So, let’s chat about Georgia’s national championship drought, which has now stretched to two years. Head Coach Kirby Smart has got a pretty hefty to-do list this offseason, especially after that disappointing end to the 2024 season. I mean, after a tough loss, what’s the first thing you do? You get back to work, right?
Now, Kirby is known for being a relentless recruiter—a true nuts-and-bolts guy for his program. So you can bet he’ll be working hard to keep building on what he has. First up, he’ll have to reevaluate the roster once players start entering the transfer portal. Some guys jump in right after the regular season wraps up, but a lot of backups stick around, hoping for a shot if someone gets hurt during the playoffs.
But managing the roster is just one piece of the puzzle. I’ve got a few ideas about what Smart really needs to focus on this offseason, three big ones to be exact:
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1. Hire a new Offensive Line Coach
So, there’s been talk that Stacey Searels, who’s been the offensive line coach for a few years now, might not stick around much longer. He came in after Matt Luke unexpectedly stepped down, and let’s be real, the hiring felt a bit rushed. His first season went well, but since then? Oof. The numbers show the offensive line has regressed significantly. We’re talking about a drop from averaging 191 rushing yards per game down to just 129 this past season. That’s a shocker for a team known for its run game! And don’t even get me started on that Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame, where they only managed to run the ball for 62 yards. That’s just not gonna cut it. The offensive line is vital for the run and play-action game, and things need to change there.
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2. Hire a new Wide Receivers’ Coach
Now let’s talk about the wide receivers. They were tough to watch this season. It’s like they were afflicted by a nasty case of the drops, more tragic than a Shakespearean drama! James Coley, our current wide receivers’ coach, is decent at recruiting, but boy, the performance this year was concerning, especially because it was his first season. Dillon Bell went from being a playmaker to, well, a “shell” of himself, and that brutal drop in the Sugar Bowl didn’t help his case. Dominic Lovett was supposed to step up but instead seemed to regress. I mean, they ended up leading the nation in drops! It’s clear that we probably need a new coach in there.
3. Don’t Panic
But here’s the thing: Kirby Smart has always emphasized that Georgia football is about the program, not just one player. Remember how they won back-to-back national titles with a walk-on quarterback? While some teams prioritize building a roster around a star QB, Georgia is more about creating a well-rounded, star-studded roster overall. They do this mainly through high school recruiting and use the transfer portal smartly to fill gaps.
You might see what’s happening with Ohio State, and think, “Hey, let’s grab a bunch of one-year transfers!” But that’s not Kirby’s style. He wants Georgia to remain elite, not just this year or next, but for the long haul. If he keeps doing what he’s doing, I think there’s a good chance he can make that happen.
So, fingers crossed for the offseason, AM hoping Kirby brings the team back stronger than ever.
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