Mark Richt's heart was no longer in the game. Manny Diaz earned this opportunity to lead the Miami program. Both things are true.
But the timing and aftermath of Richt's retirement is an undisputed example that money—not the fantastical idea of loyalty, not a code of ethics—rules college football.
Richt spent the 2018 season mismanaging the quarterback position and watching a recruiting class deteriorate. There were dismissals, transfer rumors, a four-game losing streak and Diaz's decision to take over at Temple after the campaign.
The game had passed Richt, but he stubbornly refused to adapt offensively.