Some coaches might carry some bitterness if they were dismissed from a position after 15 seasons, but Miami coach Mark Richt is not that way when it comes to the Georgia Bulldogs. Richt exchanged supportive tweets with second-year Georgia coach Kirby Smart before the season began, and the Hurricanes coach has been impressed with Smart's progress in 2017.

“It’s exciting to see that,” Richt told SDS. “I’m happy for Georgia. I’m happy for all the kids I recruited and I’m happy for all the guys I didn’t recruit. Georgia is a great place. It has a special place in the hearts of myself and my wife and I’m all for them having a lot of success.”

For now, it appears Georgia's decision to part with Richt has paid dividends for both sides. But it didn't always feel that way in 2016. Smart and the Bulldogs stumbled to an 8-5 record, which included losses to Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech, a team Richt only lost to twice in 15 seasons in Athens. Richt and the Hurricanes began the 2016 campaign 4-0 before losing four consecutive games. But Miami won its final five matchups, inclduing its bowl game, to finish 9-4.

Year two has brought a new level of success to both programs. No. 11 Miami is 4-0, and defeated Florida State for the first time since 2009 last Saturday. No. 4 Georgia is 6-0, and Smart's team appears to be the clear favorite to win the SEC East for the first time since 2012. But the SEC East might just be the first major accomplishment for the Bulldogs this season.

“When you see the scores," Richt said Georgia's six victories, "and the point differential and what looks like really lights out defensive play that’s what champions are built of."

Of course, Richt would prefer if his new team wins the championship instead. But if it's not the Hurricanes, it's safe to say Georgia would be Richt's second choice.