Just three days after the Miami Hurricanes' embarrassing 35-3 loss to Wisconsin in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, finishing the season at 7-6, Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt announced his retirement from coaching on Sunday. Here's the 58 year old Richt's statement in it's entirety.
Dear Hurricane Family:
A few hours ago, I informed UM Director of Athletics Blake James that it is time for me to retire from coaching so I am stepping down as the Head Coach of UM Football. The decision came after a great deal of thought, discussions with my family, and prayer. This was my decision.
The University of Miami has been a part of my life for more than three decades. It shaped me as a young man and provided me with the coaching opportunity of a lifetime. My love for The U is simply great. My true desire is for our football program to return to greatness, and while terribly difficult, I feel that stepping down is in the best interests of the program.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the entire Hurricane Family for welcoming me back home and for supporting the outstanding young men in our program. I only wish that we could have achieved greater things in return. I also want to thank President Frenk and Blake for their incredible support, as well as the outstanding men and women in UM Athletics. Most importantly, I want to thank the incredible coaches, staff, and their families who gave their all to The U each and every day, and our student-athletes, who wore The U jersey with pride and who worked hard towards their degree.
Katharyn and I will be cheering on the Canes in the years to come and The U will never leave our hearts.
Sincerely,
Mark Richt
The former Hurricanes quarterback, was hired in 2016 after being fired as Georgia's head coach after 15 seasons. Richt led the Bulldogs to two SEC championships in 2002 and 2005. Richt went 9-4 in 2016 with the Canes and started 10-0 in 2017, but lost it's last three games, capped off by a 38-3 defeat to Clemson in the ACC championship.
Source: CBS 12