"They are getting better every year"
Ummm - it's only been two years!
Were you a big Tech fan between, say 1996 and 1997 per chance?
If so, you may remember a former UGA coach named Jim Donnan.
You know, he was the "flagship university's" second choice, once they had hired superstar Gelnn Mason from the powerhouse of football that is the university of Kansas, who then decided not to come to lovely Athens, Ga. after he actually visited the place (now that is hilarious!)? The one who "had won championships" and "was an offensive genius"?
If so, you may recall that UGA went 6-5 in 1996, only to follow up with their best season in over a decade, at 10-2. (editor's note: At this point they had gotten better each year!). Donnan was courted by his homestate's flagship University, offered in excess of $1 Million dollars (which at the time only 2 other coaches in college made). He remained loyal to UGA, got a nice fat raise and contract extension.
Suffice it to say that in 3 years he was fired, and the contract extension merely forced the financial wizards in Athens to pay 3 coaches at the same time.
So what, dear reader, is the point of my rambling?
It is merely this - I am not diviner, no seer of the future. Heck, UGA may win 20 national championships, and Mark Richt may be recognized as the greatest head coach in the history of college football. All of these things are possible.
But history (recent history) has also shown another, perhaps more likely outcome.
UGA had a great year this year, no question about it. As much as anything, I think you could argue that a down Tennessee, and even a down UF program (in spite of UGA's loss to the Gators) hold the keys to Richt's long term succes at UGA.
Personally, I don't think Tennessee returns to their mid 90's prominence, and certainly Fla is weaker without Spurrier (although a year of adjustment is necessary to truly judge Zook et. al.) So the pendulum may be swinging UGA's way.
But Richt is still the same coach he was last year - good, bad, or indifferent. He still takes risks that will cost you if you lose the gamble (ala the Boston College and Auburn games last year). His team blocked for him, tackled, and caught the ball this year. That's why they won the games.
Me, I'm not worried about any "dominance" emitting from Athens. I'm focused solely on GT and Coach Gailey.
And my opinion of the contract extension? It just means that UGA will have to expand Sanford Stadium again, as they will need the extra funds to pay for Richt's ever-increasing buyout down the road.