After interviewing for the head coaching vacancy at Georgia earlier this week, former Ohio State coach Thad Matta told ESPN's Jeff Goodman on Wednesday that he is turning down an offer to become the Bulldogs' coach.
Thad Matta on spurning Georgia: "It was the most difficult decision because Georgia is a tremendous opportunity for a coach to build a great program. Unfortunately, I just dont feel that I am completely ready at this point to give Greg McGarity and Georgia what they deserve."
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 14, 2018
Matta also recently met with Ole Miss officials about the Rebels' coaching vacancy, but is no longer a candidate for that job, either.
According to a report from Seth Emerson of DawgNation, Georgia offered Matta a five-year contract worth at least $15 million.
Matta remains less than a year removed from the end of his tenure at Ohio State, where he was ousted in June after 13 seasons leading the Buckeyes. Matta's end of employment agreement at Ohio State, though, stipulates that he "has an obligation to make reasonable and diligent efforts to obtain a comparable position," and that Ohio State would not be obligated to continue monthly payments if he lands another job in which he receives equal or greater compensation to that which he is entitled to in his buyout (h/t Adam Jardy of The Columbus Dispatch).
