Recently was involved in a discussion about Pruitt joining Richt.
It was suggested that Pruitt moving to UGA points in the direction of him becoming the head coach.
Considerations being . . . . Jimbo Fisher is going nowhere. His name was mentioned for the opening in Texas and he put an end to that right away. Fisher will be the head coach at FSU for the long haul. Makes sense.
Pruitt saw the coach he replaced moving on to Kentucky as head coach.
Pruitt jumped at the opening in Athens after one year in Tallahassee.
Seems some think that he did that, jumped quickly but probably had a deeper conversation with Richt about both of their futures. Richt knows if Pruitt pans out, he will either become the head coach at UGA or he will coach elsewhere.
Not too long ago Richt "was on the hot seat", that was openly discussed here and every other place else that covered college football. Last year with the 8-4 season, did not strengthen Richt's overall position in Athens.
Comes down to this . . . . Believe that Mark Richt will hang it up in Athens after his current contract. 2017 I think. That leaves the door open for Pruitt to become the head coach. Thinking that Pruitt might be a "head coach in waiting", just has not and will not be released until 2017.
Much stronger case for Richt to hang it up at UGA than Fisher hanging it up at FSU.
Another thought. Alabama is a successful program with a head coach that is noted as being a defensive coach. Same it appears can be said now about FSU, head coach earned his wings coaching defensive football for the most part. Kentucky hires a defensive coach to lead their program. Strong hired on at Texas, he is a defensive minded coach. The list goes on and on.
When and if Kirby Smart either leaves or takes over in Tuscaloosa, another defensive minded coach.
Malzahn is an exception to the above. Known for his offensive prowess. He however was smart enough to hire a defensive coordinator that enjoys being just that, defensive coordinator.
My guess is if Pruitt shows a lot of success in Athens, he will be the next "defensive minded" head coach taking over a major program.
Most of us know and now many around college football see just how successful the SEC and other D1 schools have been with "defensive leadership". We know of course that Mark Richt coaches from the other side of the football.
Thoughts . . . . ?