Mark Richt is a retired American football coach, former player, and television analyst with a successful career spanning several decades. He is best known for his 15-year tenure as the head coach at the University of Georgia and his subsequent three-year stint at his alma mater, the University of Miami. Throughout his career, Richt achieved significant milestones, including two SEC championships, five SEC division titles, and one ACC division title. His contributions to the sport earned him accolades such as SEC Coach of the Year, ACC Coach of the Year, and the prestigious Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award in 2017. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
February 18, 1960: Birth of Mark Richt
Mark Allan Richt was born on February 18, 1960. This marks the beginning of his life and eventual successful career in American football.
1967: Richt Family Moves to Boulder
In 1967, the Richt family relocated to Boulder, Colorado, due to Lou Richt, Mark's father, securing a new job opportunity.
1973: Relocation to South Florida
In 1973, the Richt family moved to South Florida for Lou Richt's job, marking a significant change in environment for young Mark during his formative years.
1978: Start of College Football Career at Miami
Mark Richt's college football journey began in 1978 when he joined the University of Miami, playing under the guidance of coach Howard Schnellenberger.
1980: Solid Season with Miami Hurricanes
The 1980 Miami Hurricanes football team, which included Mark Richt, had a commendable 9-3 season, finishing 18th in the national rankings.
1981: Successful Season with Miami Hurricanes
The 1981 Miami Hurricanes football team, with Mark Richt as part of the squad, achieved a strong 9-2 record, earning them a national ranking of 8th.
1982: Georgia Bulldogs' Last Conference Championship
Before Mark Richt's arrival, the Georgia Bulldogs had last won a conference championship in 1982, highlighting the significance of his 2002 victory.
1982: End of College Football Career
Mark Richt's time as a player at the University of Miami came to an end in 1982, concluding his college football career. He had played alongside notable quarterbacks like Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, and Vinny Testaverde.
1987: Mark and Katharyn's Relationship Blossoms at Florida State
Mark and Katharyn's paths intertwined at Florida State University in 1987, where their relationship blossomed. Katharyn, an FSU cheerleader pursuing an economics degree, crossed paths with Mark, a graduate assistant at the time.
1987: Miami Hurricanes Win National Championship
The 1987 Miami Hurricanes, featuring standout player Tolbert Bain, achieved the pinnacle of college football success by winning the national championship.
March 11, 1990: Birth of Jonathan Richt
Mark and Katharyn Richt welcomed their son, Jonathan ("Jon"), into the world on March 11, 1990.
1992: Introduction of SEC Divisional Play and Championship Game
The SEC introduced divisional play and a championship game in 1992, creating a new era for the conference and setting the stage for future battles for the title.
1993: First National Championship as Offensive Coordinator
In 1993, Mark Richt celebrated his first national championship as the offensive coordinator for Florida State Seminoles, showcasing his coaching prowess and contributing to the team's remarkable success.
December 1, 1994: Birth of David Richt
David Richt, son of Mark and Katharyn Richt, was born on December 1, 1994.
1994: Promotion to Offensive Coordinator at Florida State
Mark Richt's coaching career took a significant leap forward in 1994 when he was promoted to the position of offensive coordinator at Florida State University, following the departure of Brad Scott.
May 15, 1996: Adoption of Zach Richt
Mark and Katharyn Richt expanded their family through the adoption of Zach, born on May 15, 1996, from Ukraine.
February 13, 1997: Adoption of Anya Richt
On February 13, 1997, Mark and Katharyn Richt's family grew with the adoption of their daughter, Anya, from Ukraine. Anya was born with a rare disorder known as Proteus syndrome.
1999: Richt Family Adopts from Ukraine
In 1999, Mark and Katharyn Richt made a significant life decision by adopting two children, Zach and Anya, from Ukraine. This act expanded their family and exemplified their commitment to providing a loving home.
1999: Second National Championship Victory
Mark Richt achieved his second national championship victory as the offensive coordinator for Florida State Seminoles, further solidifying his coaching legacy and the team's dominance in college football.
2001: Appointed Head Coach of Georgia Bulldogs
Mark Richt's head coaching journey began in 2001 when he was hired to lead the Georgia Bulldogs, replacing Jim Donnan, and marking a pivotal moment in his career.
2002: First SEC Championship Victory as Head Coach
Mark Richt led the Georgia Bulldogs to victory in the SEC Championship in 2002, marking their first conference championship since 1982 and establishing his coaching prowess at the helm of the Bulldogs.
2002: First SEC Coach of the Year Award
Mark Richt received his first SEC Coach of the Year Award in 2002, recognizing his exceptional coaching abilities and the success of the Georgia Bulldogs under his leadership.
2005: Second SEC Championship Triumph
In 2005, Mark Richt secured his second SEC Championship as the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, further solidifying his legacy and the team's dominance in the conference.
2005: Second SEC Coach of the Year Award
Mark Richt was once again recognized for his coaching prowess in 2005, receiving his second SEC Coach of the Year Award.
2006: Richt's Appearance in "Facing the Giants"
Mark Richt made a cameo appearance in the 2006 film "Facing the Giants," portraying the former coach of the movie's central character, Grant Taylor.
October 25, 2008: ESPN Features the Richt Family Adoption Story
On October 25, 2008, ESPN's College GameDay aired a documentary titled "GameDay looks at the Richt family's adoption of a young boy and girl from Ukraine." This touching piece shared the Richts' experience adopting Zach and Anya, hoping to inspire others to consider the rewards of adoption.
2008: Opening of Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium, the home venue for the Miami Hurricanes, opened its doors in 2008, marking a new era for the team's games and fan experiences.
2008: Top Ten Finish in Coaches' Poll
In 2008, Mark Richt guided the Georgia Bulldogs to a top-ten finish in the Coaches' Poll, demonstrating the team's strength and his coaching abilities despite not achieving the same recognition in the AP Poll.
2011: The Richts' Philanthropic Endeavors
In 2011, the Richt family made a decision to sell their lake house in Georgia, valued at almost $2 million, to increase their charitable contributions. Their commitment to philanthropy extended to participation in mission trips abroad, reflecting their strong faith and desire to give back.
December 4, 2015: Mark Richt Returns to Miami as Head Coach
On December 4, 2015, Mark Richt made the significant decision to return to his alma mater, the University of Miami, as their head coach, a move met with enthusiasm from fans and marking a homecoming for the accomplished coach.
2015: Georgia Bulldogs Favored to Win SEC Eastern Division
The 2015 Georgia Bulldogs, under Mark Richt's leadership, entered the season as the favorites to clinch the SEC Eastern Division title, showcasing their potential and high expectations.
May 2016: Mark Richt's Generous Donation for Indoor Practice Facility
Demonstrating his commitment to the Miami Hurricanes, Mark Richt made a substantial personal donation of $1 million in May 2016 towards the campaign for a new indoor practice facility.
July 2016: Launch of 'The U Network'
In July 2016, Mark Richt and his wife, Katharyn, announced the establishment of 'The U Network,' an initiative designed to assist former Miami Hurricanes players in their post-football careers by connecting them with job opportunities and support.
2016: Katharyn Richt Earns Nursing Degree
In 2016, Katharyn Richt achieved a significant personal milestone by obtaining her nursing degree, showcasing her dedication to her profession.
2016: Start of Tenure as Miami Hurricanes Head Coach
Mark Richt's tenure as the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes commenced in 2016, bringing his experience and leadership to his alma mater.
2017: Richt Earns National Recognition at Miami
Mark Richt's achievements in 2017 earned him the Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award. Under his guidance, the Miami Hurricanes reached a peak national ranking of No. 2 after a streak of 16 consecutive wins, culminating in the ACC Coastal title.
2017: ACC Coach of the Year and Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award
Mark Richt had a stellar year in 2017, earning both the ACC Coach of the Year and the prestigious Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award, highlighting his success with the Miami Hurricanes.
December 30, 2018: Richt Announces Retirement from Coaching
On December 30, 2018, Mark Richt formally declared his retirement from coaching through a joint statement released directly and via the University of Miami.
2018: Miami's Challenging Season Under Richt
Despite beginning the 2018 season with a promising eighth-place ranking in preseason polls, the Miami Hurricanes encountered difficulties throughout the year. A four-game losing streak contributed to their final 7-5 record, and the season concluded with a significant loss to Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl.
2018: Richt's Perspective on Coaching Ethics
In 2018, Mark Richt shared his belief in the importance of ethical conduct in coaching, emphasizing the implicit trust between a coach and his players. He highlighted that pursuing other jobs while leading a team can be detrimental as it undermines the commitment made to the players and their families.
2018: End of Tenure as Miami Hurricanes Head Coach
Mark Richt's time as the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes concluded in 2018, marking the end of his three-season run with the team.
2018: Opening of New Miami Hurricanes Practice Facility
The Miami Hurricanes celebrated the inauguration of their state-of-the-art $34 million practice facility in 2018, a testament to the program's growth and commitment to excellence.
October 21, 2019: Richt's Heart Attack
On October 21, 2019, Mark Richt shared news of his heart attack via Twitter. Reassuringly, he expressed his intention to return to his routine swiftly.
2020: Max Johnson's College Football Journey
Mark Richt's nephew, Max Johnson, embarked on his college football career as the starting quarterback for LSU in 2020. He later transferred to Texas A&M University, joining his brother Jake Johnson, who also plays for the Aggies.
July 1, 2021: Richt's Parkinson's Diagnosis
Mark Richt used Twitter as a platform to announce his Parkinson's disease diagnosis on July 1, 2021.
January 10, 2023: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame
On January 10, 2023, Mark Richt received one of the highest honors in college football when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class.