Richt gets new deal

ATHENS, Ga. - Georgia coach Mark Richt received a new eight-year, $16 million contract Wednesday that gives the two-time Southeastern Conference champion a $500,000 a year raise.

The contract boosts Richt's annual salary to $2 million from $1.5 million, putting him on par with the highest paid coaches in the SEC. Richt (52-13 in five years at Georgia) can also earn up to $400,000 in bonuses if he meets various incentives, including incentives tied to his team's graduation rate.

The Bulldogs won the SEC championship in 2005, their second in the past four years. Before Richt's arrival, Georgia had not won an SEC title since 1982.

Richt had five years remaining on his current contract. The new contract extends through the 2013 season and retains a stiff buyout clause. Richt would have to pay Georgia the remaining value of the contract if he were to leave for another coaching job.

"I don't view the money issue as profoundly as I view the long-term consideration on both sides," university president Michael Adams said. "He wants to be here and we want him to be here."