LSU says Chavis gets raise, will stay
UPDATED 4 P.M.
Georgia’s football program still doesn’t have a defensive coordinator, but the opening continues to prove lucrative for coaches pursued for the job.
LSU said Thursday that its highly regarded defensive coordinator, John Chavis, received a pay raise and agreed to stay in his current job after being offered the Georgia position.
Georgia’s chase of Chavis played out similarly to its earlier pursuit of veteran Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who said he turned down a UGA offer after the Hokies considerably sweetened his contract.
Chavis’ decision could prolong an already month-long Georgia search for a successor to the fired Willie Martinez. UGA coach Mark Richt said for the first time Thursday that the search could extend beyond the first week of the new year.
“I don’t know if it will or not, but it could,” said Richt, who previously had said he hoped to have a new coordinator hired by the end of the first week of January.
Richt declined to discuss Chavis or any other candidate Thursday, saying: “I’m not going to make any comment on these things until we’ve got our man.” But he did say that Rodney Garner, the only holdover on Georgia’s defensive coaching staff, isn’t under consideration for the coordinator position.
“No, Rodney is not a candidate for the job, and he knows that,” Richt said. “We’re just still in the search.”
LSU athletics director Joe Alleva, in Orlando for the Tigers’ Capital One Bowl game against Penn State on Friday, told Gannett Louisiana Newspapers that Chavis was offered a raise Wednesday night to turn down a Georgia offer in the neighborhood of $600,000 per year over three years.
“We did what we needed to do to keep him,” Alleva said.
“I’m staying at LSU, and I’m excited about remaining here,” Chavis said in a statement. “LSU is a great place.”
Chavis was not available for further comment.
Georgia has been aiming high for a veteran defensive coordinator. Foster has been Virginia Tech’s defensive coordinator for 15 years, and Chavis also has held the position in the SEC for 15 years, 14 at Tennessee and one at LSU.
Foster reportedly made $402,000 and Chavis $450,000, plus bonuses, in 2009. To keep Foster, Virginia Tech added an annuity to his contract that will pay him a lump sum, reportedly as much as $1 million, if he remains at the school another five years. And to keep Chavis, LSU gave him a raise competitive with what Georgia was offering, Alleva told Gannett.
A third coach, Vic Koenning, acknowledged talking to Georgia about its defensive-coordinator position before leaving Kansas State to accept the DC job at Illinois. Koenning apparently was not offered the Georgia position.
Other coaches believed to be on Richt’s radar include Dallas Cowboys defensive-line coach Todd Grantham, a former Virginia Tech assistant, and Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, a former Georgia player who has given no indication that he would leave the Crimson Tide for a coordinator’s job. But there are many other names also circulating in an overactive rumor mill.
“I’m not taking any pleasure at all in what people might be going through out there,” said Richt, referring to fans craving an answer. “All I can say is … when I do have that decision made and it’s ready for public consumption, we’ll let everybody know. My goal is to get the right man for the job.”
Richt had hoped to make a hire by next week because that’s when coaches return to the road visiting recruits. But he raised the possibility Thursday for the first time that the new hire might not be in place before a second recruiting “dead” — non-contact — period is observed for the national coaches’ convention. That “dead” period runs from Jan. 10 through Jan. 14.
“It may not be until after the second ‘dead’ period that we get our new coach and coaches out into the homes,” Richt said. “There will be plenty of times to get into those homes [before national signing day]. I’m just hoping that these young men will continue to be patient and know that my goal is to make a decision that will really affect them throughout their time at Georgia, so I want to make sure that we do the very best job in that regard.”
Richt fired Martinez and two other defensive coaches Dec. 2. He has said the new coordinator will have considerable input into filling the other two positions.
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308 comments Add your comment
CMR Wins the 2009 George Hamilton Cocoa Butter Open!
December 31st, 2009
11:29 am
Garner isn’t a candidate because he is GONE after signing day!
Get a clue, folks.
fair and Balanced
December 31st, 2009
11:29 am
Really wish UGA could get this coaching thing right: Get a good DC who will hire all the position coaches he wants and an OC with Bobo as position coach where he really belongs and where he excels. Good move though with Coach Garner staying where he is – where he excels. And he is loyal! Would really be great to get Smart – good coach + loyal GA man!
AJC
December 31st, 2009
11:29 am
This is Richt’s last year at uga.
senoiadawgs
December 31st, 2009
11:29 am
Don’t want Chavis and for the same reason as others have said don’t want Smart either plus if he is successful and not named coach in waiting he will be gone in a max of 2 years for a HC position. I trust CMR on this to find the right guy.
Also for all you guys saying the Grad assistants did such a wonderful job did you watch the game? They ran Willie’s D. The difference was A&M’s line was weak and our front 4 could get pressure just like Willie’s D has always played and relied on. That made is successful. When the A&M qb did he have time they had done their homework and planned on Willie’s D being weak. The middle was wide open all night and if they were not throwing to the middle the were throwing toward Prince Miller all night with the same results we have seen all season so give it a rest guys.
scdawg
December 31st, 2009
11:29 am
Red Neck, you, and all the uga haters and all the pitiful techmites are dreaming . . . uga had an off year this year, and, a VERY disappinting year last year. Yet, UGA is laoded with talent and will continue to be a top ten program more often than not. Even Bama, who’s clearly at another level right now, had a few off years not too long ago . . . I’m guessing Richt has many good options, and, he’s just taking his time . . . he may already have his guy but just can’t announce it. There has been so little actual news on this, most of the banter is just internet banter from folks who know nothing. UGA will hire a stud, and, when our defenses live up to the talent level, all you uga haters will be nowhere to be found on these blogs!
Willie James Huff
December 31st, 2009
11:29 am
Zeus — You hit the nail on the head. Vance was lost. He kept asking Chris Davis who he was supposed to block. Vince is a nice guy and is huge, but he never “got it” as an OL. I wish him the best but that was killing me watching him on Monday night!
CMR lacking Smarts and will not get Smart
December 31st, 2009
11:31 am
Zues……… Bobo proved once again he is in way over his head. He is a joke and should be coaching at West Georgia or some South GA HS. Amazing to me he running our offense. Further proof that CMR is sssssssssssllllllllllllooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! They called him ShortBus at Miami
Dawg fans are clueless
December 31st, 2009
11:31 am
Why would a coach from LSU, Texas, or Alabama take a step back for the same job @ UGAG?
CMR lacking Smarts and will not get Smart
December 31st, 2009
11:32 am
Willie and Zues….. Did Bobo not see this during practice? If not he is a Rah-Tard
DDDAWG
December 31st, 2009
11:33 am
This post before mine is funny. So is the post about Bobo calling a bad game in Shreveport.
Richt will take his time and make the right choice and we will rock on D next season. I
Tech fans are terrorists...........
December 31st, 2009
11:35 am
Well, maybe b/c CMR has led his team to 90 wins in his 9 seasons as the HC at UGA including 3 BCS games, 2 SEC titles and isn’t an a$$ to work under like the Mad Hatter at LSU or Tricky Nicky at Bama.
CMR will get the right guy for the job.
Voice of Reason
December 31st, 2009
11:36 am
As long as writers (I use the word loosely) keep stirring things up so that we will all read it and they will look like they know something, this saga will continue.
Wake up folks, let the coach do his job and have confidence in him, and quit the guessing game. What has it accomplished other than to let our detractors like the nerds, show their immaturity.
Tom
December 31st, 2009
11:36 am
Latest bumper sticker:
HONK if you’ve been offered the DC job at UGA
Unfair
December 31st, 2009
11:37 am
The “right man” for the job. Why can’t it be a woman?
GT IS STILL A 4TH RATE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
December 31st, 2009
11:39 am
THE YELLOW TUCKS MAY BE THE CHUMPS OF ACC(ASS OF CUP CAKES) BUT THEY WILL BE A HIGH SCHOOL TEAM FOREVER AND EVER. HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA
Red Neck
December 31st, 2009
11:39 am
How long did it take Richt to see the need for a different DC? He’s slow and will take to long to decide on a coach. Damon will make final call.
Jeff
December 31st, 2009
11:39 am
So UGA tried to buy Chavis and couldn’t get him. Shocking!
jim
December 31st, 2009
11:40 am
which tells me that its either Kirby smart, or a pro coach who will be in the playoffs….
Football Fan
December 31st, 2009
11:41 am
I say promote the grad assistant, Doolittle.
Saint Mark
December 31st, 2009
11:42 am
Tom, nobody has been offered the job.
The next DC will be the only candidate who got an offer.
Any other candidate who says he had an offer is lying.
And my farts smell like the Baby Jesus.
God Bless.
Kirby is Smart
December 31st, 2009
11:42 am
Dont worry fleabags I’m on my way over! Georgia is the greatest college football program of all time! One of Hershcel’s 7 personalities called me last night and asked I come.
Who could reject the Herschel’s ?
Kirby Smart's the Guy
December 31st, 2009
11:42 am
Here’s what Richt was trying to say:
“I met with Kirby Smart. The meeting went great. Smart said he’d take the job verbally but wanted to wait until after the big game to sign the contract. If for some reason Smart changes his mind, I have other coaches I am looking at. Also, we have to wait until after the Bowls are done, because we also need 2 assist D Coaches.”
athensdog
December 31st, 2009
11:44 am
Run the ball, run the ball, run it some more. Takes the pressure off of the ‘d’ so much and off of our upcoming freshman qb.
Warshawn Early
December 31st, 2009
11:46 am
Run this state? I can’t SPELL this state.
Next season (if I’m somehow still eligible) I’m going to ask coach if I can come out at halftime and watch the band so I can get that spelling thing taken care of.
SOWEGADAWGFAN
December 31st, 2009
11:48 am
“I’m hoping for Smart although Chavis would be huge upgrade. The two grad assts were a huge upgrade over Willie for that matter”
AMEN TO BOTH OF THOSE STATEMENTS! Either Smart or Chavis would be fine choices.
Go Dawgs.
BIG UGLIES WIN GAMES!!!
December 31st, 2009
11:49 am
45th…
Stupid Mudder fccker
December 31st, 2009
11:50 am
Ask that azzhole richt when is the search for a head coach going to begin…
Its going to take so long because no body want to work for his “throw your azz under the bus, although you follow my orders, if it comes down to me or you…buttface richt has breath like azz.
Go take some one elses program down! sorry underachieving assssssshole.
mgdawg
December 31st, 2009
11:50 am
To me this sounds like he’s talking with a nfl guy, maybe one in the AFC whose team is on the bubble of getting into the playoffs. However, if that is true, there is going to come a time to where richt is going to need to announce the guy so recruits (and curran and jones) will know.
I’m with a couple of the other guys who have commented about smart, he may be really good but I don’t really know yet. As long as he is at alabama people will question whether he’s running the defense or saban is and that is why I believe he wouldn’t mind going elsewhere given the right opportunity. The problem is if he goes somewhere else and does just as good he’ll be getting head coaching job offers soon.
The Swamp Fox
December 31st, 2009
11:51 am
Bring back Marion Campbell
Stupid Mudder fccker
December 31st, 2009
11:52 am
Kirby should be the head coach so why would he play under this fool when hes proven that he will throw his mother under the bus for following his orders. Azz face Richt.
Sorry guys
December 31st, 2009
11:52 am
I hate to break it to the people hoping for Chavis, but it’s already being reported that he is staying at LSU. A quote from neworleans.com/sports
“A source close to the situation tells NewOrleans.Com/Sports that John Chavis will remain at LSU as defensive coordinator under Les Miles.”
Red Neck
December 31st, 2009
11:52 am
All of the SEC coaches are laughing at Richt and his failure to find a DC who wants to come to a medioce program. Spurrier is right.
BZ
December 31st, 2009
11:53 am
scdawg, I couldn’t have said it better myself…
I don’t understand why all the people on here waist there time reading about UGA if they don’t even like them. Get a life people!! I trust CMR will get the right guy for the job. GO DAWGS!!!
Steve
December 31st, 2009
11:57 am
Hire the 2 guys that worked with the defense for the Texas A&M game.
Or is there another Bo Pelini anywhere?
ATLnative
December 31st, 2009
12:03 pm
Patience men; CMR just wants to chill with some chips and dip and watch some bowl games, then will he find some coaches and move on. (He wants to see Coach BB’s last game for closure). We’ll be fine….Oh and GT will lose & the SEC will get another title. Nice endings. Happy new year to all.
Elliot Garcia
December 31st, 2009
12:06 pm
what the headline really means is that everybody has turned him down so far….
scdawg
December 31st, 2009
12:09 pm
Hey Redneck, Spurrier is a good coach, one of the best . . . as a dawg fan I can remember laughing at dawg fans who hated Spurrier . . . what did they expect, we hired Goff, UF hired Spurrier. But, Spurrier, nor Saban, nor Miles, nor any coaches are laughing at UGA right now. They know and see the talent, they may well be having to give raises just to keep their coaches in place, and, they know that year in and year out UGA is to be taken seriously. If you hate uga so bad, just log out. Seriously, call your counselor, or therapist. Richt has the fourth winningest record among active coaches . . . he, nor we, need your “insight” on this blog . . . I, for one, will no longer read or respond to your posts, but, as a gesture of goodwill I will recommend that you take a reality pill and get youself some therapy.
layinlow
December 31st, 2009
12:22 pm
I not as crazy about Kirby Smart as some others seem to be. Does he really have that much experience? And please don’t think for one second that Saban isn’t very hands on with that Bama defense because he is very much involved and that is a fact. The guy has always been a very hands on coach, especially on the defensive side. So it does beg the question of, is it really Kirby’s ability or Saban’s heavy handed influence.
I’m actually not against bringing in an up and coming young NFL defensive position coach. As someone mentioned earlier NFL coaches seem to do well in college football unlike the other way around. For example, Pete carroll was an average NFL coach and look at what he has done at USC. Ditto for Saban, he was a young NFL coach before he got into college coaching. Their are a lot of bright young NFL position coaches who would love to become a coordinator at a major SEC program. That would be a major step toward becoming a head coach at the college level and earning the big dollars. I would go that route before I settled for an average college coordinator. Sometimes you just have to take a chance.
G. Tampa Bedwetter
December 31st, 2009
12:24 pm
Undefeated, and Untied
2 – 0 – 0
Give Russ the job !
UGA Fan
December 31st, 2009
12:28 pm
Yes CMR has the fourth winnest record among active coaches, but what have we won. We won the SEC when FL, AL, LSU were rebuilding their teams. When was the last time we played for a National Championship. I’m sorry, but we won’t ever be there. No time soon, too much disarray. Texas A&M’s special teams gave us the game. WE DID NOT WIN. THAT WAS A GIFT.
unbiased volfan
December 31st, 2009
12:29 pm
can you slap rodney any harder in the face??? wow
HFDawg
December 31st, 2009
12:29 pm
Mike Hunt has it right…Muschamp…Coach Richt will shock the world on 1/10/09
Justin
December 31st, 2009
12:30 pm
People need to get a life in here, Why focus on getting a DC when the top guys are still doing their own jobs at their team? What are we Notre Dame? All the negative posts are those still bitter Tech girls, 30-24 (you can talk trash when you’ve won 7 straight against UGA), and band wagoners for other teams. Least we don’t have the Tech DC on our radar, that would be worse than Martinez. And what ground does Spurrier have to stand on, a mediocre program? South Carolina is more than a few steps below mediocre, but I guess Steve hasn’t figured that out yet.
Dick Bumpas
December 31st, 2009
12:32 pm
ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME
Vanity Tax on Spray on Tans
December 31st, 2009
12:32 pm
CMR is draggin his feet as usual. Damon is getting a bit nervous too. Looks like the nobody coach will be in Athens this fall. Face it dawg fans UGA hasn’t had a defense since the ERK. BVG was close but got tired of bailing out the vanilla style offense of CMR. Boo Boos offense was pathetic in the bowl game and dont try to sugar coat it dawg fans. Get a clue people CMR must go!
UGA Fan 2
December 31st, 2009
12:36 pm
UGA Fan, Did you watch the second half? What about the D getting 2 picks? The running game and moving the line. How can you call that a gift? The better team made the plays they needed to win…see getting 2 picks and moving the line for the running game, M.Moore getting open to catch the ball cause Green was covered, blocking Punts and FG’s. It was a team effort, not a gift. What you know about football could barely fill a thimble.
Bobbi Dud
December 31st, 2009
12:36 pm
Georgia will hire the right coach..Johnson needs to do the same!
Bama Bill
December 31st, 2009
12:48 pm
Kirby will take the job after he has a National Championship Ring, a promise to be the next Head Coach within 3 years- happens in the second week of January.
Roll Tide !
Ole Yeller Dawg
December 31st, 2009
12:56 pm
Kirby Smart is one of the best HS recruiters out there and he already knows the HS coaches, in other words his roots are deep right in the states that we recruit and he already knows where that talent lies.
Yeah we know Saban has a hand in Alabama’s D but Kirby has worked under Saban for years so he knows the ropes. It’s time the grasshopper grows some wings and flies out from under the Master to start his own legacy.
If we hire a top NFL assistant for the DC job then will will lose that recruiting edge that Kirby brings to the table. You start winning your ballgames in February with top play-maker recruits. Think about it….Coach Garner and Kirby Smart both recruiting for UGA!
Damon Evans: 1 Million $ + HC in waiting and whatever else Kirby has a weakness for, maybe one of those Ford Tough trucks that Mark Richt pitches!
CPJ's Sportsbra
December 31st, 2009
12:58 pm
Did you know that Adam was a GT guy?
He had to be because he was eating an apple while sitting next to a naked woman!