Two former college football coaches from the State of Georgia are on the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. 

They are Paul Johnson who coached at Georgia Southern University (GSU), Navy, and Georgia Tech (GT). Also, there is Mark Richt who led the University of Georgia (UGA) Bulldogs then coached at his alma mater, Miami, before retiring. There are nine coaches on this year’s ballot. 

“It is quite an honor to be on the ballot, and in my mind, it is a reflection of all the people I had a chance to work with,” Johnson said. 

Johnson has an overall record of 189-100 from his time at GSU, Navy, and GT. He was most successful at GSU. 

During his time in Statesboro, the Eagles won two Division 1-AA National Championships. He also guided Navy to five bowl games and won five straight Commander in Chief trophies. 

At GT, the yellow jackets won the Ace in 2009 and got an Orange Bowl win in 2014. 

Richt compiled a record of 145-51 at UGA from 2001 to 2015, which included 85-40 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. His teams won two SEC titles (2002 and 2005) and went to 15 bowl games, had eight top 10 finishes, and a 42-2 record against non-conference opponents at home. Richt was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2005. 

Richt returned to Miami to coach in 2016. After three seasons, he led the Hurricanes to a 26-13 record. In 2017, Miami went 10-3, and Richt was named ACC Coach of the Year. 

Also on the ballot is former UGA running back Garrison Hearst. In 1992, Hearst led the Bulldogs to a 10-2 record. Hearst rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. He averaged 9.2 yards a carry. 

He capped the season with a win over Ohio State in the Citrus Bowl. He was named All-American, received the Doak Walker Award, and was named the SEC Player of the Year. He finished third in the Heisman race in 1992.