Yea or nay on a full-time special teams coach for Dogs?
Blair Walsh was one of the bright spots in special teams play for the Dogs. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
I’m back from the holiday and my regular day off and see that the subject that occupied a group of us Dog fans sitting around talking football on Sunday afternoon is still drawing split opinions in the Bulldog Nation: Should Mark Richt use that last open coaching slot for another defensive coach (outside linebackers?) or to finally give Georgia a full-time special teams coach?
Before the news of Todd Grantham and the switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment, most of the chatter seemed to favor the idea that the Dogs badly need a coach dedicated to special teams. But now some are arguing that Grantham will need all the help he can get in the defensive rebuilding project.
Under the Dogs’ system up to now, various coaches split up special teams responsibility and much-maligned former defensive ends coach Jon Fabris was the overall “coordinator” and handled punt returns and kickoff coverage, the two areas of special teams play in which Georgia seemed most hapless this past season.
Of course, not all of the Dogs’ special teams were in need of fixing. Georgia has two of the nation’s best kickers in Blair Walsh and Drew Butler and a dangerous kickoff return game. And on occasion the Dogs’ special teams have looked great — the Independence Bowl being the most recent example. (Was the fact that Fabris was gone by then mere coincidence?)
The Georgia Sports Blog argues that the solution is to “put better athletes on special teams which UGA started doing mid-2009, and … spend more time on special teams in practice.”
I’m certainly in favor of that, particularly when it comes to covering kickoffs. Whether they were booted toward the end zone or those high, shorter directional kicks that Fabris embraced as a “challenge,” Georgia’s coverage often looked clueless and was hampered by too many walk-ons and not enough speed.
The Dawgs Online blog notes that while there have been some bright spots on special teams play, “there have been enough breakdowns over the past few years to suggest that a more cohesive approach to special teams could help. Fabris caught most of the criticism for special teams breakdowns, but all coaches had some responsibilities for some area of special teams. There is too much advantage in having the kickers and guys like [Brandon] Boykin to see it countered by an ad-hoc approach to kick coverage and returns.”
The argument in favor of hiring another defensive assistant, Dawgs Online says, is that “the Bulldogs will be implementing a new defensive alignment and scheme with new coaches. This transition will be especially challenging for the front seven — it’s not as simple as dropping a rush end into an outside linebacker spot. Richt should maximize the coaching resources available to ease that transition and get this new defense performing in time to show big improvement in 2010.”
Both of those bloggers come down on the side of hiring another defensive coach and continuing to split up the special teams coaching responsibilities. Or having Richt himself oversee the special teams, the way Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer and Florida’s Urban Meyer do. Special teams are, of course, a major element of Beamerball, and Meyer has gone to great lengths to make sure his special teams are truly “special,” making it an honor to be on the teams and giving them certain perks.
Loading ...But while the idea that Richt ought to take ownership of special teams also sounds appealing, I just don’t see it happening. In his time at Georgia, Richt unfortunately has been more like his mentor, Bobby Bowden, than Beamer or Meyer when it comes to special teams. He’s never seemed to appreciate what an important part of the game that is and how many games can be won by dominating special teams play (the Independence Bowl being just one example).
So I come down on the side favoring the hiring of a special teams coach. I think this piecemeal approach plainly hasn’t worked well at Georgia. Remember after A.J. Green blocked a field goal attempt how we heard that there had been opposition from his regular position coach to using him on special teams? Dedicating a full-time coach to that aspect of the game would elevate it in the minds of Georgia’s players and other coaches and be a statement by Richt that the old way of handling special teams wasn’t good enough.
I think that’s needed more than an outside linebackers coach. What do you think? Share your views in the comments, vote in the poll or have it both ways.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
190 comments Add your comment
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
11:50 am
DawginLex, Brantley is just like Chris Leak except bigger with a stronger arm; I think that worked out ok dip.
YoungDawg
January 20th, 2010
11:52 am
We still need to find out if CTG wants to keep CRG as DL coach. If not can CRG be Asst. HC & RC or does the RC have to be a cord or position coach? Another option would be to move CRG to TE\RC (he played TE at Auburn) & the TE coach becomes the STC. If CRG stays at DL then hire an STC unless we can get Travis Jones to coach OLB’s.
DawginLex
January 20th, 2010
11:54 am
Leak won because of the defense. They didn’t even run the spread throughout the SEC season. billy Latsko? Fullback?
Defense is going to drop off tremendously. no Tebow=No special players. Brantley might be good but he is not special.
Tailback U
January 20th, 2010
11:57 am
The need for improved special teams play is too important for next
years team specifically to not hire someone who is a special teams
expert. When you start the season with an unproven QB you need
to be very special in other areas of the team to offset that.
I have a good deal of confidence in the young QBs but being realistic
is to expect some growing pains and mistakes. As we have seen this
past season with Cox, turnovers along with poor special teams play
is a recipe for a lower tier bowl again. I know if would be beneficial
to have an additional defensive coach but CMR had better think this
through very carefully after the unrest of the fan base this past year.
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
12:03 pm
DawginLex, you need to wake up; with our depth (2 deep at every position) and with the med redshirts we had last year, the offense will be better and the defense will be just as good. Brantley is Stafford-like in his skills and with the Dubose kid (redshirted) we will have the all purpose player in the Percy position. Steven Wilks at FB is a better athelete than Lasko. No reason not to at least repeat as SEC East champs; who will challenge UGA or USC? I seriously doubt it.
EmmettDawg
January 20th, 2010
12:06 pm
To everyone saying hire both: the NCAA only allows so many coaches. We simply can’t do both. It’s not a matter of expense.
GeoffDawg
January 20th, 2010
12:09 pm
Ga Gator – I’m of the opinion that Brantley will be fine and that like most offenses, it’ll be tweaked some to play to his strengths. The point should be made though that were it not for Tebow gaining those tough yards as a freshman, Chris Leak likely wouldn’t have been nearly as effective as he was.
GeoffDawg
January 20th, 2010
12:16 pm
Oh come on Ga Gator – your post at 12:03 stating that the offense will be better (without Tebow, Hernandez, Pouncey, etc.) and that the defense will be just as good (without Spikes, Dunlap, Haden, etc. not to mention Charlie Strong) is more than just a tad biased. This doesn’t even get into the fact that the coaching staff will be spread even thinner than normal covering for Urban Meyer’s responsibilities while he’s on leave.
Most top programs including the likes of Georgia, LSU, Alabama, etc are going to be two deep in talent at most if not all positions but until that talent gets the chance to play in game conditions, no one can say with authority that they’re going to be just as good or better than what’s been a very successful and effective offense and defense over the last few years.
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
12:16 pm
GeoffDawg, you are correct on both points, but UF has a much better OL compared to then and this Wilks kid (played with Pouncey’s in high school) is much better and bigger than Lasko and can get the tough yards. I am one of the few Gators who root for UGA every game except one and actually attend the home games with girl friend and family. You have the most beautiful facilities and fans at least as fickle as UF’s.
DawginLex
January 20th, 2010
12:18 pm
Geoffdawg,
the defense won the NT when Leak played QB.
The offense blitzkrieged OSU in the bowl game AFTER the defense completely stuffed Troy Smith.
kauai dawg
January 20th, 2010
12:18 pm
“Nerd Central @ North Ave” a little perspective for Wednesday. Our worst team in years beat your best team in decades.
Nuff said! 30-24! and we are looking forward to your visit between the hedges!
DAWGS win the east this year as well! Sorry gators your Tebow run is over.
DawginLex
January 20th, 2010
12:20 pm
I hope Brantley is Stafford like in his skills as a first year starter with 18 interceptions just like Matthew…………………….
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
12:21 pm
GeoffDawg , the same as Dawg fans who say they will when the SEC east with a completely new defense and staff, not to mention a QB who has never taken a snap. Yep that isnt biased is it?
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
12:23 pm
Not to mention that when we get top recruiting classes, we do something with them instead of wasting them.
DawginLex
January 20th, 2010
12:25 pm
Tebow=Florida’s Herschel
No Tebow=No titles
You don’t win in 2006 without him. You don’t win in 2008 without him.
You won’t win in 2010 without him.
leslie22h
January 20th, 2010
12:25 pm
Perhaps I’m looking at the Bulldog world through rose-colored glasses, but I honestly believe that CTG will turn UGA’s defense around quickly, especially with the addition of an OLB coach. However, an “insider” buddy of mine swears up and down that CMR, not Fabris, was the proponent of those stupid short directional kicks that got our team in trouble so many times over the last two seasons. That said, I’m not sure CMR is the right man to lead UGA’s special teams.
Provided CTG turns the defense around (and barring injuries), I think our biggest concern next season will be fielding an inexperienced QB. Let’s hope both Murray and Mettenberger get their shot and another season isn’t squandered on a less-than impressive QB. Next season will be very interesting.
Joe
January 20th, 2010
12:30 pm
Richt needs more balance on his staff. 60% of the coaches are offensive coaches (including himself). On top of that, one of the defensive coaches is also the recruiting coordinator. And this is to say nothing of special teams.
I mean, he has himself and Bobo to coach QBs, a line coach, a WR coach, and a RB coach. On top of that, he has a tight ends coach. That’s careless staff design just b/c you want a buddy on staff (Lilly, the TE coach).
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
12:31 pm
DawginLex, the Zooker didn’t have him and he beat you 2 out of 3 and we won’t still be waiting for the next 30 years for another title like UGA is.
DawginLex
January 20th, 2010
12:32 pm
the Zooker also never won a title.
Just like florida won’t next year without Tebow
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
12:34 pm
Didn’t say they will, but they will continue to own UGA until you get rid of the main problem in Athens.
Who cares???
January 20th, 2010
12:37 pm
See above.
GeoffDawg
January 20th, 2010
12:38 pm
Ga Gator – I’ve never said that specifically. I have said that we’ll be better next year, especially on defense but given what we’ve been working with the past couple of seasons, that’s not a stretch. What is more of a stretch however, is to say that despite changing so many different factors on a team that just experienced one of its top offensive and defensive runs in program history, that you’re not going to experience any drop off whatsoever and may even get better.
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
12:46 pm
The only side of the ball that will be better is the offense and I do believe that the defense will not be as dominating, but not because of the players because of great recruiting classes, but because of the unknown of replacing Charlie Strong. I actually think UGA’s offense will be better as will the defense (has to with new leadership) but until you fix the strength and conditioning problem, you won’t get to the next level.
Dorsey Hill
January 20th, 2010
12:49 pm
I fail to see why one coach can handle safeties and corners, but you need two coaches for ILB and OLB. I would imagine that the responsibilities and the coaching necessary to succeed are just as disparate. Similarly, our DL coach will have to coach NT’s and DE’s, and if Searles can coach centers, guards and tackles???
It seems to me that with 3 defensive coaches each are going to have to teach two positions, unless we go to 6 defensive coaches, which isn’t going to happen. I say bring on a special teams guy and tell him he can have whoever he wants.
GeoffDawg
January 20th, 2010
12:50 pm
The strength and conditioning program issue is odd because I don’t believe they’ve changed the technique or philosophy that made it so successful at Florida State or earlier in CMR’s tenure here. Lately however, I will concede that we don’t seem to be as physically dominant as we were a couple years ago.
Ed
January 20th, 2010
12:56 pm
I’d like to see Richt fall out of love with the redshirt and put talented freshmen and other underclassmen on special teams. Longtime Georgia fans remember how that paid off in the Sugar Bowl following the 1980 season, when Terry Hoage blocked a Notre Dame field goal and turned the momentum of that game around. Dooley’s teams in general seemed to dominate on special teams. A lot of the guys Georgia plays on special teams in recent years have looked overmatched.
Another idea: watch tape of Va. Tech games and do whatever they do on special teams. Or FSU in the early Bowden years.
LCDawg
January 20th, 2010
12:59 pm
No brainer, get another Defensive Coach. We already have a coach who should handle ST–Richt. CMR needs to step up and handle the special teams. This will get everyone’s attention (players and coaches look at FL) and will eliminate the nit picking that went on before i.e. Fabris and position coaches whining. It’s real simple folks put the best players on the field at ALL times and kick the damn ball into the end zone. We WASTED a scholarship on Bogaty because he supposedly could kick the ball out of the end zone???? If Richt, like every other coach, says special teams is 1/3 of the game then we should devote 1/3 of our effort on that part of the game plan and put our best players on the field.
arrh
January 20th, 2010
1:09 pm
Nerd Central @ North Ave. You better hope you’re not right…about it being a major adjustment ot switch to a 3-4…considering that Tech is also doing that…I believe! lol As far as GT beating us w/ lesser athlets…maybe you need a reminder of who won this yrs. game. I believe Gt was the higher ranked team, & supposedly UGA had no chance. I wouldn’t be too excited about GT being ranked higher in the preseason poll, bc the ending poll is more important. Polls also don’t determine who’s going to win the game…just look at last yr. As far as 3 teams in the SEC being ahead of UGA…LSU isn’t too far ahead…if it wasn’t for a bad call by the ref…then UGA probably would have beaten them, & even if that’s not true…it’s not like the game wasn’t close anyway. Meaning that it’s not like they’re light yrs. ahead of UGA.
1eyedJack
January 20th, 2010
1:11 pm
Gotta go with a special teams coach. Why tie Grantham to just coaching ILBs? That’s only two positions. Can’t he coach all four LB spots?
Special teams is one-third of your team. And no walkons or scout teamers unless they are really good ala Renner.
You might split the duties up if necessary giving punt returns/KO returns/extra points to an offensive coach and punt team/KO team to a defensive coach.
If you’ve ever seen a practice you’ll know that at any one time 3/4 of your team is just standing around anyway, so have those guys working with Grad. Assist. when they are not in the scrimmage.
Vick=Dog killing thug
January 20th, 2010
1:12 pm
I have to vote for special teams all the way. Dawgs punt and kickoff coverage is a glaring weakness. You could have a special teams coach who would also be an expert in open field tackling which is another long time weakness. This coaching would benefit us on every defensive play and also every time the dawgs turn the ball over.
Combine ILB and OLB coach’s into one position which would make for better team unity and free up a coach for special teams.
You guys need any other expert football advice? Just ask… it’s ok.. really
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
1:12 pm
LCDawg, Ed, great points both of you. If a players is going to be great he isn’t going to be on a team for 4 years anyway. 95% will turn pro anyway after the 3rd year if they are great players (Stafford, Moreno, Haden, Pouncey, Hernandez). One of your young QB’s should have got playing time this year and then you wouldn’t be facing the unknown at he position. I will be surprised if UF’s special teams are as good next year with Urban giving up the duties.
barneyb
January 20th, 2010
1:14 pm
Nerd- you need to go find your own blog or re-inflate your blow-up doll.
Grandad
January 20th, 2010
1:18 pm
Why does a def. guy have to do spec. teams. Perhaps ‘Lily’.
jdawg
January 20th, 2010
1:24 pm
I will tell you what they are burning up…Jet A Fuel, this plane has not stopped, go to your local airport…it is beautiful to see GGA1…they had burned Fla day before, SC yesterday, and yes back in Fla’s back door again today….
Brutus
January 20th, 2010
1:33 pm
Let those two GA’s run special teams. They seemed to do well in the bowl game along with Garner in coaching the D. Second choice would be Katherine Richt, she’s done the water girl thing long enough. Third choice – Loran.
Ga Gator
January 20th, 2010
1:34 pm
jdawg, I’m surprised they haven’t been to Haiti.
jimmy
January 20th, 2010
1:39 pm
Enter your comments here
Jimmy Cawter
January 20th, 2010
1:40 pm
Where?
arrh
January 20th, 2010
1:41 pm
Ga Gator- I wouldn’t have minded Logan Gray getting some more snaps. I went to the spring game, & he actually looked better than anybody. Aaron Murray was hurt earlier in the yr. though, & I think once it got so late in the yr…it would have been stupid to play him then. Why burn a whole yr. of eligibilty for a few games…once the season was already shot. It’s not the best situation having a QB next yr. w/ no experience. Some QBs actually are good in their 1st yr. Remember Mat Leinert (USC). I believe Colt MCcoy was pretty good in his first yr..not to mention David Greene, ect. The main thing to remember though is that QB is our only loss. The OL, RB & WR should all be better, which should help out in breaking in a new QB. I’m not makiing any predictions here, but you never know whats going to happen. I just know UGA has talent…of course it depends on who things turn out, but I just think they could turn out to be pretty good. Another advantage is that the schedule has been brutal the last 2 yrs., & this yr. doesn’t appear to be quite as bad. No Ok. St opener on the rd…no Arizona St, or LSU.
gtdad
January 20th, 2010
1:47 pm
I would say that a discipline coach is in order…… I have never seen a more blatant disregard to team discipline. I mean, you have a kid with a felony, assaulting a female, and Coach gives him the first two games off…. LOL, what a JOKE your program has become! Shades of the old FSU teams….. Hmmmmmmm, wonder where that comes from….
freedawg
January 20th, 2010
1:50 pm
This is an easy decision…another defensive coach. Georgia has given up far too many yards, points, and senseless game winning drives during the Martinez era. I would like to see improvement on kick off coverage, but prefer the focus, at least now, be on a significant improvement to the defense.
dawg attitude
January 20th, 2010
1:52 pm
Grantham has the linebackers, he will not split up the squad with two position coaches for the LB’s. They could hire another defensive coach to assist with linebackers and run special teams. i like what Beamer and meyer do with the HC coaching the boys on special teams up and creating a warrior for these guys. Richt could pull this off with his Grad assist. Lots of good choices
GeoffDawg
January 20th, 2010
1:53 pm
gtdad – the only joke is by coke.
NCDAWG
January 20th, 2010
1:57 pm
Hire Travis Jones………he can coach OLBS…..
DUH?!!
January 20th, 2010
1:57 pm
CHANGING THE SHOE STRINGS WONT ADD TREAD TO THE SHOE.
GeoffDawg
January 20th, 2010
1:58 pm
By the way – people that use LOL to laugh at their own posts are fairly obviously screaming for attention and validation. People respect you more when you don’t try so hard.
DUH?!!
January 20th, 2010
1:58 pm
FIRE MARK RICHT AND GET A REAL COACH WHO CAN GET TOP FIVE RESULTS WITH TOP FIVE TALENT. DUH?
dostadawg
January 20th, 2010
1:59 pm
Richt should coach the special teams. This way everyone will understand how important it is to the teams success from the coaches to the players.
DUH?!!
January 20th, 2010
2:00 pm
YEAH, LET RICHT COACH SPECIAL TEAMS AND LETS GET STRONG OR ANOTHER SERIOUS HEAD COACH.
MARK RICHT
January 20th, 2010
2:04 pm
IF IT WILL KEEP MY JOB ILL TAKE THE SPECIAL TEAM ASSIGNMENT AND LET MICHAEL VICK COACH.