Georgia Football News: Contract Extensions In Works for Richt, Pruitt

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The Georgia football program will continue to be in the capable hands of at least two of its coaches for a few years longer.

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For those who were hoping Georgia head coach Mark Richt was on his way out, sorry to disappoint. According to numerous reports, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, both Richt and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt will be receiving contract extensions.

The announcement of a planned extension for Richt came from athletic director Greg McGarity, who sent a letter to the schools top financial contributors, praising Richt and his staff for the work done this season, particularly in light of some of the obstacles thrown at them during the course of the year.

Richt’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2017 season, and he currently makes about $3.5 million per year, ranking him 9th among SEC coaches, despite his having the longest tenure of any coach in the league.

McGarity sent out a second letter stating that Pruitt will be receiving both an extension and a raise, with the new deal adding a year back to the original contract and gives him three years at a new salary of $1.3 million per year, according to the school. Pruitt made $850,000 in 2014.

According to the AJC, the raises don’t stop there.

"Sources have told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Georgia is also expected to offer promotions, contract extensions and/or raises to defensive line coach Tracy Rocker and running backs coach/recruiting coordinator Bryan McClendon."

This should be a welcome sight to Georgia fans, as every one of those coaches, including Pruitt, have been approached by other programs for high paying and higher profile positions.

With a new offensive coordinator still yet to be hired, it will be important for Georgia to keep some continuity with the rest of the staff so that recruits who have not yet signed letters of intent or enrolled at the school will feel at ease with their decision to commit to Georgia.

There has been no comment from Richt about the extension as of yet, but he did humorously dismiss any rumors of retirement after the teams Belk Bowl win over Louisville last week.

Next: Grading Jeremy Pruitt's First Season at UGA