



The Miami Herald learned Wednesday morning that new University of Miami football coach Mark Richt does not plan to attend the Sun Bowl.

Richt, who was introduced as the new coach on Dec. 4, originally said he planned to attend. It is not known why he isn't going, but it could be that he doesn't want the attention on himself -- that's just a guess. We'll likely find out soon enough.

On New Year's Eve of 2010, newly hired UM football coach Al Golden sat in a suite at Sun Bowl Stadium watching his Hurricanes get trampled by Notre Dame. In that game, former offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland was Miami's interim coach.

Larry Scott is the interim coach for the upcoming Sun Bowl game, at 2 p.m. Dec. 26, when the Canes (8-4) will meet the Washington State Cougars (8-4).

Miami began its fourth practice for the bowl game on Wednesday morning.

Richt was not there for the portion that the media can attend.

***Safety Jamal Carter (hamstring) was still in a yellow, limited contact, jersey. Offensive tackle Sunny Odogwu (knee) was not at practice. Guard Danny Isidora (undisclosed injury) was in a red, no-contact jersey.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN