ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia coach Mark Richt has fired defensive coordinator Willie Martinez and two other defensive assistants.

Richt announced on Wednesday that Martinez, linebackers coach John Jancek and defensive ends coach Jon Fabris will not return in 2010.
Richt says the three have been asked to remain through the team’s bowl game.
The coach says the “difficult decisions” on the three assistants was necessary for the program.
Defense has been a problem for Georgia (7-5), which is awaiting a bowl bid following its 30-24 win over Georgia Tech in its final regular-season game. Georgia gave up more than 40 points in three games.