Friday, former Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti confirmed that he has spoken to Colorado regarding their head-coaching vacancy.
A day later, it appears as though the school would like the same to occur with the current coach of a high-profile program.
While fairly short on details, the Denver Post, citing a source close to Colorado’s search, is reporting that CU is interested in talking to Georgia head coach Mark Richt. The long-time UGA coach was by all appearances on the hot seat following an abysmal start to the 2010 season, but four wins in the past five games has seemingly snuffed out most fires burning around Richt.
However, a source told the paper that Richt may be growing weary of the pressures that come with coaching in the SEC and could be looking to make a move out of the conference.
As will be mentioned in every post/story/article regarding CU’s search for a new coach, there’s the little matter of money to take into consideration. Colorado has publicly stated they aren’t a football program that can, right now, pay much more than $2 million annually to Hawkins’ replacement. Richt currently makes nearly $3 million a year in Athens.
Would the rumored desire to free himself from the SEC pressure cooker be enough to bridge that million-dollar gap? Who knows, but it does make for great fodder.
(Tip O’ the Cap: Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald)