CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Mark Richt’s introduction back home at the University of Miami welcomed those on hand to a very “special” event. That’s what the opening remarks from Richt’s introductory press conference centered upon regarding his return to the Hurricanes.

His name was already on his office door. A walking Miami icon in the form of Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde was there. So was former Hurricane All-American linebacker Jon Vilma. Those two were involved in the process of selecting Richt as head coach.

Miami athletic director Blake James presented Richt with a No. 24 jersey that signified him as the 24th head football coach of the Hurricanes. Richt graduated from Miami in 1982.

“We have found what we consider to be the very best coach to lead our Hurricanes football program,” Miami president Julio Frenk said.

Richt’s wife could not be there on Friday. She was taking an exam in pursuit in her nursing degree back at his old home in Georgia. When he fashioned his hands in the shape of Miami’s famed “U” symbol, it drew the biggest reaction from the crowd.

Richt said he planned for this to be his last coaching stop and procolaimed he was “home” at Miami.

 

Jeff Sentell covers UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges.