have - had Georgia's secondary not struggled so much this year.Personal reasons were given as the reason for Lakatos stepping down, and it's a very legitimate reason, according to a couple sources within the program. Yes, the secondary had a rough season, and yes, I do think a fresh approach with some of the youngsters will be good. But one source described to me how hard Lakatos has worked, whether it was on the field or in recruiting. He's a respected coach, and the decision to leave appears to be mostly his own. If this was a firing, it would have happened after the Georgia Tech game.And that was my question last night once the news broke - if this were a case of Lakatos getting a pink slip it would've happened weeks ago. After Georgia beat Tech in 2009, it didn't take very long before Richt showed Martinez and crew the way out. No, this smells differently. Much so. I agree with Blutarsky, we'll never really know. And quite frankly, it doesn't sound like it's any of our business, except that it allows both parties a fresh start.

So, moving along...

That also doesn't mean that a search for a new secondary coach is suddenly beginning. Lakatos leaving has been a possibility for awhile now, and frankly I was a bit surprised it wasn't announced after the Georgia Tech game. I suspect that Todd Grantham has been laying some groundwork for awhile, and something could happen relatively quickly.
As for potential replacements, I've thrown out Manny Diaz's name (the former Texas defensive coordinator, not the longtime Georgia tennis coach) because he's available, and there is a connection with Richt. That doesn't mean it will be him. Grantham could very well reach back into his NFL contacts; that's how Kirk Olivadotti ended up being hired three years ago. Or it could be the ex-coordinator who's available, the way Chris Wilson was hired last year.
According to Shattle Fenteng (one of Georgia's three defensive back commitments for 2014) and a conversation the JUCO standout had yesterday with Coach Grantham, the first looks to replace Lakatos may in the NFL. That would be my first guess, and I believe if that's the direction Grantham turns it will happen quickly.

But last season Chris Wilson was brought in from a rival nearby competitor. Personally, I'd prefer Grantham and Richt start in the college ranks, especially considering that Wilson has hit the ground running so well. Say what you will about the lack of consistency from Lakatos' unit this season, but it appears to me he was doing a good job recruiting the right players. So reaching out to someone like Florida's Tavaris Robinson, who is known as a solid recruiter, might be a solid step to take. Florida finished first in the conference for pass defense, so Richt could do a lot worse for sure. And it's not too big a leap to assume a spot on Richt's staff in Athens would be just a little more secure than one in Gainesville.

While I'm throwing names out there at random (somewhat), what about Vanderbilt's George Barlow? There's word around Nashville that, if indeed there is a new coaching search for the Commodores, defensive coordinator Bob Shoop will get a good luck at replacing James Franklin. If that happens, Barlow would likely assume the full-time duties of defensive coordinator. But if not...and if there's, ahem, no ill will between Grantham and one of Franklin's assistants...then Barlow could be looking for a stable landing spot. The 'Dores finished sixth in the conference in pass defense last season and had nearly twice as many interceptions as Florida did. Just looking at players like Andre Hal (Thorpe, Bednarik and Nagurski Award watchlists) the last couple of seasons and Trey Wilson in '11 and '12, he's done an exemplary job developing talent in Nashville.

That's just some food for thought. We'll look at some more candidates I'm sure as the situation develops.

******************************

Still throwing Christian Robinson's name in the ring. I don't give up easily.

That is a good read, but this part:

"After Georgia beat Tech in 2009, it didn't take very long before Richt showed Martinez and crew the way out."

Made me chuckle because it implies Richt took swift and decisive action when in fact Martinez and crew over stayed their welcome by at least two years.

kentdaddy wrote: That is a good read, but this part:

"After Georgia beat Tech in 2009, it didn't take very long before Richt showed Martinez and crew the way out."

Made me chuckle because it implies Richt took swift and decisive action when in fact Martinez and crew over stayed their welcome by at least two years.

Truth.

Still trying to look at the Lakatos thingy . . . . realistically. Pulled up the link below and it had me screaming at the walls. I love my walls, was that pissed off.

This is where Georgia football is at. Folks playing with every possible position coach, and it smells. Head coach and McGarity trying to cover their a$$.

Article is one thing, but reading the comments to the article. No damn wonder Georgia football will remain in the bottom half of the SEC for some time to come.

Lakatos health problems . . . . where have I read that before about a coach? You guessed urban meyer at Florida, too damn sharp for me. Lakatos said he wants to continue to coach football. grantham covered his butt, but that at this point is not the issue. Head coach and athletic director protecting their spots.

You have the time, lots of comments, read until you probably start screaming at something.

Head coach likes money. Now grantham has his nose up the head coach's butt. Lost his NFL power, he has been exposed. All of this falls on the shoulders of the head coach.

www.dawgsports.com/2014/1/9/5293722/scot...rish-shattle-fenteng

Have thought about this defensive thing all afternoon. Might be my last shot, (not sure) at the BS that is going on in Athens and the links that feed the "Group".

Have read every blog available about Lakatos leaving. Some sites that I thought were true to the cause, they stink.

Damn folks are worried about stepping out and telling the truth.

Anyone that wants to tell me that the reason for our downfall defensively was because of Lakatos, I tell you to kiss my butt.

All of this "youth talk", the folks that own their sites are buying in. Called keeping the "hits" coming. Some of those folks should be applying for a job at the AJC. Seems to be their level.

todd grantham has destroyed what little bit of pride Georgia defensive football possessed prior to his hire. Willie took it down, grantham has finished the destruction. I hear you Erk, can't change the BS that still exists in Athens.

Sites making excuses for grantham. Probably the same folks made excuses for failing basic math.

Follow your course, don't know the heading many have, but do see the same BS being repeated for 14 or so years. It goes past our head coach, he also was a hire. A hire of VD, the same VD many that post here give a pass to. VD and Barbara did not mind bailing out when their son chose Tennessee.

Georgia is a confused university that thinks it is a national powerhouse. Why do I say that? Because those that run the damn program tell me that every year. Don't agree, explain to me what has changed? Surely the "Group" would have my best interest at heart . . . . right? Have not received my "third request" for funds. First two hit the garbage can.

More to come. McGarity tried to prove to me that Lakatos was the problem. McGarity knew that Lakatos was leaving some time back.

Posted in this thread that McGarity does not have the "authority" to remove our head coach. Head coach knows that. Business as usual. Last BCS bowl was when? Not to worry . . . . "2014 Season" will change that. Head coach and grantham needed to rid the team of the cancer . . . . Lakatos. What f'ing BS.

Buc you and others on this board called that Lakaros would be gone months ago. I feel he got tired of TG and since UGA wasn't making any moves he did.