Georgia coach Kirby Smart seems to have filled the recent coaching vacancies by attracting talent from rival programs. James Coley, who briefly served as wide receivers coach at South Carolina, has returned to Georgia to resume his coaching role. Coley, a veteran of Smart’s staff since 2016, was promoted to offensive coordinator before his subsequent demotion in 2019, leading him to Texas A&M. His return to Georgia will entail a buyout payment of $450,000 to South Carolina as per contractual terms.
Additionally, Smart has enlisted Josh Crawford from Georgia Tech as the new running backs coach. Initially considered for the receivers’ position, Crawford’s appointment to the backfield coaching role follows Dell McGee’s departure to Georgia State’s head coaching role.
Smart expressed enthusiasm for both hires, praising Coley’s leadership and teaching abilities while commending Crawford’s impact on football in Georgia.
These additions mark the third and fourth coaching acquisitions for Smart this offseason. Travaris Robinson and Donte Williams were previously brought in to bolster the defensive coaching staff.
Coley replaces Bryan McClendon, who departed to coach receivers for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Crawford’s hiring expands his coaching repertoire beyond receivers, despite his extensive experience in that area. Crawford, a former collegiate running back, brings a wealth of coaching experience from various high school and collegiate positions, despite his recent focus on receivers.
Overall, Smart’s moves aim to strengthen Georgia’s coaching staff and maintain competitiveness within the college football landscape.
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