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SMQ: Are alma maters really the best destinations for head coaches?

By Zach Bigalke

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach leads his team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 14-7. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach leads his team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 14-7. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Mark Richt and the Miami Hurricanes

  • YEARS AT MIAMI AS PLAYER: 1978-1982
  • YEARS AT MIAMI AS COACH: 2016-present

Mark Richt was part of the early period of dynasty building at Miami. Recruited by Howard Schnellenberger to play for the Hurricanes, Richt was mostly a backup to bigger stars at quarterback such as Jim Kelly, Vinny Testaverde, and Bernie Kosar. He threw for 1500 yards for the Canes in his limited action, taking advantage whenever he could get on the field.

Since leaving Coral Gables, Richt shifted to what many Hurricanes fans see as the dark side — Florida State. Under Bobby Bowden, Richt helped the Seminoles win two national titles in 1993 and 1999. He was one of the hottest prospects in the country to jump from coordinator to head coach when Georgia hired him to his first head gig in 2001.

In 15 years, the Bulldogs won two SEC titles and six division crowns. But, unable to seriously contend for the school’s first national title since 1980, Richt was unceremoniously ditched after the 2015 season.

He quickly landed at his alma mater, and in his second season at the helm has the Hurricanes in the ACC championship game for the first time in school history. A win would put Miami into the College Football Playoff and allow him to potentially do what he never could manage to pull off in Athens.

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