ATHENS, Ga. — Mark Richt stepped down as Georgia’s coach Sunday, leaving stunned players with one final bowl game with the man who ranks second in wins in school history.

Georgia announced the move as a “mutual” decision, but it looked like a firing.

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity announced the decision after meeting with Richt on Sunday morning.

McGarity said in a statement released by the school the two “mutually agreed that he would step down as head coach and would have the opportunity to accept other duties and responsibilities at UGA following the bowl game.”

Richt met with his players Sunday night.