Mark Richt says health played a part in retirement

In a Wednesday morning appearance on the Joe Rose show former Miami football coach Mark Richt stated that health played a part in his decision to step down in December.

Speaking on the Joe Rose Show with co-host Zach Krantz former Miami football coach Mark Richt spoke about of variety of subjects. That included elaborating on his decision to retire from coaching in December. Richt abruptly retired as the Hurricanes head coach three days after a 35-3 Pinstripe Bowl loss to Wisconsin.

The 2018 Miami Hurricanes season was a rocky one for Richt and his team. After a promising 10-3 start to the 2017 season, the Hurricanes lost nine of their last 16 games during Richt’s tenure. The former Miami Hurricanes quarterback told Rose he did not take good enough care of himself during his stint at his alma mater.

Richt said he focused so much on his duties as head coach and not enough on his health. On lunch breaks, he would work on head coaching duties. The former Georgia head coach told the Joe Rose Show on WQAM on Wednesday morning that he did not take care of himself, work out enough or put enough energy into being a head coach.

"“Long story short, I really didn’t do a great job taking care of myself physically. You can get into a grind of the job. I’ve coached, I guess, over 30 years. When I left Georgia after 15 years as head coach, I probably could have used a little decompression break at that time or at least considered it.I just kind of wore myself down to the point where I got a little concerned about the pace I was going at. And I also cared about Miami. I felt like maybe someone else at this point in time would do a better job than I was. Going into the final game, the bowl game, it was running through my mind pretty heavily.”"

Anyone that followed the Miami football program closely could see that Mark Richt seemed to be worn down. Richt often seemed to lack energy on the sideline. It was a humble admission for him to make to Rose. Richt has often been atypical as a head coach by frequently showing a calmer demeanor than his peers.

Manny Diaz succeeding him was a perfect storm for the Hurricanes. If the timing had been any later Diaz would still be at Temple. Diaz hit the ground running on December 30 when he succeeded Richt. A new offensive coaching staff, hiring their replacements and frequent trips into the transfer portal were only Diaz’s beginning.

Appearing on the Donno and Friedo Show on WQAM on Thursday Miami Hurricanes play-by-play announcer Joe Zagacki stated that it’s possible that the off the field duties of being the Miami head coach took its toll on Richt. He spearheaded the Soffer Indoor Practice Facility being built and improved the image for the Hurricanes.

Richt stated that Diaz is a perfect successor for him. Diaz’s energy is apparent every day. He is active on social media, media and recruiting. Diaz has infused newfound energy in the Miami football program. He has fans and the media alike excited about the upcoming season.