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
Dawg Central
January 15th, 2010
10:49 am
spin master…….Tech got the only one that would take the pathetic job……UGA started at the top ……..Tech went to the bottom of the barrell to start……so enjoy Groh Tech fans…….watch UGA’s D bust your butts again this year…..say it loud and proud Tech fans….”UGA is my DADDY”!!!!
actually...
January 15th, 2010
10:50 am
4th choice was an AWESOME hire! You think Saban was the 1st choice for Bama? Howd that turn out? Was Richt 1st choice? why are you tech fans even on here? you just hired your own DC, go to your boards and talk about how youre going to win the NC next year. HA!
Propaganda Minister
January 15th, 2010
10:50 am
Let Me. Let Me.
“This is the man we wanted all along. Hwill bring to our program a combination of skill, youth, enthusaism and the determination to make us play Georgia sty;le defense again. contrary to what you have heard , Todd has always been our 1st Choice. There has really never been anyone else under consideration. I give you Todd Grantham.”
“first of all I want to say how honored I am to be in this position. Georgia has always been the elite of the SEC and this brief downturn of some 30 years has only been a blip. I’m looking forward to working with a Bobby Bowden disciple and arguably one of the greratest coaches in America, Mark Richt. My experience as an experienced coordinator will serve me well as i get the chance to work with the fine student athletes and men of character that make up Georgia football. Am looking forward to speaking with you more in depth later but now I must get back to preparation for Minnesota. Thank you all very much.”
Saint Augustine
January 15th, 2010
10:51 am
When it comes to hiring leave it to Tech (1 for 1) vs georgia’s (1 for 6). For all you recuits out there it works the same way in the business world. Stick with Tech and go far!
WTF?
January 15th, 2010
10:51 am
GaGator-Herschel who? I didn’t know you or any other Florida fan knew who Herschel was since you all didn’t start playing football until 1991.
GaGator
January 15th, 2010
10:52 am
Did I mention Harvin was NFL rookie of the year. What ever happen to Moreno and. Stafford? Second best again I guess.
It « Football on the Brain
January 15th, 2010
10:52 am
[...] It By cousinwalter Leave a Comment Categories: Uncategorized It’s official: UGA hires Grantham [...]
ajc is slow
January 15th, 2010
10:52 am
What does it matter what choice he was?? It’s not gonna matter when we still be Tech next year!!!! I would take Grantham on 125th choice over Groh ANYDAY!!!!!!!!!! Not to mention who the top choices were….the BEST IN THE COUNTRY! Tech knew they had to aim lower.
Pull My Finger
January 15th, 2010
10:52 am
Spinmaster, 30-24……ouch!! Still stings, doesn’t it?
d1reality
January 15th, 2010
10:53 am
No confirmation yet in Dallas – hope this isn’t another Richt embarrassment.
GaGator
January 15th, 2010
10:53 am
Herschel the rasseler, that’s what a UGA degree will get you.
ajc is slow
January 15th, 2010
10:54 am
GaGator…….www.georgiadogs.com
The official website for the GEORGIA BULLDOGS. Go look….ENOUGH SAID.
UGA Alumn
January 15th, 2010
10:55 am
Saint Augustine! Why would I want a management degree from tech? Management is the major people choice when they don’t want to put in the time to get a real buisness concentration and unfourtanetly it is the only business major offered at Tech. Worry about building parking garages that don’t collapse on its students! Great engineers, lol!
ronniet
January 15th, 2010
10:55 am
Well dapo1 Get off!!!
d1reality
January 15th, 2010
10:57 am
“4th choice was an AWESOME hire! You think Saban was the 1st choice for Bama? Howd that turn out? Was Richt 1st choice? why are you tech fans even on here? you just hired your own DC, go to your boards and talk about how youre going to win the NC next year. HA!”
Was Richt first choice? Maybe that’s the problem with settling. Recruits top ten class every year running and doesn’t even finish ranked. Why would recruits go to uga if they do not develop? Maybe you shouldn’t answer that, NCAA may be reading too.
Craigee, a.k.a. Champ's Hero
January 15th, 2010
10:57 am
first…dang
coach smith
January 15th, 2010
10:57 am
Saint Augustine
what has Groh accomplished in college and I remember him getting fired from job after job after job
Flowery Branch Dawg
January 15th, 2010
10:58 am
Grantham seems like he’ll be a very good DC. We’ll find out for sure next fall. I do like the fact that he has a lengthy NFL pedigree. Go Dawgs! Let’s get some shut-outs! Sack a bunch of QBs and spread destruction throughout the SEC!
UGA '83
January 15th, 2010
10:58 am
Hey Saint Augustine ((((30-24)))
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
GameTime
January 15th, 2010
10:59 am
Good hire. Grantham’s extensive NFL experience should be a real asset in shutting down GT’s Spread Option. What’s that? NFL teams don’t run the Spread Option? Ohhh, well since he was such a successful DC in the pro’s he’ll be just fine. What’s that? He was fired from his previous DC position? That’s OK — we probably didn’t have to pay much to get him. What’s that? He’ll be the third highest paid assistant in college football?!!? Hmmm — is this a done deal?!!? Too late to reconsider??? Sounds like Richt was willing to do anything to avoid another rejection.
DawgByte
January 15th, 2010
11:00 am
“To the fans and boosters of the University of Georgia, I understand the passion and standard of excellence expected. I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against.”
Bingo, that’s the kind of mentality we need in a DC. Welcome coach and we too look forward to you helping us return to the top of the SEC!
Jeckyll Island
January 15th, 2010
11:01 am
30-24!!!
30-24!!!
8 out of 9!!!
8 out of 9!!!
73-66!!!
73-66!!!
Georgia Bulldogs OWN Tech as usual!!!!
PS. Termites: go whine, cry, and make excuses on your own blogs!
DawgByte
January 15th, 2010
11:02 am
Word to Bobo: Step up your game or you could be next! Our offense is highly predictable and doesn’t present many problems for DC’s in the SEC to scheme against. Those days need to be over quickly.
Todd Grantham
January 15th, 2010
11:02 am
It’s Official, I’m headed to UGA!!!!!
brucemac
January 15th, 2010
11:02 am
This is apparently sending shock waves throughout the SEC as all rival fans are on our blog telling us it is a bad hire. Interpretation: it is apparently an awesome hire and scares the heck out of everyone. GO DAWGS, welcome to UGA Mr. Grantham.
The Dawg Pound
January 15th, 2010
11:02 am
Richt sucks. We are doomed. He should have pulled the Dc at Gwinnett County. He can start today and does not have the NFL playoffs to deal with
Pull My Finger
January 15th, 2010
11:02 am
GameTime, what’s that? That’s Caleb King streaking down the field through the gut of your defense………….phhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhht!
DawgBuzz
January 15th, 2010
11:03 am
Coach Richt made clear he would announce his new hire when it was official – and it is. Todd Grantham comes highly recommended by Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech. Excellent hire CMR!
Todd Grantham – ” I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against.”
See the official site if in doubt:
http://www.georgiadogs.com/
ZDAWGS
January 15th, 2010
11:03 am
GREAT JOB CMR
I still love the fact of all the Fans on here that are holding off because there has been no press conf. People CMR was on with WSB 2 Sport dir and told the news. The Cowboys allowed him to release a statement come on people its true and done. Lets support are dawgs and get ready for feb 3 when we get the next crop of great bulldogs
Sucky Lucky
January 15th, 2010
11:03 am
How many dumbasses are there on this board. Everyone ignores that Richt 90-27 in his career, and everything is based on this year and this year alone? He averages a 10-3 season!? This guy is a good hire. We’ll see what he does at UGA. Just wait naysaying losers… and yes.. 4th choice going after the 3 best in the country first. Plus Richt probably only made him 4th b/c of his playoff situation with the Cowboys.
coach smith
January 15th, 2010
11:03 am
GaGator
georgiadogs.com
Georgia’s Official website is reporting Grantham deal is done
d1reality
January 15th, 2010
11:04 am
“Word to Bobo: Step up your game or you could be next! Our offense is highly predictable and doesn’t present many problems for DC’s in the SEC to scheme against. Those days need to be over quickly.”
Maybe Richt should start offering the OC job out now so by the time he gets through the list and rejections he will have one in place for 2011.
Kirby Smart
January 15th, 2010
11:04 am
If you guys had offered me $800k, I would have jumped. Saban is a better coach and I know I will be a winner next year
takedowndawg
January 15th, 2010
11:06 am
Gagator, at least you have a comment about Grantham coming to UGA. Most(gators), I believe are not happy about us having a DC who uses an aggressive attack-type of defensive sects Very unlike the Martinez style defenses they(gators) have enjoyed over the last three years. We alumni are happy about Grantham becoming a DAWG!!!!!!
Jborodawg
January 15th, 2010
11:06 am
Page 5…and about 15 posts with quotes, etc that it’s a done deal; and still people doubting it’s a done deal. It IS a done deal, and a good hire. Time will tell whether it’s a great hire. He won’t force a 3-4 on our present personnel; give him a draft or two to get the right players. Actually we’re pretty close already. But, gotta have at least two really dominant guys upfront. And I mean really dominant.
Some are jumping the gun already asking about who’s gonna be position coaches, spec teams etc. Just chill for a few days, ok? It’ll all work out in the end.
I just hope the Pokes lose so CTG can get to Athens and get to work.
Go Georgia Bulldogs!
coach smith
January 15th, 2010
11:06 am
Coaches who have said NO to Tennessee in the last 48 hours
John Gruden
Will Muschamp
David Cutcliff (Duke)
Phil Fulmer
Chris Peterson
Patterson (from TCU)
David Calhoun (Air Force)
Randy Edsell (UCONN) according to Joe Schad of ESPN
Now that is embarrassing
What is going on at UT?
d1reality
January 15th, 2010
11:07 am
“Just wait naysaying losers… and yes.. 4th choice going after the 3 best in the country first. Plus Richt probably only made him 4th b/c of his playoff situation with the Cowboys.”
Sure, Richt figured he would go out and embarrass himself three times, then hire the best guy later.
Otis
January 15th, 2010
11:08 am
Some of you GA fans staying up real late to hear the news.get some sleep it was just a bad dream.BAWAHAHAHAHA
gdawginkalamazoo
January 15th, 2010
11:09 am
GaGator, after 25+ years it’s about time somebody broke those records. Harvin has done a great job in the NFL. He bulked up and instead of using his speed to avoid the big hits and tackles like he did in college he just takes them. Impressive.
Outside dawg
January 15th, 2010
11:10 am
CMR got his man, I thought Foster was his man, no Chevis, no offered Smart $700k, wait that was all a smoke screen…..TG was always his man…altred plans….choice #4….better late than never. Whatever….
The Whole truth
January 15th, 2010
11:11 am
Ok hire.. Groh at GT is a better hire.
Coach Grantham much immediately get Willie and Rodney off campus and hire a new staff that he likes.
Now… Bobo is next.. Fire Bobo and promote Searls maybe? Give him a shot.. Also. Fire Lilly and rehire Dave Johnson as OL Coach and TE coach… Lilly is awful.
This doesn’t solve much of anything for UGA really though. Todd will have some bad days just as BVG did with CMR and Bobo involved in the offense.
Richt needs to go. That is really the only answer.
True Blue » Breaking News: Todd Grantham è il nuovo Defensive Coordinator della Georgia University
January 15th, 2010
11:12 am
[...] Blog dell’Atlanta Journal-Constitution annuncia ufficialmente l’assunzione, da parte dei Georgia Bulldogs, del Defensive Line Coordinator dei Cowboys Todd [...]
Old Gator
January 15th, 2010
11:12 am
Congrats dawgs, from an old gator who knows how fast dynasties rise and fall. Looks like you may be on the way up.
D(r)ooley
January 15th, 2010
11:14 am
Welcome to UGA Mr. Grantham! Fifth……..probably tenth choice but you are here now. Let me be the first to introduce you to your new daddy, The Florida Gators. 41-17
Outside dawg
January 15th, 2010
11:14 am
Things will not change as long as CMR is heading the program….he has peaked.
a
January 15th, 2010
11:14 am
would have like DeRuyter, but certainly don’t dislike this hire. go dawgs!
JB
January 15th, 2010
11:14 am
We don’t know how this guy will do as a college DC. Alot of other coaches, in the know, seem to say good things about him.
What we do know is that the search is over, which is a good thing and that recruits should like that he’s a pro guy.
So, right now, I see no negatives.
We’ll only know for sure if it was a good hire in about 10 months or so.
HBTD!!!
Old Gator
January 15th, 2010
11:14 am
You can really tell these new young buck gators posting on here. They dont know what it was like back in the day.
Spin Master
January 15th, 2010
11:14 am
I knew it was coming: “grantham was always the most qualified” — the spin machine is in full force from the uga nation!!! 6th choice, but grantham was “always the most qualified” — even better than muschamp, chavis, foster…..sure, everyone believes that!! More years of mediocrity from the UGA D—grantham would have been fired by jerry jones anyway!!
gatorman
January 15th, 2010
11:15 am
takedowndawg, Van Gorder had an attack style defense and he had a losing record against UF, so we don’t care who you hire. Actually, until you hire a new strength and conditioning coach, nothing will change.