No thanks: Richt not interested in NFL job

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Rest easy, Georgia fans. Mark Richt isn't going anywhere.

While six NFL coaching jobs are available -- the Washington Redskins joined the list when Steve Spurrier resigned Tuesday -- Richt said he wouldn't even listen to an offer from the pros.

"I'm not interested in any job, anywhere," Richt said after the No. 11 Bulldogs practiced for Thursday's Capital One Bowl against 12th-ranked Purdue. "I don't care if it's the NFL, a college or the French Riviera."

Richt's name has occasionally popped on the list of potential NFL coaching candidates. In three years at Georgia, he has a record of 31-8, including the school's first Southeastern Conference championship in 20 years.

"I'm not interested in any job other than the one I've got," Richt said. "I want to stay here as long as they'll have us."

As for Spurrier's resignation, Richt would only say, "It's a tough business."

TUG OF WAR: Georgia tight end Martrez Milner has been getting plenty of ribbing from his teammates.

That's the way it goes when you get hurt in a tug-of-war.

Milner, a 255-pound sophomore, sprained his left ankle during one of those bowl week photo ops -- a friendly competition involving members of both teams Sunday.

"At least we won the tug-of war," he said, grinning. "It's like coach (Mark) Richt is always saying. You've got to finish the drill."

Milner took an awkward step while trying to gain an upper hand on the Boilermakers. He managed to practice Tuesday, but still hasn't fully recovered.

"I'm about 80 percent," Milner said. "I'm just icing it and trying to stay off it as much as I can."

Meanwhile, teammates such as defensive end David Pollack aren't showing much sympathy.

"He told me to tie my ankle to the rope and see what happens," Milner said. "Hey, what could I say?"

LACK OF DEPTH: Georgia has enough defensive backs to cope with Purdue's spread offense.

Barely.

The Bulldogs have been dealt a rash of injuries in the secondary, losing starters Decory Bryant and Kentrell Curry for the season. Then, before heading to Orlando, they learned that backup cornerback Kenny Bailey wouldn't be able to play because of academic problems.

"I hope we've got enough players," coach Mark Richt said. "We'll be hurting if anybody else gets hurt."

ALL-STAR DAWGS: Georgia will be well represented at the Gridiron Classic all-star game.

Kicker Billy Bennett, receiver Damien Gary and defensive lineman Ken Veal committed to play for the South team, which will be coached by Mark Richt.

Bennett is being rewarded for a record-breaking career, which includes the most field goals (85) in NCAA history. He ranks second with 399 career points.

Gary led the Bulldogs with 734 all-purpose yards this season. He became the school's career leader in punt return yardage and ranked second on the team with 41 catches for 443 yards.

Veal, a 6-1, 305-pound nose tackle, started eight games for a Georgia defense that ranks second nationally in points allowed.

The Gridiron Classic will be played Jan. 31 on a polo field at The Villages, a sprawling retirement community about a one-hour drive north of Orlando.