Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has made it known that it’s his way, take it or leave it.
When his offense failed to score more than 27 points in a game for the remaining nine contests of the year he was scrutinized by fans, and the media alike because of his unwillingness to change.
However, on Friday Smart made the decision to replace James Coley in the hiring of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. It’s been reported that Coley will remain on staff as assistant head coach, but no other news has surfaced on what his role with the team will entail.
That means that Monken will take over the reins in calling plays.
“We are excited to add Todd to our staff,” Kirby Smart said in Friday’s press release. “He has a history of establishing explosive offenses at each and every stop in his impressive career in both the National Football League and at major college football programs.”
Congratulations to Smart because it seems like he has changed from his stubborn ways just a bit in being proactive to fix the offense.
Monken brings in a lot of success in the passing game that could bode well for the Bulldogs in the long run. While serving as the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers, Monken’s offense led the NFL in passing with 320 yards per game. 45 percent of the passes attempted by Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick were going at least 10 yards or more.
New Bulldog graduate transfer quarterback Jamie Newman from Wake Forest has proven that he already has an incredible arm, but the hiring of Monken could elevate his game exponentially.
It took some bravery for Smart to make the transition from Coley to Monken.
Coley and Smart are longtime friends, but Friday’s decision does show that he values his team’s success over a close relationship. Coley hasn’t taken all the heat for the offenses’ lack of consistency.
Injuries to key positions at wide receiver and offensive line plagued the Bulldogs this season. Nonetheless, the lack of explosive plays and the struggle to put points on the board were too alarming for Smart to discredit.
For now, Monken has yet to coach a game calling the plays for the Bulldogs, but his potential is through the roof.