ATLANTA -- Mark Richt stepped down as Georgia's coach on Sunday in what is being called a "mutual" decision.

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said in a statement he met with Richt on Sunday morning "to discuss the status of our football program." McGarity said 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."

Georgia (9-3) ended its regular season with Saturday's 13-7 win over Georgia Tech.

Richt had only a short statement in the announcement released by Georgia.

"I appreciate the opportunity of serving the University as well as considering any other options that may present themselves in the future," Richt said.

There has been speculation about Richt's future since losses to Tennessee, Alabama and Florida ended the Bulldogs' hopes for a Southeastern Conference championship.

Georgia closed the regular season with four straight wins, but that was not enough to make up for failing to land a spot in the SEC title game. The Bulldogs were the preseason pick in the SEC East.

McGarity had praise for Richt, who was 145-51 with two SEC championships.

McGarity thanked Richt and Richt's wife, Katharyn, "for 15 years of remarkable service to the UGA community, hundreds of our students and staff, and to college football."

"Mark's record on the field was outstanding; however, his impact on college football goes well beyond the gridiron," McGarity said before mentioning children who attended Richt's summer camp, recruits and his players.

"For those contributions, we are sincerely appreciative."

Richt, strongly religious, was respected for his integrity but criticized for failing to keep pace in the SEC's recent string of seven straight national championships. Georgia's last SEC championship was in 2005. Its last national championship, under Vince Dooley, came in 1980.

The Bulldogs lost in the 2011 and 2012 SEC championship games.

Georgia has tentatively planned a Monday news conference.

McGarity said Richt will have an opportunity to remain at Georgia "and would be heavily involved with outreach programs for our former football lettermen."