Mark Richt

Mark Richt is a retired college football coach, former player, and a studio analyst for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Network. Before his role with ACC Network/ESPN, he was the head football coach at the University of Miami and the University of Georgia.

Raised in Boca Raton, Florida, Richt played college football at the University of Miami, serving as a backup quarterback to future NFL stars Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, and Vinny Testaverde. Despite limited playing time, Richt was part of a formidable Hurricanes team that achieved national prominence during his tenure.

Transitioning into coaching, Richt began his career as a graduate assistant under Bobby Bowden at Florida State University (FSU) in 1985. He briefly served as offensive coordinator at East Carolina University in 1989 before returning to FSU, where he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 1994. Under his guidance, FSU's offense flourished, contributing to two national championships in 1993 and 1999.

In 2001, Richt became the head coach at the University of Georgia, leading the Bulldogs to a 145-51 overall record over 15 seasons. His tenure included two Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships, five SEC Eastern Division titles, and nine bowl victories. Richt was named SEC Coach of the Year twice, in 2002 and 2005.

Returning to his alma mater, Richt served as the head coach at the University of Miami from 2016 to 2018, achieving a 26-13 record and earning the 2017 ACC Coach of the Year award. He retired from coaching in December 2018. On July 1, 2021, Richt publicly announced his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease.

Post-retirement, Richt transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a football analyst for the ACC Network. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Richt is also known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to his faith, often engaging in community service and motivational speaking. He established The Richt Family Foundation, which is focused on raising awareness and funding for Crohn’s disease and Parkinson’s disease research. In 2013, he received the Stallings Award, presented to a college head football coach for their contributions in their community and achievements on the field. In 2016, he was named the first-ever honorary head coach of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. More recently, in 2025, Richt was named the recipient of the American Heart Association’s 2025 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Heart of a Champion Award in honor of his football excellence and community impact.