Sports

Miami coach Richt retires after Hurricanes finish season 7-6

30 of December 2018

File-This Nov. 24, 2018, file photo shows Miami quarterback N'Kosi Perry, left, talking with Miami head coach Mark Richt during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Hurricanes could play the Pinstripe Bowl without Perry in the wake of a sexually explicit video he posted on Snapchat. The video appeared to have been filmed in September but recently resurfaced and could cost Perry (1,089 yards passing, 13 touchdowns) a Pinstripe start. Malik Rosier, who started six games this season before he was replaced by Perry, will likely get the start. Jarren Williams could also get some snaps for the Hurricanes. Richt had not announced a starter on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File),File-This Nov. 24, 2018, file photo shows Miami quarterback N'Kosi Perry, left, talking with Miami head coach Mark Richt during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Hurricanes could play the Pinstripe Bowl without Perry in the wake of a sexually explicit video he posted on Snapchat. The video appeared to have been filmed in September but recently resurfaced and could cost Perry (1,089 yards passing, 13 touchdowns) a Pinstripe start. Malik Rosier, who started six games this season before he was replaced by Perry, will likely get the start. Jarren Williams could also get some snaps for the Hurricanes. Richt had not announced a starter on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami coach Mark Richt has announced he will retire, a stunning decision made after three years leading his alma mater and with five years remaining on his contract.

Richt says he told Miami athletic director Blake James of his decision Sunday. He says the decision was his.

Miami struggled to a 7-6 record this season, falling to Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl. The Hurricanes have lost nine of their last 16 games going back to a 10-0 start last season.

Richt was 26-13 at Miami, and 171-64 in 18 seasons between Georgia and the Hurricanes. He says, “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.”

___

More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25