Some UGA coaching rumors won’t go away
John Chavis (LSU)
Will John Chavis turn out to be Georgia’s next defensive coordinator after all? What about Kirby Smart, still any chance of that? Is Mark Richt really planning on getting his next DC from the NFL ranks?
Depends on which rumor you’re hearing, as the talk about who’ll replace Willie Martinez continues to generate conflicting stories. Are any of them based on real leaks of information out of Butts-Mehre in Athens? Or are they generated by agents looking to get their clients better deals from their current employers, or just sheer speculation? Only Mark Richt and Co. know for sure at this point.
It seemed a couple of days ago as if Chavis, the former Tennessee DC now running the defense for LSU, was off the board, after a Baton Rouge TV station quoted an LSU player as saying Chavis assured him at practice that he wasn’t going anywhere.
But ESPN.com’s Chris Low reports today: “In talking to several people close to the situation, Richt has serious interest in Chavis and is prepared to throw some serious money at the veteran defensive coordinator, who headed up Tennessee’s defense for 14 seasons prior to joining Les Miles’ staff at LSU for this past season.”
Low adds: ” LSU coach Les Miles has acknowledged that he’s aware that Georgia may have an interest in Chavis, whose salary was $450,000 this season. … The word out of Georgia, though, is that the Bulldogs may go to $600,000-plus annually and offer a three-year contract.”
Also, Gannett’s Bayou Bengals Blog reports that as of late Tuesday night, Chavis “had not completely ruled out a lucrative offer to be Georgia’s defensive coordinator after just one season with the Tigers.”
We may find out more later today when Chavis is scheduled to meet the media in Orlando as part of the Capital One Bowl coordinator’s news conference.
Low also notes that Richt has made a pitch to Alabama’s Kirby Smart (everything’s been very quiet on that front lately) and also mentions Todd Grantham of the Dallas Cowboys and Bob Sanders of the Buffalo Bills as “two NFL assistants to keep an eye on.”
The Bayou Bengals Blog noted that while Chavis may well have told LSU linebacker Kelvin Sheppard that he was staying at LSU, things could have changed since then. Richt may have upped his offer.
That is, of course, assuming there’s even been an offer. There’s been no confirmation either way.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach said on local radio and in an ESPN online chat: “I think Richt makes one more run at Kirby Smart. If Smart doesn’t take it, I think Dallas Cowboys DL coach Todd Grantham might be the front runner.”
Whether Chavis or Smart would consider a move to UGA is very much the subject of debate among college football observers. An NFL assistant might be more inclined to look on a coordinator’s job in the SEC as a step up.
What do you think? Feel free to offer your own speculation and rumors to the mix. …
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221 comments Add your comment
Dawg
December 30th, 2009
5:14 pm
People have every reason to criticize Bryan Evans. I have never seen someone miss so many tackles in my life! He and Joe Cox can ride off into the sunset together.
Houdawg
December 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
” Craig James is a dad. So he should have known how to raise his kid. It sounds like the kid is a punk. I agree Leach should not have given them any reason to get him. I keep hearing that you can’t touch these kids and do old time discipline anymore, this is a new era. Who says the new era is right other than these lawyers wanting to get rich. This new era has helped get this world in the shape it is in. Home invasions , drugs, car jackings, DUI’s everywhere, on the field demonstrations, me attitudes instead of team, shoplifting, robberies, and lord knows whatelse. I’m sick of it. Now the kid should not have been forced into any room, but I don’t think this something should cause Leach to lose his job. He should be reprimanded and next time just kick the kid off the team. ”
JJ —- couldn’t POSSIBLY agree more !!!
Kirby (I'm too) Smart
December 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
Sorry UGA fans – I’m not going to be your next d-coordinator. I’m having too much fun coaching for big bucks at a program that has a legitimate chance at a national championship every year. I wish the Dawgs much success — and have recommended to Coach Richt that he consider Romeo Crennel, Lovie Smith (I hear he’ll be available soon) or David Pollack (who if you listen to him on the radio, clearly knows everything one needs to know to be a successful coordinator).
Bubba
December 30th, 2009
5:25 pm
Last!
John
December 30th, 2009
5:37 pm
Hope it’s not Kirby Smart. We love him at Bama. Roll Tide
Houdawg
December 30th, 2009
5:40 pm
About the James kid ………. regardless of the outcome of multiple lawsuits by Leach ….. this kid should certainly leave Texas Tech. Most fans and many players will have it in for him — he basically got the winningest coach in their history fired. He better scoot while he can …….
KimmerFan
December 30th, 2009
5:47 pm
All UGA rivals are hoping that UGA hires 3rd-and-Chavis. You can say bye-bye to Rodney Garner if Chavis comes here as well. The defense won’t improve but recruiting will be greatly wounded. It would be an act of professional suicide for Richt to hire this guy.
Tired of BS
December 30th, 2009
5:49 pm
Really people…… who wants to go and coach that bunch of candy butts. Too much fluff and not enough substance at UGA right now.
santa cruz dawg
December 30th, 2009
5:53 pm
Trust in Richt to make the correct hire this time. When Coach BVG left he rushed and promoted Martinez. This time he is waiting to hire the right man for the job. CMR knows that this hire could very well determine how long he stays at UGA and he loves being the Head Coach here. He will not make a mistake this time around. Haven’t you all noticed his increased intensity over the past few weeks? He is focused and primed to do the right thing.
Dawg4life
December 30th, 2009
5:53 pm
Bama 1
Where was Bama’s program before Saban? Mediocre sec team! Just goes to show what the right hire can do for a program. Can’t fault CMR for trying to get very best DC available.
superDawg
December 30th, 2009
6:53 pm
stinger you can use my handle if you like.The real factor here is I hurt your feelings and broke your heart.Just like 30-24 HAPPY NEW YEAR NERD.
Buddy El
December 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
123456789: We don’t know just who you are but I’m betting the rent money you ain’t Reggie Ball because 123 was about all Reg could come up to.
Buddy El
December 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
If the Texas Tech powers want to fire their best coach ever over a “Daddy they mistreated me” apparently spoiled brat I am pretty damn sure Leach can get a better paying job immediately. Craig James was a part of the SMU “death penalty” episode.
Bobby Bowden
December 30th, 2009
7:09 pm
I’m available..
BullDawgMic
December 30th, 2009
8:08 pm
Georgia is going to be real good next year if CMR pulls this one off. Go BullDawgs.
santa cuz dawg
December 30th, 2009
8:10 pm
Wow, if CMR makes this happen, I’ll be amazed. Chavis look like da’ champ.
takedowndawg
December 30th, 2009
8:15 pm
Maybe, it would not be a bad thing to have a DC that looks like he belongs on the Sopranos! I like a DC who has a mean look in his eye when his players disappoint him. A tough guy filling the job could be a good thing! No more softies, please.
Mike Leach
December 30th, 2009
8:26 pm
I am so wasted. I’ve consumed an entire box of Boones Farm Strawberry Pink and I just soiled my Blue Beard’s costume. What happened?
wreckmaniac
December 30th, 2009
8:59 pm
Move Richt to defense. Make Leach offensive coach. Who says you have to have a head coach ?
wreckmaniac
December 30th, 2009
9:01 pm
Dawg4Life: Saban turned the AL program around in 24 hours. We all know that UGA has seen its peak under CMR. I don’t see any similarity between the two.
Bride of Chucky Knapp
December 30th, 2009
9:17 pm
Do they not teach history at Tech?
Dudes, when you lose and then talk smack, it comes off as nerdy. Oh, never mind.
Dawg in Kentucky
December 30th, 2009
9:19 pm
I am UGA all the way. It may sound foolish to some, but hire
David Pollack!!!!!!! Either as DC or something. Guy has too
much fire and passion to go with his knowledge of the game.
We’re all talking about Kirby. Bright football mind, young guy,
UGA guy…….so is Pollack. David hasn’t proven himself but he’s
legit. We need him on the sidelines in Athens next year in some
capacity.
Happy New Year Coach Richt to you and your family. Let’s keep our
prayers going for Chance Veazey as well Dawg fans!!!!!!!!!
wreckmaniac
December 30th, 2009
9:42 pm
Who cares about this coaching decision. The last two days have been spent on this while recruiting is going on. This is a disgrace. We must be fed HOURLY with the latest recruiting news. DON’T YOU GET IT !!
Now, tell us immediately what recruits have mentioned UGA or may even think about UGA and which are likely to attend UGA. We demand this NOW !!! No coach is as impt as new recruits. This is UGA
MikeHunt
December 30th, 2009
9:46 pm
Smart’s the guy, no doubt about it.
Possible coach in waiting, being that CMR has expressed interest in relocating as a Christian missionary in the near future.
Smart’s a person of faith and integrity, someone that CMR can feel comfortable with, having the same priciples.
He also knows that if he comes to another elite program and makes immediate changes resulting in a NC, his stock will make him an elitist throughout the NCAA and the pros.
Smart’s ambitious and knows that he is in an he controls his destiny right now, it’s time to be get paid.
Most importantly, he knows that this all correlates into a very large payday forthcoming within his young coaching career. Will he bluff or will he throw the cards? Enquiring minds want to know.
DawgInTheHouse
December 30th, 2009
9:53 pm
Two words concerning Chavis as the new UGA DC, Bad Choice!!
Delbert D.
December 30th, 2009
9:58 pm
Whoa…that picture of Chavis wearing the orange jumpsuit. He’s doing hard time, because the trustys wear blue denim in Loosiana. If Georgia interview him, check him for tats.
Dick Nixon
December 30th, 2009
10:08 pm
I would like to stick Dick Cheney’s name into the mix here. Did a darn good job for me in Nam and in Iraq.
dap01
December 30th, 2009
10:13 pm
Anyone: What type of defense does each of the top 3 candidates coach?
Agressive or reactive (give but don’t break.
1. Smart _______
2. Chavis ______
3. Granthom ___________
4. other __________
Bo Williams
December 30th, 2009
10:22 pm
UNC held high-scoring Pitt to just 1 TD in their bowl game. If UNC had any offense at all, it would be a top 10 program. Their defense is elite.
Jimmy
December 30th, 2009
10:36 pm
SOGADOG
December 30th, 2009
1:30 pm
“As for “To Bryan Evans” the person who criticized him, did you even go to college? How many SEC collegiate footballs games did you start in? How many tackles did you make for a division 1 football team? ”
I didn’t read the criticisim of Bryan Evans you reference. However, a point of logic:
Suggesting you have to be a Div. 1 football player to criticize Bryan Evans is like saying you have to be a politician to criticize the President. This simply is not logical.
The truth is that anyone who watches enough football can compare and contrast a players performance against what they have observed. It is not that difficult to do. How many people on these blogs pointed out that the UGA defense was trending downward for three years? They argued that WM should be fired because of it. Now I’ve read an interview with MR where he mentioned this very thing. You can bet that few of those on the blog pointing this out ever coached a Div. 1 football team. I bet few of them ever played a down of college football anywhere. But they could spot a trend.
Logic.
UGAG suxs:
December 30th, 2009
10:41 pm
Congrats on another underachieving year in football. Started at 13th in the AP and NO where to be found. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! LMFAO! Your team suxs!
Willie Martinez:
December 30th, 2009
10:42 pm
I am available. Please hire me back, please…………….
GT Rules:
December 30th, 2009
10:44 pm
superdawgchitman: Your team is hurtin fer certin. Hey, next year is your year, just like every year! Give me a break! THWG!
UGA = loserville
December 30th, 2009
10:47 pm
Wow, I cannot believe we lost 5 games. hmmmmm………Oh, that’s right, it was a rebuilding year! We will win it all next year. NC’s. You just wait and see! I mean……………..the gym mutts not the football team. However, I think your men’s basketball team has a chance. They only lost to Wofford. Yep, UGA wins it all in hoops. LMFAO!
he'll bite you if you try that
December 30th, 2009
11:00 pm
I’m sure that CMR will do just fine next year. he always does,year in and out. He is a great coach and has plenty of $ to buy what he needs.
I think taking that job would be a mistake for any top DC. If UGA does great you’re a great find but any thing less than a 12-0 season you would be hung from the nearest pecan tree. Who would want that? Who ever he picks will do fine. I can appreciate the passionate fans who think that their team should win every NC but thats not how things work. UGA has one of the best programs in America and that should be good enough. Florida is better but they don’t win it every year either.
I am a huge Tech fan and enjoy playing UGA every year. I think its way better than playing Vandy or SC. I have never said a cross word about the bulldog football team. They all work their butts off every year win or lose. I would love both teams to be undefeated every year come Thanksgiving. Lots to be thankful for …..We don’t live in Al or TN. (ha ha)….We have a great State Rival and thats the best thing about UGA.
David Crisp
December 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
Would LOVE to see us make a run at Tyronne Nix from Ole Miss. He is great, young and aggressive and I believe we could get him for less $$$.
"The News From Lake Doggebone."
December 30th, 2009
11:21 pm
One more try. I guess prez Adams ban on all things Dooley is still in effect.Former Junkyard Dawg Donald Chumley does not get a mention in anywhere on the UGA coaching carousel.I guess our current fans are too young to remember when the UGA defense could tackle somebody.Too young to remember when the Dawgs dominated the Gators and the yellow fuzz.Well my on friend Donald I hear the gators need a new DC . I’m sure they remember the way our defense used to beat them up in the 80’s.
Willie Martinez
December 30th, 2009
11:27 pm
Texas A&M is not Florida! Check their record before you get you chest pumped out! Enjoy 2010 and beyond!
Chuck Uga
December 30th, 2009
11:33 pm
To Village Idiot posing as 123456789,
Yeah, that is UGA’s fault that the kid got hurt. Or is it Bush’s fault? Hell, it’s YOUR fault! Whatever you say dolt. It was HIS responsibility to report to the office and sign the papers, not Hoke Wilder’s job to hunt him down for a signature. Sad, because he was immensely talented.
Josh
December 31st, 2009
12:00 am
Who cares?!?!?!?!?! It’s snowing!
RED DOG 77
December 31st, 2009
12:17 am
I think Bob Dog is dead on the money, CMR has his man, and as soon as his season is over we will know……….And I believe it will be a top notch, high dollar man as well. I just love the fact that CMR is in control enough to keep it all quiet……..And rest assure it will be an attack style DC . I think he has learned to win in the SEC you must ATTACK !!! just look at the AM game……..Speaking of winning , congratulations CMR 90 wins 9 seasons !!!! GO DOGS ,, GO YOU GEORGIA BULLDOGS !!!!!!!!
Hire Jesus
December 31st, 2009
3:51 am
It still would not help
Chavis Links « Leather Helmet Blog
December 31st, 2009
4:51 am
[...] Junkyard Blawg [...]
santa cruz dawg
December 31st, 2009
5:53 am
santa cuz dawg; Hey Tech fan stay on your own blog. Oh yeah no one really cares about your program so you don’t have a blog of your own.
Dawg #5
December 31st, 2009
6:21 am
Goodbye Bryan Evans & Joe Cox we will miss yall ….. NOT!!!!!!!!!
LSU DC a good fit but, would like to see Smart get the job!!!
santa cruz dawg
December 31st, 2009
7:42 am
I will say this about GT. I do like your coaches personality. He is funny sarcastic and I respect his ability, as a coach, but as for the Tech fans; most of you have an inferiority complex when it comes to the UGA football program.
dogdownsouth
December 31st, 2009
7:50 am
Is it my imagination or is the Dominating ACC conference 1 win 3 losses so far in the Bowl standings this year? Wow no wonder ACC teams get so much respect from fans & sportswriters.
30-24 techies at least another year of being subordinate to the Better Team in the State ( GO DAWGS )
Buddah
December 31st, 2009
7:53 am
Now where did I place Erk Russel’s soul, UGA needs him badly.
Bandwagon
December 31st, 2009
7:57 am
Hire Womack for DL coach! He knows what he’s doing there and his passion is sorely needed on this team.
Douglas
December 31st, 2009
8:20 am
I would like to get the DC from North Carolina — he is young and NC’s defense has always been good.