Perception of Bobo varies greatly between fans, coaches
Georgia's offense has actually increased its production under the guidance of coordinator Mike Bobo.
ATHENS – Mike Gottfried says Georgia fans should be careful what they wish for with regard to offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. The long time college football analyst predicts Bobo likely will be leaving the Bulldogs sooner than they think — and it won’t be under the circumstances they might expect.
“They won’t have him long,” said Gottfried, a sportscaster and former head coach at Pittsburgh and three other college programs. “He will be a head coach real soon. Coach Bobo is a great human being and a great coach and he’s going to be a great head coach some day, without any doubt.”
Gottfried’s comments illustrate g the disjoint there is between fans’ perceptions the job Bobo is doing and what people inside the business think.
To a large contingent in the Bulldog nation, he is “Bobo the Buffoon” and “Mike Boo-Boo.” He’s characterized in fan forums and chatrooms as a dimwit who is overmatched weekly against the SEC’s powerful defensive minds. But inside college football Bobo in a much different light.
They point to the yards and points Georgia puts up every year, to Bobo’s development of high-caliber quarterbacks and skill players, to his cunning and effectiveness as a recruiter.
Most importantly, Bobo’s boss is quite pleased with him
“Well, I like what he does or he wouldn’t be there,” head coach Mark Richt said succinctly.
Indeed, Georgia’s offense has been very productive under Bobo’s leadership. Since succeeding Richt as the team’s play-caller and being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2007, the Bulldogs have averaged 392.5 yards and 31.6 points per game. That represents an increase of 4.5 yards and 3.3 points over what the team was doing when Richt was calling the shots on a game-by-game basis.
Bobo’s offenses have advanced the ball in more than one way as well. In 2007, the Bulldogs were among the SEC’s best rushing teams at 177 yards per game while finishing eighth passing. A year later they led the league in passing. This past season the Bulldogs were among the conference leaders in both rushing (5th) and passing (3rd).
Bobo’s offenses have been especially good at scoring. The Bulldogs have averaged more than 30 points per game in all but the 2009 season when they scored 28.9.
Nevertheless, a quick Google search pulls up webpages with unflattering names as “Fire Bobo,” Fire Bobo The Clown,” and “Keep Richt, Fire Bobo.”
None of which seems to faze Bobo at all. “I don’t pay any attention to that stuff,” he said.
Which is exactly the tact Bobo should take, Richt said.
“We don’t worry about that,” he said with a laugh. “Anybody who is a play-caller is 100 percent guaranteed to be criticized and critiqued and helped and anything else you can imagine. It comes with the territory.
“I don’t know how many years I called plays at Florida State. We had a pretty good run of victories and offensive output. But I caught heck all the time. I had one guy that was the president of the ‘Evict Richt Club.’ He had his website up and running and that was before they even had websites I think.”
Nevertheless.there is evidence that Bobo is underappreciated even inside the glassy walls of Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. Despite being a relative veteran in the volatile SEC coaching community – 12 years at one school, five as a coordinator – Bobo is not high-paid among his peers.
Bobo’s current salary of $325,000 per year ranks in the bottom half of the SEC and well behind those of relative newcomers such as Alabama’s Doug Nussmaier ($590,000), Auburn’s Scot Loeffler ($500,000) and Florida’s Brent Pease ($500,000), according to published reports.
Meanwhile, the trend in the college football business is for coordinators to have multiyear contracts. UGA defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is about to ink his second three-year deal at more than twice Bobo’s salary. Bobo’s latest one-year deal expires June 30 of this year.
Bobo steadfastly refuses to discuss his contract status or any of the other job offers he’s received (there have been “a few,” he said).
“That’s not my style,” he said. “That’s just not who I am.”
Bobo, a father of five, said he prefers “to just do my job.” But it likely won’t be long before he commands more attention on the market. Bobo is represented by Birmingham-based attorney/agent Russ Campbell. Campbell’s client list includes a number of high-profile head coaches, including one whose name has been in the headlines lately — Bobby Petrino.
“Certainly the current trend has been toward multiyear contracts [for assistants],” Campbell told The AJC. “But like Mike, it’s just not our practice to talk about negotiations at all in the press. It just leaves a bad taste in the school’s mouth and it’s just not the way we do business. So I can’t confirm or deny that any negotiations are underway.”
But, salary talk aside, Campbell doesn’t believe his client gets enough respect.
“That’s something my partner and I have observed; the perception isn’t there on him that should be,” Campbell said. “If you look at the production, clearly he’s been very productive, very good for the offense. He’s a young coach and we really believe in him. But there’s a disjoint in perception and I find that curious. I think that’s one of the challenges we have, to try to change that a little bit.”
More than anything, Gottfried believes Bobo’s simply a victim of staying in the same place a long time.
“Sometimes it’s like when I see some of my former players, I still see them as 18 years old and they might be 35 or 40,” Gottfried said. “I think the fans still see him as that young quarterback. They don’t see him as the strategist who’s very intelligent and thinking ahead and setting up the gameplan every week. I think that’s what it is with the fans.”
Year Play-caller Total Scoring Pass Rush
2011 Bobo 3 (413.8) 4 (32.2) 3 (247.2) 5 (172.7)
2010 Bobo 8 (385.0) 4 (32.7) 5 (242.4) 10 (142.6)
2009 Bobo 8 (362.2) 7 (28.9) 7 (201.2) 7 (161.0)
2008 Bobo 2 (426.0) 3 (31.5) 1 (277.7) 5 (148.3)
2007 Bobo 6 (375.6) 5 (32.6) 8 (198.4) 4 (177.2)
2006 Richt 10 (311.8) 7 (25.2) 9 (184.4) 7 (127.4)
2005 Richt 3 (391.2) 2 (29.5) 2 (229.0) 3 (162.2)
2004 Richt 3 (404.5) 6 (27.9) 2 (247.7) 9 (156.8)
2003 Richt 5 (380.3) 7 (26.5) 3 (245.4) 10 (134.9)
2002 Richt 4 (384.9) 1 (32.1) 3 (245.4) 9 (139.6)
2001 Richt 3 (432.8) 4 (28.6) 5 (270.4) 4 (162.5)
TOTALS (avg) 5 (388.0) 4.6 (29.8) 4.4 (234.8) 6.6 (153.2)
- Georgia has averaged 388 yards and 29.8 points over the 11 years of Richt’s tenure.
- The offense averaged 392.5 yards and 31. 6 points in the five seasons Bobo was play-caller
- The offense averaged 384.3 yards and 28.3 points in the six seasons Richt was play-caller.
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177 comments Add your comment
Dap01
April 13th, 2012
7:33 am
My issues with Bobo include running every trick play in the world against the SE NW Montana teams of the world instead of working on the running games. Then against big opponents, he will coach well for a half and the turtle up and run Carlton Thomas up the middle.
Has he ever heard of a screen pass? Why does he teach the QB to point toward the running back getting the ball. Middle school teams runs better running plays.
There are more running plays than a draw. Why run the same draw over and over? He has no rhyme or reason to any thing. He would be a qreat QB coach and head recruiter or even a great assistant head coach.
He is a DGD though.
Dap01
April 13th, 2012
7:35 am
Tampagator: You are an offensive jerk. Shut up. Add something constructive or leave. Remember my words…. you will regret making fun of a man of convictions one day. Karma is horrible to some.
bigdawg
April 13th, 2012
7:35 am
Like stated above, he has NEVER been in consideration for any head coaching position from a JUCO to BCS level school. He is awful in 3rd down situations. Look at the last few years of bowl games. Central Florida was a total embarrasment. Having said that the reason why he’s paid so low is b/c rich is really the co-offensive coordinator. I appreciate he bleeds red and black and always has but it’s been long overdue to improve the caliber of the OC. It’s not like we don’t have the funds to reach out and bring in somebody w/ more tenure and IQ. Though Richt certainly doesn’t like to be challenged.
Wallace Butts
April 13th, 2012
7:48 am
Lots of non Dawg fans on here critisizing something they know nothing about. Clueless as to football and jealous of the success the the dawgs program has had thru the years. All teams have ups and downs including the ones that they root for.
ozzfest
April 13th, 2012
7:50 am
An amazing flawed analysis is to consider “points per game”…..THE FINE TUNED ANALYSIS would consider what he has done against other BSC-caliber opponents.
Do that, and the coin is flipped…HE IS A POOR OFFENSIVE COACH. Period.
Image what Georgia’s teams of 2007-2011 could have accomplished with a “Mike Gundy/Paul Johnson” type mindset in the booth….Ugh.
ozzfest
April 13th, 2012
7:52 am
TAMPAGATOR…
What was that promise you made about locals proudly filling Raymond James for the UGA-Michigan State game…my TV showed an empty upper deck.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 13th, 2012
7:54 am
Word has it that Petrino is on his way to UGA to replace CMR…..finally, a good move by Athens.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 13th, 2012
7:55 am
@Wallace Butts
How do you define success? 1concencus national title in 118 years, and a school that claims a title in 1942 which actually is owned by Ohio State. Talk about clueless, UGA fans don’t do their homework.
Dawg Tired
April 13th, 2012
7:57 am
His play-calling is usually very good until we get the lead. Then becomes way too conservative. That has to change or else we are in for a long season.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 13th, 2012
8:00 am
A lady in Athens calls 911.
Hysterically, she says, ‘Someone’s just broken into my house, and I think
he’s going to rob me!’
The police officer says, ‘We’re really busy at the moment. Just get the
guy’s jersey number and we’ll get back to you.’
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 13th, 2012
8:00 am
Q: What is Mark Richt’s biggest concern?
A: Does the NCAA count bail money as a recruiting violation?
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 13th, 2012
8:01 am
Q: Why can’t most of the UGA players get into a huddle on the field?
A: It is a parole violation to associate with known felons.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 13th, 2012
8:01 am
Q: How did the Dogs spend the first week of Spring Training?
A: Studying their Miranda Rights
short memories
April 13th, 2012
8:08 am
Bobo opens up the second half against LSU clinging to a three point lead and runs the first two up the middle. Then there would be a fumble on a must pass play and it goes from there. Alabama opened up the second half against LSU with a 19 yard pass. There are numerous examples but this play highlights the difference between National Champions and people who play not to lose.
Kerryb
April 13th, 2012
8:16 am
I think what it is with the fans is that they see moments of brilliance and then suddenly they’re scratching their heads and wondering why he started calling what he did. I’ve seen moments that shows that Bobo could be one of the best offensive minds in college football. The 2008 game against LSU was one of them. Last year vs Auburn was another. He just needs to be more consistent. Of course we don’t know how many times he has called plays that would have been great but the players didn’t execute it.
Bremen Dawg
April 13th, 2012
8:18 am
Chip can you run the numbers for only against SEC schools for Bobo vs Richt? I think it would be a lot different.
meh
April 13th, 2012
8:25 am
I guess running it up the middle 90 times in a row does have good results
scdawgboi
April 13th, 2012
8:32 am
UGA will never win a NC with Bobo as our OC, my ten year old said that last year, if he can see it why cant CMR and ADMc? He’s so predictable in what he will call that it doesn’t take a genius to plan a defense.
bill arp
April 13th, 2012
8:33 am
Bobo’s a good coach. Knows what he’s doing. 99% on here are the ones with no clue, hence, they’re on here.
DawginLex
April 13th, 2012
8:35 am
Bobo is not great but not bad either.
My problem is making the team so reliant on the QB.
I just want a change in philosophy. Big huge offensive line with big fullback and big fast running backs. Run the ball 60-70% of the time, play defense. Have a QB capable of making plays but don’t be pass happy.
THE MAJOR
April 13th, 2012
8:36 am
Bobo is a good coach and better a good man. UGA fans should be thankful a competent and dedicated coach.
thetruth
April 13th, 2012
8:39 am
As bad as some of you people think Bobo is the facts are he’s been better than any OC Bamas had the past few years. Bama’s won on defense period.Their offense over the past few years has been average at best…statistics will prove that. So its laughable when all these Bama fans point fingers at Bobo….By the way…sure was fun waching Georgia Southern put up big numbers on Bamas defense this past season…and please don’t try and tell everyone that Bama pulled their starters during the game..they didn’t and you know it!
Atticus
April 13th, 2012
8:40 am
Chip answer me this, why is Grantham making 3 times as much as Bobo? Why has no team come after him despite Muschamp Kirby and even Dooley getting paid a lot more and getting many offers from many schools. I am sure Richt likes him, and he is a good recruiter and may make a decent head coach but he is not a great coordinator and the market has evaluated that much more than any koolaid or hostile fans could ever do so. His offensive game plan is stale and depends upon elite talent and even then underachieves because the running game is not aggressive and they constantly run play action on 3rd and long which is a joke. We also rarely get up on teams and go for the jugular. Your offensive stats as a comparison are bogus because all of college football is scoring at much higher rates and the better athletes are getting recruited on the offensive side of the ball.
Red-N-Black
April 13th, 2012
8:40 am
I’ve been saying the same thing for years! Bobo knows what he’s doing, he play’s to his players strengths – numbers don’t lie and his production is more than Richt’s was. Nuff said.
Atticus
April 13th, 2012
8:40 am
And why would I possibly listen to Mike Gottfried as an authority?
Piney Woods Pete
April 13th, 2012
8:40 am
Some serious rumors tbis morning that Bobo the Clown is going to Fayetteville.
Alexander Hamilton
April 13th, 2012
8:43 am
Fans are idiots.
Lakedawg
April 13th, 2012
8:44 am
When all we need is a first down to run out the clock and win a game, and we don’t, I have to
question the philosophy and execution of the play-calling. Same with a lack of ability to run the
football when we REALLY need to, in order to keep the clock running and maintain possession.
Much of our offensive statistics seem to come vs the weaker teams on our schedule. Finally, when
the offense makes crucial mistakes that place the defense in terrible positions a couple of times per
game, that seems to me to go back to preparation and coaching. And this every-year struggle we
have with offensive line depth is just crazy. Sorry, but that’s how I see it – all of these are offensive
issues, and Bobo is the offensive coordinator. I’m DAWG through and through, but we’ve got to get
better in the above-mentioned areas if we want SEC/National championships. If not, we’ll continue
to struggle with the South Carolina’s and even Kentucky’s of the world.
Atticus
April 13th, 2012
8:47 am
There is NO WAY that Bobo is getting the job at Arkansas.
Big Crimson 75
April 13th, 2012
8:50 am
I just want a change in philosophy. Big huge offensive line with big fullback and big fast running backs. Run the ball 60-70% of the time, play defense. Have a QB capable of making plays but don’t be pass happy.
——————————————————————————————————————————————–
Lex — Sounds like Bama & LSU’s Offensive Philosophy.
Nothing better than watching your Team RUN on 3rd & 5 to keep the chains moving as opposed to throwing every time.
Joey
April 13th, 2012
8:57 am
My biggest problem with Bobo is that he seems to be unable to counter a good DC’s adjustments on the fly. A prime example is the LSU game. He had a good game plan, evidenced by the quick drives and scores. But after Chavis made adjustments in the 2nd quarter for the LSU defense, our offense did little else. Granted Murray was giving LSU the turnovers, field position, and points, but the offense had no drives.
We saw the potential firepower from Bobo’s O vs SC and Auburn – they had no answers for his game plan. But too often Bobo’s game plan is adjusted to by the opponent, and Bobo doesn’t counter, or the adjustments he makes just don’t work.
I like Bobo, and I too think he will make a good HC, but I hope he will wait til Richt retires, then take over at UGA.
Then maybe he will hire a really good OC . . .
Reply to some posts here
April 13th, 2012
9:02 am
I know using logic is alien to internet blogs but here goes anyway:
1. Bobo does not put up big numbers against top tier teams. Well, they would not be “top tier” teams if opponents treated them like New Mexico State, would they?
2 Bobo has never been in conversation for any head coaching position. And you know this how? You have access to all phone calls, correspondence, e mails, etc. that involve Bobo and other schools? Do you happen to work for the CIA?
3. 94% of UGA football players are “special admits.” Duh. How many Duke basketball players have the SAT/GPA of the average Duke enrollee? Same question about GT, Vandy, Stanford, etc. EVERY major athletic program in this country is in the same boat.
4. UGA fans have only football to take pride in. Well, athletically there are over 30 national titles, spread out over 8 different sports, not to mention closing in on 140 SEC championships in multiple sports. Sure we love our football, but we can pull for contenders year round in Athens.
5. Add in UGA’s academic standing in the SEC, the ultimate college town in Athens, and a host of other factors and it is no surprise that it is hard to be humble, though we try.
bill arp
April 13th, 2012
9:08 am
Not a coincidence that this article is running, BTW. Ar-Kansas is very interested.
gdawginkalamazoo
April 13th, 2012
9:09 am
I love statistics! You can bend them anyway you want to make your point. Granted Bobo is a damn good dawg always has been and always will be in my book. When were all those yards and stats put up? Who were they put up against?
It is not a question of having a productive offense over the course of the season. It is a matter of WHEN is the offense most productive. Over the course of the past few seasons that has been the problem.
With a defense in place now we hope the offense holds up its end of the bargain.
MusicCityDawg
April 13th, 2012
9:13 am
Of course Bobo is great. Look at all the times other programs have come calling and we sit anxiously hoping he will turn them down to stay at UGA.
Keep Mike Bobo
April 13th, 2012
9:14 am
Hey dummies. Bobo put up 42 against South Carolina which had the #4 defense in the country last year, oh yea with 4 turnovers that he didnt call for. 30 points agains Michigan St who had the 3rd best defense in the country. again turnovers did us in. And lastly he would have put up 24 points in the first 4 posessions against the #2 Defense in the country if malcome and T. King would have been able to hold onto the ball. The numbers dont lie folks. And the runs on 3rd and ten up the middle, well those might just be because of poor field position and not wanting to give up a devastating turnover. Yaw who complain about Bobo dont know anything. He is a damn good coach and quite frankly im glad he doesnt listen or EVEN CARE about yaw losers. He’s getting his. I bet he sleeps so good a night with his hot wife and beautiful children. While yaw stay up crying about a bad turnover. It happens folks. Get over it. Ask the troops over seas right now how they feel about their OC at their favorite school. It probably isnt very important to them. Ask a mother, whose son is serving right now what she thinks about Mike Bobo. Just a hunch, i bet she doesnt care.
NCBulldawg86
April 13th, 2012
9:21 am
Yo! Snoop-Dawg!!! What the hell are you talking about? You are giving a lesson on grammar?
“BTW, the word is tack, not tact–as in the direction that a sailboat goes. Please get a grammar and spell checker.”
Well, you are a dumba$$, aren’t you. Here you go. Pay attention to #2.
Definition of TACT
1
: sensitive mental or aesthetic perception
2
: a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense
Tack is the sailing term.
Some people just don’t know how dumb they are before they speak(write).
chilidawg
April 13th, 2012
9:24 am
Just stop calling draws with our smallest tailback on 3rd and long.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
April 13th, 2012
10:06 am
Blogging and stats are nice, but crystal trophies are nicer…
Notion of Bobo may differ significantly among supporters, coaches | newfashionbagsblog.info
April 13th, 2012
10:23 am
[...] Perception of Bobo may differ tremendously among followers, coaches “They won't have him extended,” stated Gottfried, a sportscaster and former head coach at Pittsburgh and 3 other university plans. “He will be a head coach true shortly. Coach Bobo is a great human currently being and a great coach and he's planning to be a excellent head … Read much more on Atlanta Journal Structure (blog) [...]
Go UGA!!!
April 13th, 2012
10:34 am
Fire Bobo!!!
Hammerdawg
April 13th, 2012
10:37 am
It would be a great day for Georgia football when OC Bobo gets hired by another program. He is the
perfect picture of someone being promoted to a level of incomptence. He is limited in his skill set of plays. He is absolutly terrible at half time adjustments. He has shown no ablility to coach up any players. The stories of his QB coaching abilities are laughable…. To have Stafford, Moreno, and Green on one team none of whom won any titles or indivitual awards is embarrasing!
I compare Bobo to passed AD Damon Evans, most fans did not realize what a terrible job he did and what an anchor he was to the football program he was until he was gone….
Bobo will be the same way… Lets hope he gets another offer to go somewhere else and SOON!
The Tide is rolling and nothing can stop it
April 13th, 2012
10:39 am
Let’s pay Grantham twice as much because the d looked good against Kentucky.
No wonder Auburn has won a championship since you have.
Vampire Bill
April 13th, 2012
10:47 am
I like Bobo as a recruiter and a QB coach. I mostly question his play calling as predictable and at times silly. 3rd and 9 and you run off tackle again and again?
GABirdDAWG69
April 13th, 2012
10:51 am
“They don’t see him as the strategist who’s very intelligent and thinking ahead and setting up the gameplan every week. I think that’s what it is with the fans.”
Are you kidding me a strategist? He’s lucky to find his way to work every day. I’m glad people are talking about him. I hope someone comes in and offers Coach Turtle a HC job somewhere in Kansas at a Div II school where he can OJT there and not in the SEC. CMR is happy with him because Coach Turtle does what he is told. Wanna know why he’s one of the lowest paid OC’s in the SEC? He doesn’t think for himself. He runs CMR’s game plan. When you are basically an assistant that’s what happens and personally I think he’s overpaid as it is.
Supes
April 13th, 2012
10:57 am
Anyone who watches EVERY snap the Dawgs play knows that Bobo is often over matched against the top tier teams UGA faces every year…his players have to OVERCOME his play calling on numerous occasions…he often doesn’t realize what he’s got in personnel doesn’t ALLOW him to call the plays he does…
Examples…running little Carlton Thomas on a delay draw on 2nd or 3rd and long…
Calling WR routes that take TOO long to develop and since our O-line couldn’t pass protect that long Murray would be forced to take off and run or throw it out of bounce or just an incomplete pass
Often forgetting the great TE we have, not using them enough during games…
Where is UGA’s short pass or screen game went?
Need I say more?
With the talent he has, he needs to DO better against the top teams UGA faces each year…don’t give me this PPG garbage stat that is skewed when UGA racks up points against bottom feeders they are SUPPOSED to beat soundly.
Really
April 13th, 2012
11:04 am
“He had his website up and running and that was before they even had websites I think.” Classic Line!
The Tide is rolling and nothing can stop it
April 13th, 2012
11:20 am
Your entire team is overmatched against quality opponents. Get a clue and start signing more recruits!
38 Yardline Dawg
April 13th, 2012
11:33 am
What a nice article for how wonderful Bobo’s playcalling has been. Now some facts…SEC offensive production rankings for GA since the boo boo error (I mean era):
2011 – #1
2010 – #7
2009 – #7
2008 – #2
2007 – #7
Average #5, but too many #7s = AVERAGE OC AT BEST.
1953dawg
April 13th, 2012
12:17 pm
Not a big Bobo fan,but i have to admit in the SECC game he came out with all guns blazing and was running up an down the field on the vaunted LSU defense. If not for the 2 dropped sure T.D. passes, UGA is up 21-0 on the mighty Tigers, and LSU would have had to forget the run and throw the ball. That would have been playing right into UGA’s hand. So to say he can’t get the job done against great defenses is not accurate. Then special teams gives LSU 2 T.D’s basically and LSU gained the momentum. Then the midget fumbles the ball and throws his pick six, and game is over. If score had of been 21-0 at half or worse, UGA wins that game going away, and Bobo is a genius. Same thing against Mich.St. Another top 10 defense, UGA scored enough to win that game. It wasn’t the offense, it was once again Murray and his pick six, and another pick that set up an easy T.D. Give Bobo a decent Q.B. that doesn’t turn the ball over repeatedly, and UGA will win some big games. The only problem is that Bobo is responsible for Murray and his terrible lack of ball protection skills. So i guess Bobo in the end is responsible for this offense that loses big games. But he can call a good game against quality defenses. His problem is his head coach want allow him to use another Q.B., or to even try another Q.B. So the ultimate problem is now and has been for 12 years. Mr.Richt and his stubborn, arrogant attitude is the problem at UGA. And there is no light at the end of this tunnel. After all, Richt knows what the HELL he is doing, yeah right,