UGA’s Mike Bobo ‘getting long overdue consideration’ for coaching jobs, agent says
In addition to his duties as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Georgia's Mike Bobo is known as one of the Bulldogs' best recruiters. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
ATHENS – It’s likely to be a very good Christmas for Mike Bobo and his family.
Not only did Georgia’s offensive coordinator lead the Bulldogs to a record-breaking season that netted 11 wins and another SEC Championship Game bonus, but he’s also in line to have his compensation increased in 2013, either by Georgia or somebody else.
Bobo’s name has surfaced as a head coaching candidate at Southern Miss and, according to his agent, he is drawing interest for other jobs as well. Even if Bobo declines the overtures, it would likely result in an enhanced financial agreement from UGA.
Russ Campbell, the Birmingham-based attorney who acts as Bobo’s agent, confirmed that his client is being considered for jobs but declined to discuss specifics.
“I can tell you that he’s getting some long overdue consideration,” said Campbell, who was in California with Sonny Dykes, who was being introduced as the California Bears’ head coach on Thursday. “It’s unbelievable what Mike has done at Georgia; his track record speaks for itself. People are finally starting to notice.”
Bobo coordinated and called plays for an offense that already has set school records for touchdowns in a season and is on pace break records for scoring average (currently 37.2 ppg) and total offense (458.3). He also serves as quarterbacks coach Aaron Murray, who leads the nation in pass efficiency and is the first player in SEC history to throw for more than 3,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. Murray has thrown for 9,662 yards and 90 TDs with 30 interceptions under Bobo’s guidance. Bobo, Georgia’s quarterbacks coach since 2001, also developed No. 1 NFL draft pick Matthew Stafford. He was a finalist this year for the Frank Broyles Award, which goes annually to the nation’s top assistant football coach.
Oddly enough, Bobo has often been the subject of criticism by a vocal portion of the fan base, particularly for play-calling. In Georgia’s SEC Championship game lost to Alabama this past weekend, he was second-guessed for not having Murray spike the ball to stop the clock with 10 seconds remaining at the Alabama 8.
“It’s good to see (Bobo attract head coaching interest) because it has continued to baffle me how all these other coordinators get mentioned,” Campbell said. “He gets lost because of this false perception about the job he’s done there. I think it just must be one of those situations where familiarity breeds contempt and he’s been there too long. When you drill down and look at it, he’s done a phenomenal job. He went toe-to-toe with Kirby (Smar t)in the SEC Championship game; it went down to five yards, right? You hear Kirby’s name all over the place.”
Bobo’s name has also been attached to Smart, who has mentioned as a candidate for several high-profile coaching jobs. Alabama’s defensive coordinator and Bobo are best friends since childhood and attended UGA together. The thought is that the two could join forces in the right situation. Smart interviewed for the Auburn job, which went to Guz Malzahn, and reportedly is a candidate at Tennessee.
Bobo is ripe for the taking as he is not among the best-paid offensive coordinators in the SEC. He currently makes $335,000 a year (not including bonuses), which ranked 10th among SEC offensive coordinators coming into the season. He also has operated with a one-year contract, while the majority of SEC offensive coordinators have two- to -three year deals.
Bobo, who earned a $45,000 bonus for Georgia’s appearance in the SEC Championship game, is the second-highest-paid assistant on Mark Richt’s staff. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham makes $825,000 annually and has a three-year contract.
UGA athletic director Greg McGarity said he is aware of reports circulating that Bobo is a candidate for jobs. But he said he won’t get involved unless Richt asks.
“That would go straight to the head coach,” McGarity said Thursday. “That would not come to me. If it reached a certain level of interest, Mark would have a conversation with me. But we haven’t had any communication like that.”
Neither Richt nor Bobo returned messages seeking comment.
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray told reporters toward the end of the season he didn’t think Bobo would leave UGA because “it’s his dream job.” Bobo has always been reticent to speak on the subject.
“I have no idea what’s going on,” Bobo said last week of being mentioned for head coach openings. “To be honest, the only thing I’m really focused on is the job I’ve got in hand right now. . . . If I worried about anything else I’d be cheating these players.”
SEC O-C PAY
- Doug Nussmeier, Alabama: $590,000; three years
- Jim Chaney, Tennessee: $550,000; three years
- Greg Studrawa, LSU: $500,000 three years
- Scot Loeffler, Auburn: $500,000; two years
- Brent Pease, Florida: $490,000; three years
- Paul Petrino, Arkansas: $475,000; one year
- Kliff Kingsbury, Texas A&M: $400,000; three years
- Randy Sanders, Kentucky: $338,000; two years
- David Yost, Missouri: $354,750; two years
- Mike Bobo, Georgia: $335,000; one year
- Matt Luke, Ole Miss (co-coordinator): $285,000; three years/Dan Werner, Ole Miss (co-coordinator): $231,667; two years
- Les Koenning, Mississippi State: $275,000; two years
* Head coach Steve Spurrier serves as South Carolina’s offensive coordinator.
* Vanderbilt’s finances are not subject to open record.
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419 comments Add your comment
Gutdawg
December 7th, 2012
8:39 am
Don’t think it’s about the money with Bobo. He’s has a strong allegiance to UGA plus I’ve heard that his wife’s family is loaded. I will say that his play calling got better this year, but I think that having a RB like Gurley will help with that. Overall, he improved this year.
PR
December 7th, 2012
8:45 am
Pay the man.
papadawg
December 7th, 2012
9:00 am
Coach Bobo, I still want to know why you weren’t SCEAMING SPIKE THE BALL when you reached the 5 yard line with no time outs
Rod Stewart
December 7th, 2012
9:14 am
Bobo seemed to greatly improve this season – but the baffling up-the-middle runs on long yardage situations need correcting. Doesn’t UGA scout itself also?
UGA
December 7th, 2012
9:14 am
Please Please Please UGA let Mike Bobo move on!!!!!!!!!! Maybe the offense can finally start putting up big numbers!
dmr
December 7th, 2012
9:19 am
Bobo is a good coach. Not a great one. Good coaches do more with more and less with less. Great coaches find way to do MORE WITH LESS! I believe Bobo is good person, a good coach, a good X’s and O’s guy. Where I believe he is lacking is in strategic thinking and planning.
Not having Murray spike the ball in the game against Alabama was the ultimate failure in my opinion. Murray asked to spike it….Bobo called a play…Richt fell on the sword after the game. That’s what I believe.
We never saw a time where Georgia made opponents have to worry about Gurley and Marshall in the backfield at the same time. We didn’t spread out defenses enough. We struggled against the likes of Kentucky and failed horribly against South Carolina.
I like Bobo personally. I just think Georgia needs someone who is a little more prepared to handle the unexpected and doesn’t panic at crunch time.
Georgia has to replace virtually their entire defense next season. This means the O.C. is going to have to have a very good read on what is happening with the defense, how long they are on the field, how tired they are, etc. Bobo does not do that effectively.
I wish him well whatever happens.
robodawg
December 7th, 2012
9:21 am
Bobo’s a good coach both on game days and in practice, preparation and recruiting. This season he seems to have matured and overcome some predictability with play calling. Give him a raise, he’s earned it.
If Bobo leaves, I wonder if Richt would take over playcalling? Bobo was his protege. Not sure Richt wants to go outside his system when it comes to the pro offense and coaching QBs.
Mark Alarcon
December 7th, 2012
9:22 am
Mike needs expand his coaching mind…he is too confortable where he is.
Trailerparkted
December 7th, 2012
9:25 am
BOBO would be an excellent QB coach at any level, but a Head Coach or an O Coordinator….I think NOT
Oracle Of Marietta
December 7th, 2012
9:25 am
No other programs have talked about getting Bobo (or Richt). Think about how much buzz you heard about other coordinators now in head coach positions or candidates for: Molzahn, Smart, J Phillips, Muschamp, Cutcliffe. Bobo has never been mentioned in another job vacancy discussion….ONCE. Despite what public opinion on this post or Bobo’s lawyer may have you believe….the free market has spoken. Bobo is average.
smlarsen
December 7th, 2012
9:26 am
I guess dave forgot about 2002 and 2005 when we did when the confrence. Its ok though idiots tend to forget things. We will just have to let him slide on this one. Mark Richt is the winningest coach in the sec. I know he does not have a national title , and for all the bama fans out there, that is what makes him a mediocre coach. In my eyes it doesn’t. I like Mike Bobo but its like he is ok with a 10 point lead. It seems every game we get into we go up by 10 points doing a mix of running and passing and then we just run run run. Then we end up punting the ball 4 drives in a row and then what do you know. The other team is right back in the game. I think hes a good coordinator but if he wants to be a coach he needs to learn how to keep the pressure up and use what has been working.
Father of UGA c/o 2025 Committ
December 7th, 2012
9:28 am
Bobo can go for all I care. Who in the world was telling Aaron Murray to run another play as opposed to spiking the football on first down with 14 seconds left to go to the national championship? We need a new O Coordinator. Grantham isnt the problem Trust me.
GT is a 4th rate High School Team
December 7th, 2012
9:36 am
This is the first season end since he took over the OC job that he did not get any flack from the DAWG fan base. If that agent continue to whine, the UGA fans base will likely be defensive and turn against his abilities again even to the extent of blaming the loss to BAMA wholly on him. LOL
Joey
December 7th, 2012
9:43 am
I think one day, hopefully at UGA, you may see a Bobo who “keeps his foot on the gas,” once he is out from under Richt’s thumb.
And remember, his “foot” can’t control INTs, dropped (AND TIPPED) passes, and failure to pass protect.
GT is a 4th rate High School Team
December 7th, 2012
9:43 am
After about 6 or so years in the OC position, the AGENT’s claim about the negative perception is more likely more valid truth than a false image of his actual performance.
smlarsen
December 7th, 2012
9:45 am
Yea.. your right about that. However, when you DON’T PASS its pretty hard to argue. Like I said, when he gets a two possesion lead he stops passing and runs. You don’t win NCs that way you have to continue performing and doing what is working.
Joey
December 7th, 2012
9:52 am
smlarsen, do you think Bobo is NOT doing exactly what his boss wants him to do during the game?
Ever notice that headset Mark Richt wears when our offense is on the field?
JK
December 7th, 2012
9:58 am
Give him a nice raise and a one year contract. After the entire offense graduates or goes to the NFL next year, let Bobo leave for another opportunity and hire David Greene.
smlarsen
December 7th, 2012
10:00 am
Oh wow really is that what those are. Man i just thought richt was listening to pandora to pump him up for the game. Yea i realize that. The fact of the matter is, is that bobo calls the plays from above and when you consider both him and richt are conservative you get back to back to back runs (minus the SEC championship when they decided they had to win it on 1st down)
Dawgsgirl47147
December 7th, 2012
10:08 am
Can we just pay him to leave??? We need a new OC BIG TIME!!!! Time for a change on Offense
crusherdawg
December 7th, 2012
10:22 am
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out…
RiffRaff
December 7th, 2012
10:22 am
He’s not going anywhere. Why would he? And yes, Richt has always gone conservative when he has a lead in the second half. Everyone can argue the “last play” but the fact these coaches learned nothing about how A&M had Bama off balance and beat them with a up-tempo / no-huddle offense is beyond me. Why wait till the last drive?
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 7th, 2012
10:25 am
JK
December 7th, 2012
9:58 am
Give him a nice raise and a one year contract. After the entire offense graduates or goes to the NFL next year, let Bobo leave for another opportunity and hire David Greene.
=====================================================
David Greene isn’t coaching so why would he be ready to take on the job of College OC?
Put in Timeout by Ken Sugiura,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
December 7th, 2012
10:27 am
In January 2009, Greene told the Gwinnett Daily Post that he was retiring from professional football. He returned to Atlanta in September 2008 and co-founded an insurance brokerage firm, along with fellow former Bulldog Matt Stinchcomb.
smlarsen
December 7th, 2012
11:00 am
As much S*** as you talk about georgia you sure do know alot about them.
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
December 7th, 2012
11:03 am
@ Timeout(aka I know everything)
There are many ex-coaches, athletes, etc that are not currently coaching but would mke excellent coaches/assistant coaches including John Gruden, Bill Cowher and especiall David Greene so what is your point????
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
December 7th, 2012
11:05 am
@ Riff Raff:
You sound a lot like Time Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ARdawg
December 7th, 2012
11:11 am
Brainiac, Time out has no points just seething hatred for UGA. He is Nerd Troll #1
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
December 7th, 2012
11:13 am
Oh SH- – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now we got Girldawg trying to advise professionals on how to assemble a College Football Coaching Staff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She needs to understand that the TWO BLACKEST DAYS IN GEORGIA HISTORY were when we started allowing women to vote and get drivers license!!!!!!!!!!!
Back in the kitchen sweetie!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and bring me another beer!!!!!!!!
icedawg
December 7th, 2012
11:13 am
Until he tries he won’t know if he is a head coach type or not. Some guys might not want all the headaches that go with head coaching.
ATLien
December 7th, 2012
11:14 am
LOL bobo head coaching offers?! Yeah right. Amongst the numerous openings around the Country Bobo isn’t on anyone’s short list. His agent looking for leverage. Please if he wants to go let him go. DO NOT give him a raise. He’s done nothing to deserve it.
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
December 7th, 2012
11:19 am
@ ARDawg:
Too bad his parents didn’t practice “Safe Sex” since he obviously was conceived while they doing it “For fun only”, that night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
December 7th, 2012
11:26 am
@ AtLien:
You are almost as big of a GENIOUS as Timeout!!!!!!!!!!!! I would ask how you KNOW ALL THAT CRAP you are spewing about CMB. but I just drug out my can of BS repellant so you are taken care of.
You couldn’t carry water for Bobo and it is pretty obvious you couldn’t find your a$$ with both hands in your hip pockets!!!!!!!!!!!
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
December 7th, 2012
11:30 am
What is a 5-letter word meaning “Girl Dog”??????
Please hurry. My crossword puzzle is getting cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr BUG
December 7th, 2012
11:33 am
As a Tech fan I can’t help but give the man props. He has certainly earned himself rights to a head coaching position, or a significant raise at the very least. And Aaron Murray has NFL talent and I wouldn’t be surprised if Bobo leaves for a HC position and Aaron enters the draft.
NoMoreRawDeal
December 7th, 2012
11:34 am
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Bozo.
Rooty Tooty
December 7th, 2012
12:15 pm
I don’t see schools knocking the door down seeking his services????
Rooty Tooty
December 7th, 2012
12:19 pm
My last vent wasn’t a knock on Bobo. I’m sure he is a nice fellow. Most coaches don’t want to start at a school that requires a lot of work.. You don’t see many coaches, there are exceptions, going to schools that have been down and out. Spurrier is one exception. I admire a coach that is willing to revive a program.
Stiifneck
December 7th, 2012
12:27 pm
Brainiass, it’s spelled GENIUS ( which you are certainly not! ).
Athens
December 7th, 2012
12:32 pm
All dumba–es, no alums.
Athens
December 7th, 2012
12:36 pm
We broke all UGA scoring records in our history, but lets get rid of him. Like I said, all dumba–es, no alums. Remember, alums make the donations and pay the bills. We like (a lot) what we have. Stupid boards…..
Say Whut
December 7th, 2012
12:41 pm
Good luck Mike! Shouldda spiked the ball.
what of it?
December 7th, 2012
12:52 pm
I love the fact his agent doesn’t even try to conceal the fact he’s involved with these “rumors.” Nothing but a pathetic attempt at a money grab.
By all means Bobo, have fun at USM. I’m sure it will be a rousing success. Can’t wait to see you “develop” all that talent.
James
December 7th, 2012
1:15 pm
Let’s see, a wife and five boys at home. 10th on a list of almost do nothings, developing a crop of great QBs for Georgia…priceless. For real, I would love to see Bobo at Georgia State. Best of luck.
dawginduluth
December 7th, 2012
1:23 pm
Think we can get a 2-fer deal?
Newnandawg
December 7th, 2012
1:42 pm
Anyone ever wonder why no other teams ever go after any of our coaches?
It’s because they are an average group, and an awesome football university.
Thanks to poor recruiting and roster management, the entire defense is gone next year.
JFKDawg
December 7th, 2012
1:50 pm
Best of luck in your future endeavors, Mike. I understand the OC for TN is available.
10Dawg
December 7th, 2012
1:50 pm
What consideration? He’s a LONG SHOT for Southern Miss. Did Russ Campbell pay you to print/post this garbage? If he does get an offer I hope he takes it so the Dawgs can get a proven OC, not a guy who keeps his job b/c he married into the right family.
Bobo or Dodo?
December 7th, 2012
1:52 pm
PLEASE KEEP the idiot who overruled his JR QB and failed to spike the ball to take 2-3 shots at the end zone! Even Murray knew what to do in that situation. Bobo’s failure to spike the ball set into motion the specific set of events that ran out the clock and ruthlessly GUT-PUNCHED thousands of UGA fans….But what a supremely SWEET moment for the rest of us!!
The fact that so many of you Dawg fans are wanting to give the guy a raise would be hilarious….If you weren’t absolutely serious! And despite the fact that the ball wasn’t spiked, time ran out & BOBO had made the most idiotic OC call in the entire history of college football, losing UGA their biggest game in 30 years — ALL DONE BEFORE A HUGE NATIONAL TV AUDIENCE…
Well done BOBO…..You’re a GOOD Loser & you do deserve a raise!!!
Rick James
December 7th, 2012
1:52 pm
I hope Bobo stays because I think he will eventually replace Mark Richt once he retires and most people dont understand his impact on recruiting.However if he leaves I’d love to see Georgia hire Bobby Petrino to replace him..Scoring 50 to 60 points on Georgia Tech would be priceless and it looks like Petrino is going to have to settle for what he can get..I’m sure it wont happen but its a nice thought.