Mark Richt to Miami: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Unemployment didn't last long for Mark Richt, as the former Georgia head coach has taken the same position at the University of Miami. 

Peter Ariz of CanesInSight.com first reported Richt was expected to be hired by Miami. Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports confirmed the move, with Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel and ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach adding there were still details to work out but the hiring was happening. 

Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt will not be heading to Miami with Richt, according to Josh Newberg of 247Sports.

The hiring has been speculated for some time, with one source telling Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports it was Richt's job "if he wants it."

The 55-year-old Richt is coming off a successful 15-year stint at Georgia in which he went 145-51, won two SEC titles in 2002 and 2005 and led the Bulldogs to two Sugar Bowl wins in three appearances. 

Georgia and Richt agreed to part ways after the Bulldogs' regular-season finale against Georgia Tech. Having started the year ranked in the Associated Press Top 10, the team failed to reach those sky-high expectations after going 9-3 this season. 

In an official statement released by Georgia, Richt expressed his gratitude for being given a chance and briefly touched on what his future may hold.

"I appreciate the opportunity of serving the University as well as considering any other options that may present themselves in the future," said Richt. 

Richt won't coach the Bulldogs in their bowl game, according to Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald. 

"Returning to 'The U' is truly an honor and I am humbled by the responsibility," Richt said on Friday, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press. 

Looking ahead to Richt's future at Miami, B/R's Bryan Fischer noted that Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya stands to gain a lot:

If anyone knows about playing quarterback at Miami and the expectations associated with the job, it's Richt. He served primarily as a backup to future Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly from 1979-82.

Paul Finebaum of the SEC Network tweeted out the impressive resume of current coaches' winning percentages at their alma mater:

ESPN's Joe Schad added that Miami fans should be happy with what Richt brings to the table:

Miami appears to have stabilized a volatile situation, as the Al Golden era ended in disastrous fashion. The former Hurricanes head coach was fired in October following a 58-0 loss to Clemson.

The Hurricanes have hovered in the six- to eight-win territory for most of this decade, so Richt's proven track record and familiarity with recruiting in the South should help improve one of college football's proudest programs.