Mark Richt retires from coaching

Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt announced his retirement from coaching Sunday.

The university released a statement from Richt, 58, whose Hurricanes capped a 7-6 season with a 35-3 loss to Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl on Thursday.

“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,” he wrote.

Richt compiled a 26-13 record in three seasons at Miami, highlighted by a 10-win season in 2017 and a trip to the Orange Bowl.

Before taking over at his alma mater, he coached at Georgia from 2001-15. His Bulldogs teams were 145-51, including 9-5 in bowl games.

Richt played quarterback for the Hurricanes from 1979-82, serving as a backup to future Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde.

“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,” Richt wrote. “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.”

Richt thanked university officials and the coaches, staff and student-athletes for their support.

“I only wish that we could have achieved greater things in return,” he wrote.

The Hurricanes had a roller-coaster season in 2018. They began the year ranked No. 8, but lost the opener to LSU. Miami won its next five games, only to lose four straight and fall out of the top 25. The Hurricanes were 4-4 in ACC play.