Redskins assistant headed to UGA, with strong endorsement from an ex-Dog

ATHENS — Georgia is expected to name Washington Redskins assistant coach Kirk Olivadotti to its defensive coaching staff by the end of the week.

And at least one former Bulldog says that is very good news.

“UGA you just got one hell of a coach in Kirk Olivadotti,” former Georgia and current Redskins defensive end Phillip Daniels posted on Twitter.  “The defense just got a whole lot better. One of the smartest coaches I have ever known. Enjoy success with him on board. Congrats K.O.”

Georgia hasn’t announced the hire, but the Washington Post reported that Olivadotti is leaving the Redskins to accept the position. Assistant-coaching hires at Georgia often are delayed for a day or longer while pre-employment background checks are completed.

Olivadotti, 37, would fill the position vacated two weeks ago when inside linebackers coach Warren Belin resigned after one year at UGA to accept a job as linebackers coach with the Carolina Panthers.

Olivadotti has been on the Redskins’ staff for the past 11 years in a series of defensive coaching positions. He was linebackers coach from 2007 through 2009 and held the title of “defensive assistant” in 2010. (Daniels, a 15-year NFL veteran, has been with the Redskins for the past seven seasons.)

Olivadotti’s father, Tom, was a long-time NFL defensive coach with the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings,  New York Giants and Houston Texans.  Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who has led the search for Belin’s replacement, coached with Tom Olivadotti on the Texans’ staff in 2004.

– Tim Tucker, The UGA Blog