Coaching Overhaul In Athens, A Good Thing . . . .

Malcolm Mitchell made a statement that I certainly agree with.

“They definitely should sell that,” he said of all the freshmen playing, including all four receiver signees. “I think Georgia does a great job of not showing favorites in the realm of a senior versus a freshman. Whoever is the best guy gets the job.”

This comment is not meant to be ugly, it is me reaching back and remembering exactly what I have seen as far as playing younger talent in Athens over the years.

Until the current group of coaches having arrived here in the last two years were on board, what Malcolm Mitchell said above was not the way talent was used in Athens.

I believe one of the reasons that Mitchell is “happy again” is he has healed.

Another being the coaches understanding that “seniority” does not necessarily mean “best talent is on the field”. I credit that to the change that “I” have seen since Pruitt/Rocker and Company arrived.

Pruitt said from day one, it is how you practice, not because you have been on the team for a longer period of time than those you are competing with and against.

Seems to me that the same “methods of coaching” (playing based on factors other than seniority) have found its way to the “older coaches” that have been around a while in Athens.

It was time for “change”. Not because a coach or coaches had NFL experience or a resume that seemed to look good or . . . . close ties with previous relationships. Example of that . . . . grantham, Martinez and others, such as S&C leaders.

If at some point the desired results are not being reached, whether 5 years or 15 years, safe to say something has not been handled as it should have been earlier.

Apparently the same process as Pruitt brought to Athens, Schottenheimer thinks the same way. That being the quarterback thingy. I firmly believe that Mike Bobo would have played Brice Ramsey, period.

Believe there is still much that needs to be accomplished in Athens, but for the first time in 8/9/10 years or so the “old engine” has been “overhauled”.

Thoughts?

First of all a little thought on MM. I think before all is said and done he will be Lambert's number 1 target and will have a season that will be talked about for years. He is a very talented receiver with a lot to prove this year and Lambert understands that and Lambert also realizes that they can become a dynamic duo!

I've been criticized for praising this coaching staff since spring. I will say it again, from top to bottom we have an amazing staff and that's why this year is going to be special...

GO DAWGS

One of the things that I am trying to say is this . . . .

For too long we seem to have been mired in what I will term as a lack of solid decision making. All of that is not put at the feet of Mark Richt, but a large portion belongs there.

Few coaches in D1 football can get away with "everything". Usually there are those above coaches and head coaches that make decisions that are passed on to those below them, and according to circumstances, it is the unwritten law.

This group of coaches in Athens now as has been said here on occasion have "backbone". That is speaking for the most part when referring to the defensive side of the ball.

I would also say this. If for some reason there was a "blow up" between those above Pruitt that wanted to change his way of doing things, my belief is that Pruitt would leave and along with him many of his staff.

I do not believe that will happen and here is one reason why. Pruitt likes working for Mark Richt. Reason? Mark Richt needs Pruitt and Pruitt needed to be in a situation like the one he has at Georgia. Mark Richt's job improved with Pruitt/Rocker and Company signing on with UGA. Pruitt gets a lot of "press" and one of the reasons for that is coaching results.

This group of coaches have come together as a group. Whether all of us agree or not, right now it looks real good. If we end up on the winning side of the ledger against Alabama, every coach in Athens will see their stock rise. Big game not only for the fans, big game for the coaches, now and later on.

If Greyson Lambert continues to progress, stats don't have to be as huge as they were against South Carolina, both Lambert and Schottenheimer's stock rises big time. Don't know a lot about Schottenheimer's contract, but I personally do not believe he wants to remain as offensive coordinator at UGA.

If Schottenheimer remains in Athens for two or three years, which I am not sure will happen, he will build relationships within the State of Georgia that will further his efforts down the road. Pay scale in college football has changed big time, not surprising to me that some coaches in the NFL do not or will not hesitate to enter the college ranks.

Georgia/Alabama . . . . HUGE. For many different reasons.

Go Dawgs, Coach'em Up!

Maybe CMR's hair wasn't on fire Saturday, but it came real close to igniting just before the half when we gave them 3 points. Was pleased to see him get his back bowed! GO DAWGS!!!!

I like the unity within our coaching staff that we have right now also like all the quality control staff that has been added. This was the first season in a while that we didn't have players suspended the first game that was a big plus. I know we have not been playing lights out on Defense but we have been giving pups some priceless experience the few points that have been given up will pay big dividends later on.