Felton defends his job as Georgia coach on eve of SEC Tournament

ATLANTA - Dennis Felton was ready when the inevitable questions came about his future as Georgia's coach.

Proclaiming himself proud of the job he's done under trying circumstances, Felton said Wednesday that he expects to remain on the job despite a last-place season.

Georgia (13-16) finished at the bottom of the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division with a 4-12 mark. The Bulldogs will try to extend their season tonight when they face Mississippi in the opening round of the SEC tournament.

Felton said he expects to be the Georgia coach for a long time.

Felton inherited a scandal-plagued program in 2003, taking over after Jim Harrick was forced into retirement over an embarrassing set of allegations that included illegal payments to a former player and a sham course taught by Harrick's son.

Georgia athletic director Damon Evans has declined to comment on Felton's future, saying he'll evaluate the program at the end of the season as he always does.