Report: Georgia AD McGarity 'favored' firing coach Richt last year

The dissension at Georgia apparently runs deeper than the coaching staff.

Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity "favored" a coaching change after last season, according to Dan Wolken of USA TODAY. However, president Jere Morehead intervened, and not only overruled McGarity, but offered coach Mark Richt a two-year contract extension, which he signed.

Less than a year later, Georgia's coaching staff appears to be dysfunctional. Richt, who's known for being easygoing, has reportedly clashed often with defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who's known for his intensity. Speculation about their relationship has become so heated that Richt took to Twitter on Thursday to fend off rumors that Pruitt had been fired.

Upon being brought to Athens, Pruitt was given autonomy to hire some of his own coaches, including offensive line coach Rob Sale, even though Pruitt coaches defense. Sale has come under fire this season as the Bulldogs' line has underachieved.

First-year offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has also reportedly been viewed as a problem.

Richt has been the Bulldogs' head coach since 2001, and those in the industry are reportedly skeptical about whether Georgia would have the stomach to cut ties with him. Georgia's highly ranked 2016 recruiting class is another factor the school would have to consider before firing Richt.

Earlier Thursday, Georgia legend Fran Tarkenton blasted the state of the Bulldogs' coaching staff, and took aim at Pruitt, specifically.

Georgia, 5-3, is preparing to take on 4-4 Kentucky on Saturday.