UGA hires Grantham for $750,000 per year
(Updated 7 p.m.)
Athens – He last coached on the college level in 1998. He’ll make more money than Georgia has ever paid an assistant coach. He’ll change the Bulldogs’ defensive alignment to a 3-4.
He is Todd Grantham, and he is the answer to the question that dogged Georgia fans for 43 days: Who would coach Mark Richt hire as defensive coordinator?
“We have our man,” Richt said Friday as he named Grantham, the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line coach, to fill the job that had been open since the Dec. 2 firing of Willie Martinez.
Grantham was known to have been on Richt’s radar for weeks, but at least three other candidates declined the job before it was offered to him. On Thursday night, Grantham accepted the same deal that Alabama defensive coordinator and former Georgia player Kirby Smart rejected three days earlier: a three-year, $750,000-per-year contract.
That salary will make Grantham the third highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football, behind only USC’s Monte Kiffin ($1.2 million plus a $300,000 bonus last season at Tennessee) and Texas’ Will Muschamp ($900,000). Georgia’s highest-paid assistants in 2009, Martinez and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, made $325,000 each, plus bonuses.
Grantham, 43, was an assistant coach at Virginia Tech and Michigan State in the 1990s but has spent the past 11 seasons in the NFL, including the past two with Dallas. His only previous experience as a coordinator was with the Cleveland Browns from 2005-07.
Grantham will begin work at Georgia when Dallas’ season ends. The Cowboys play Sunday at Minnesota in an NFL playoff game.
By phone from Dallas late Friday afternoon, Grantham took a break from preparing for the Vikings to discuss his new job and new team.
He said Georgia will switch from its traditional 4-3 base defense to the 3-4, meaning three linemen and four linebackers rather than vice versa.
“We’re going to an aggressive style 3-4,” he said.
He said two outside linebackers “are going to be coming … are going to be developed as pass rushers.” Two inside linebackers, he said, are “going to be downhill guys to the ball.”
Although the 3-4 will become the base defense, Grantham said the Dogs will use “multiple” defenses “to have the ability to match [the offense's] personnel.”
The end result, he said, will be “an aggressive, physical, attacking-style defense.”
Grantham, who has coached the defensive line for most of his career, said he’ll work instead with the linebackers at Georgia. He said that’s a good role for a coordinator because the linebackers coach spends time on the practice field with both the line and the secondary, depending on the drill.
The only holdover on Georgia’s defensive coaching staff is line coach Rodney Garner. Grantham said they have not met, but “I have heard good things about him, and I expect to be meeting him shortly.”
Two openings remain on the defensive staff — Richt fired three coaches last month — but Grantham said no decisions have been made on who will be hired for those spots.
“Coach Richt and I will be working this weekend and next week to try to iron some of those things out,” he said.
Grantham’s hire capped an arduous process in which Richt was rejected by three highly respected defensive coordinators: Virginia Tech’s Bud Foster, LSU’s John Chavis and Smart. Richt said Grantham, whom he did not know when the search began, was recommended highly by many other coaches during the protracted process. One known to have recommended him was Foster.
After Smart turned down the job Monday, Richt turned the focus to Grantham.
“The overriding factor throughout the entire process is I was very prayerful that in the end we got the right man for the job. And that’s exactly what happened,” Richt said. “It was not something I was trying to do at breakneck speed.
“Sometimes it’s easy to just get a person who is willing to come at the drop of a hat, but when you’re looking at the quality we were looking for, such as Todd, it doesn’t always happen overnight. I’m just thankful we stayed the course and ended up where we ended up.
“I really feel like we hit the jackpot,” he added.
Richt’s six-week search for a defensive coordinator generated extraordinary interest among Georgia fans who have been concerned about the play of the Bulldogs’ defense the past two years. The Bulldogs allowed 34 or more points in 10 of 26 games over those seasons — a culture shock for a program once known for stout defense.
“I think … we can get the defense back to the way it has been in the past,” Grantham said.
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793 comments Add your comment
JMc12203
January 15th, 2010
3:05 pm
The Dogs could never be 11-0 going into the Tech game. They do have to play Florida every year, and since they are the Gators whipping boys, well…… you know the rest.
RedAndBlack
January 15th, 2010
3:08 pm
THIS IS OUR GUY!!!!
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
GaGator
January 15th, 2010
3:14 pm
“I’m very excited about being part of a staff that will work tremendously hard to return Georgia football to one of the premier teams in the SEC,” Grantham said in a statement.
At least this guy is a realist; he understands already that Richt has allowed Georgia to fall from one of the premier football powers in the SEC. Unfortunately, he has not had a chance to evaluate Florida, Alabama, and LSU. If he had, he would realize it is going to take several years, if ever with Richt at the helm to restore that status.
Hamp from Tuscaloosa
January 15th, 2010
3:14 pm
For everyone who thinks this is a bad hire you are STUPID and don’t know football. The man coached under or was courted by saban. Has spent years in the NFL. THe past two seasons has sat under Wade Phillips who if nothing else is a 3-4 witch. You bring the 3-4 to GA and we will hit people in the mouth every saturday in near future. If we would have gotten Kirby who I am glad we didn’t Saban had Grantham on speed dial. So we didn’t get the beloved son of GA but got a Hell of lot more. An what coordinator out there could have helped the Browns they were basically and expantion team just coming back in to the league and still have not recovered all though they now have talent and may get better soon. Stop crying and get behind our DC just watch. The offense needs work BOBO is the college mike malarkey.
Terry
January 15th, 2010
3:15 pm
To the ones complaining about how much the bulldogs pay coaches do you know that the athletic association could collect as much as $82 million, most of it from football, estimated UGA Athletic Director Damon Evans. With projected operating expenses of about $64 million, that’s a 25 percent profit margin – though officials with the nonprofit athletic association prefer to call it “operating income.”
GaGator
January 15th, 2010
3:17 pm
“I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against”
Whuooooooooooooo SCARY, the Gators may show up in J’ville.
WTF
January 15th, 2010
3:20 pm
Hey Terry, you didn’t need to tell me that UGA had a lot of money in the coffers. That is pretty obvious. It still doesn’t make it right to pay a guy 3-4 times what he is making in order to seal the deal. Thats insane money for somebody who hasn’t proved squat as a DC. I actually think its a good hire, but I’m struggling with why they had to pay $750K for this guy. Regardless of how much money the university has, that doesn’t make any sense.
Yep, thats your guy alright
January 15th, 2010
3:21 pm
His tough talk and no walk will fit in well with the Bulldog nation. He can tell everyone about how intimidating his defenses will be just like Georgia fans can talk all offseason about winning the SEC or NC. Typical.
Yep, thats your guy alright
January 15th, 2010
3:22 pm
I’d tell you what you want to hear, too, if I just got some sucker school to cough up $750K – probably about 3 times what he’s worth.
GaGator
January 15th, 2010
3:22 pm
Hamp from Tuscaloosa
Do you really think if he was all that good, the Gators would have gone out and gotten him.
I do agree he will be major up grade, now if you can onlu get rid of Bobo the clown.
GaGator
January 15th, 2010
3:25 pm
WTF
I agree, paying someone double what the other assistants are making will cause some internal problems.
jerry
January 15th, 2010
3:31 pm
This is an upgrade from zero. It will be interesting to see what effect, if any, on the defensive side of recruiting. With the players they have and their schedule, there are some coaches that could go undefeated in 2010. I predict 11-1. Easy.
WTF
January 15th, 2010
3:36 pm
Yep, GaGator, thats a good point. An NFL D line coach usually makes less than a 3rd of what they’re paying this guy. Looks like spray tan Richt and Damon Evans got taken to the woodshed when negotiating with this guy. I’m not sure I understand where he had leverage? I think its more about the embarrassment of the job search and UGA trying to avoid another rejection. Coach Richt, “Todd, just tell us what the number needs to be. And we’ll make it happen.” The sackless coach strikes again. No stones on the field and no stones at the negotiating table.
GaGator
January 15th, 2010
3:43 pm
WTF
You answered your own question; Richt would pay anything to a half way credible coach
to put this embarrassment behind him, maybe even a little cash out of his own pocket as signing bonus.
gdawginkalamazoo
January 15th, 2010
3:48 pm
I guess we could have been like UT and spent a fortune for a one and done coach and his entire staff. We won’t know until next fall, or the one after that, as to whether or not the 750K was worth it. I am betting we pull in some great D line recruits. At least the ones who want to get to the NFL with a lot of respect.
Barkin'Dog
January 15th, 2010
4:05 pm
WTF and GoGator can GO! This is about the Dawgs coaching hire, and you’re just craving to start stirring it up with your negative prejudgements. This cat will draw some fast and heavy dawgs to this D (learning their way to the NFL)… and you’re a tad concerned it will come back to bite you in the soft spot! This Dawg plans to have his day and Celebrate! The real fans are getting ready to do some barkin’ and the Bulldawgs bite.
Willie or Won’t He? — Great comments all! As an elder, I love seeing someone step up and share reality to some of these ‘digital air heads.’ I remember the day before iChatting everwhere. You didn’t have as many to talk to about your team, but you sure didn’t have to sift through so much anger and hate, and downright ugly comments. I’ll read your posts every time.
TXDawg – earlier today. I posted blindly without reading ahead. So I wasn’t dissin’ you or mocking your post. I didn’t have time to read and check to see if what I posted was said/written earlier.
Cuz — Thanks for watching my back. Been looking out for you these past few days (during some of the most interesting happenings and perspectives in blog nation). Glad to see you back in the pages. Hi to Baylie, too!
GaGator
January 15th, 2010
4:11 pm
Sorry to tell you that the Gators have already gotten the pick of the litter on the defensive line, I’m sure someone will want to play at Georgia.
Jesup
January 15th, 2010
4:14 pm
Great hire……Vols are pssed withDooley, the scared he will bolt to UGA http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2010/jan/15/reports-tennessee-hiring-dooley/
gdawginkalamazoo
January 15th, 2010
4:14 pm
GaGator, you guys did load up from that Army all star game. There were a few monsters that picked up the Gator hats.
WTF
January 15th, 2010
4:21 pm
Barkin’ Dog- thats all you guys are good at, barking. All bark and no bite. And by the way, you’ve always had talent with NFL-type measurables.. Its not like Georgia has been lacking for “fast and heavy” recruits. And if you could read, you would see that I actually think its a good hire. But the money is laughable given where he is coming from.
Big Man
January 15th, 2010
4:24 pm
I agree with LeftCoastDawg. Move no vision having Richard Samuel to LB.
gdawginkalamazoo
January 15th, 2010
4:26 pm
WTF, what else could we do with the money? We screwed the pooch when we offered Kirby all that money. Can’t come back and say well we will offer you 400K. Regardless Grantham was on Richt’s list from the beginning so it is not like he was pulled from thin air on this one. Plus he is accomplished at his position and hopefully will earn that 750K. How much does Kirby make now? Lot of money spent on our search. Cost other schools a bunch of money too.
Boca Baby
January 15th, 2010
4:26 pm
Now we can both take the short drive down to Lake Oconee.
Boca Baby
January 15th, 2010
4:30 pm
Perhaps now we can run the offense without worrying what is going to happen if we go three and out.
Boca Baby
January 15th, 2010
4:32 pm
I wonder if a Red, Black or Silver Bimmer comes with the deal?
WTF
January 15th, 2010
4:41 pm
gdawginkalamazoo- “can’t come back and say well we will offer you 400K” WHY NOT? Sure you can. Its all about W2’s, credentials, and demand. First of all, Kirby was likely making more than Grantham at around $400K. And thats before the National Championship so he is likely to see that $400K almost double if he stays at AL. Not sure they matched Georgia’s offer since they didn’t have to, but I bet they came close. And Kirby is a D Coordinator for the best team in college football. Grantham is a D line coach for the Cowboys where Wade Phillips has seemingly avoided having his fat a– fired this year. Despite the Cowboys recent resurgence, Grantham would be facing down the barrel of Jerry Jones’ 357 magnum every year if things go south for any reason. Smart has stability at Alabama and Grantham has anything but in Dallas.
In the business world, you pay people what they’re worth which is dictated by what they’ve made in years past and what they’re worth. I’m not saying its a bad hire but I am surprised it took that much money to get him.
WTF
January 15th, 2010
4:43 pm
I take it nobody in here knows what Grantham made in Dallas? Or would you prefer not to know? If somebody tells me he made at least $400K then I will gladly STFU.
brucemac
January 15th, 2010
4:44 pm
WTF, what is it to you. You must be in a union or work for the government. This is called free enterprize baby, the American way. A whole lot of people make alot more than that and don’t have the hours or pressure these guys have. I say more power to him.
Tech Land
January 15th, 2010
4:47 pm
Ga overpaid by about $400,000! This guy’s not worth $400,000 much less $750K—they’ll just raise ticket prices and parking fees to pay for this outrageous salary plus bonuses for richt and damon evans! Ga taxpayers get hosed again by a state university wasting money.
brucemac
January 15th, 2010
4:52 pm
Another idiot Tech fan, taxpayers are not involved in The Athletic program funds what so ever. Our total coaching staff is still below many competitors.
Snoop Dawg
January 15th, 2010
4:54 pm
Snoop Dawg is wondering whether hiring a real coach like Grantham might help our CEO Preacha Man continue his impersonation of a head coach with his $3M annual salary… Da Water Girl oughta have some better threads next year, at least…
WTF
January 15th, 2010
4:56 pm
brucemac, I’m all about free enterprise. And you’re right, more power to him for getting paid. I just don’t think he’s worth nearly that much and think Damon Evans and Mark Richt got played like a harp in negotiating this deal.
WTF
January 15th, 2010
4:58 pm
What “competitors” are you referring to? Georgia is well above Kentucky and Vanderbilt as far as coaching salaries.
Old Dawg
January 15th, 2010
4:59 pm
Tech Land: You don’t know what you’re talking about. All of the coaches salaries, facilities etc are paid for by the UGA Athletic Association, one of the most profitable in the country. Learn a little something about college athletics before posting on here!
brucemac
January 15th, 2010
5:03 pm
In the world there are doers and there are second guessers. You weren’t there and don’t know what the situation was. You either trust that CMR made a good decison or you don’t . I trust him and believe he did what he thought best and am willing to give him the the benefit of doubt. You are entitled to your opinion. If you are saying the man better perform then we agree. He is being paid a premium and needs to perform in kind.
Big Dawg 97
January 15th, 2010
5:05 pm
Anybody but Little Kirby Smart will be great!
brucemac
January 15th, 2010
5:05 pm
WTF, you may consider KY and Vandy the competiton, 99% of Dawgs do not. If you are referring again to the worn out mouth flopping about the loss to KY, that is why we have a new DC. DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Big Fan 98
January 15th, 2010
5:06 pm
How much does Damon Evans earn?
Whatever it is…it is too much.
WTF
January 15th, 2010
5:06 pm
Old Dawg, congrats on the “look how much money we paid for our guy” moral victory. You win the contest for the most overpaid DC competition this year. I’m sure if you just throw money at the problem that it will go away. This probably calls for a kegger at the trailer park tonight to celebrate.
Georgia Bulldog 2001 X
January 15th, 2010
5:07 pm
At least we don’t get stuck with kirby the weasel smart.
Get Real
January 15th, 2010
5:07 pm
Ditto on the Kirby.
We don’t need him.
WTF
January 15th, 2010
5:08 pm
brucemac, just for a good laugh, who do you consider your “competitors” that have higher paid coaching staffs???? Do tell.
Barkin'Dog
January 15th, 2010
5:08 pm
Who really cares what Grantham made or will make. He is worth it. In addition to learning what he knew before going to Dallas, he learned a thing or two from Ryan, who is a fine D-man himself. Look at what the Dallas D has done the past few weeks. We’ll see how it fares against Favre’s Vikings on Sunday (I’m sure I’m not alone on wanting to see that game).
Everyone thought that Bud Foster would have been great. Well, Bud Foster told Richt to hire Grantham. CMR tried for the fan fav Kirby Smart… and ponied up to get him. He couldn’t very well say Grantham was worth less – especially if he does what he’s expected to do. Beside that, I love seeing some of that UGA Football profit rolling back into top quality coaching… and isn’t that what most Dawg fans have been barking for?
WTF
January 15th, 2010
5:09 pm
The Damon Evans stimulus plan is in full effect.
WTF
January 15th, 2010
5:11 pm
Barkin’ dog,
“he couldn’t very well say Grantham was worth less”
Sure he could! That is, if he had a pair.
WTF
January 15th, 2010
5:15 pm
brucemac, still waiting to hear who those “competitors” are that have higher paid coaching staffs than UGA??? Buehler? Buehler??
Reality TV
January 15th, 2010
5:18 pm
Paying your 5th choice as much as the first choice? Lunacy. He would have worked for much less.
brucemac
January 15th, 2010
5:18 pm
LSU, Florida, Alabama, Texas, Southern Cal, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and others. Are you ignorant or just another stupid Tech fan?
Todd G.
January 15th, 2010
5:18 pm
“At least we don’t get stuck with kirby the weasel smart”
“Anybody but Little Kirby Smart will be great”
“Ditto on the Kirby.
We don’t need him”
Either ya’ll are in the minority or you are angry I don’t know, but it was pretty obvious the past few weeks that a lot of Dawg fans wanted Kirby really bad and were extremely dissapointed that he stayed at Bama.
Yellow Jacket Man
January 15th, 2010
5:21 pm
Maybe UGA can get some stimulus money from Obama to supplement the coaches’ salaries.