The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AD’s statement indicates Fox’s job is safe
McGarity denies report UGA is looking for new basketball coach.
ATHENS — In response to an online report Georgia was doing its “due diligence” on a replacement for basketball coach Mark Fox, Athletics Director Greg McGarity released a statement Tuesday morning that not only sought to deny that account, but indicated Fox’s job is not in jeopardy.
On Monday night, Yahoo Sports Pat Forde reported Georgia was looking for potential replacements for Fox. Citing sources, the report said Georgia was likely to go the mid-major coaching route for a replacement.
But McGarity’s statement disputed that and went a step further in appearing to guarantee Fox would return for a ninth season.
“In response to the report by Yahoo Sports, we are NOT in the process of exploring our options to replace Mark Fox. We
look forward to Mark leading our program next year and all of our efforts are centered on postseason play,” McGarity’s statement read. “It’s unfortunate we need to respond at this time, but it was necessary to quiet these unfounded rumors.”
McGarity, as is his usual custom, has not commented publicly on Fox’s job status until now. It’s unusual for him to do so during the season, but the report came at the start of a pivotal week for the team.
Georgia (18-13) is on the NCAA Tournament bubble — probably on the wrong side of it — as it enters the SEC Tournament.
The Bulldogs play Tennessee on Thursday and if they win, would face Kentucky on Friday.
The Yahoo report stated: “Georgia is exploring its options to replace Mark Fox, according to sources. Fox has not been fired, but the school is gathering information on potential successors.”
Those around the program have said there has been silence on the subject, with no firm word on Fox’s job security. McGarity’s statement indicates the issue has been settled.
Fox is wrapping up his eighth season at UGA and still has three years remaining on his contract. He would be owed $1.7 million if fired after this season.
Fox has led Georgia to two NCAA Tournament bids in seven seasons, in 2011 and 2015. The Bulldogs also have been selected for the NIT twice.
If Georgia wins two more games, it will be its fourth consecutive 20-win season, which is unprecedented in Bulldogs history. However, those victory totals have been almost exactly on the number: 20, 21, 20 and currently 18.