BREAKING: Kirby Smart Confirms Possible Replacements for Mike Bobo as offensive coordinator at Georgia
Potential candidates have been identified for Georgia’s next offensive coordinator if head coach Kirby Smart decides to make a change following consecutive seasons without a National Championship.
The Georgia Bulldogs ended their 2024 season on a disappointing note, losing to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second round of the College Football Playoff at the Sugar Bowl. While defensive struggles were apparent throughout the season, much of the criticism was directed at the offense.
The Bulldogs brought back starting quarterback Carson Beck and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo from an offense that ranked fifth nationally in total yards per game in 2023. However, injuries at the running back position and key departures at wide receiver during the offseason contributed to a decline, with the offense finishing 32nd in total production in 2024.
This dip in performance was a significant letdown for Georgia fans, who didn’t hold back their frustration with Bobo on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
While Bobo isn’t solely to blame, the fact remains that the Bulldogs haven’t won a National Championship under Kirby Smart since 2022, a standard now expected in Athens. Failing to meet these expectations for two straight years raises the possibility of major changes.
If Bobo is dismissed, speculation about his successor will undoubtedly intensify. Here are some potential options for the role.
Todd Monken
Todd Monken served as Georgia’s offensive coordinator under Kirby Smart from 2020 to 2022, a tenure highlighted by back-to-back national championships with quarterback Stetson Bennett leading the way. During his time in Athens, Monken also played a crucial role in developing future first-round picks like wide receiver Ladd McConkey and tight end Brock Bowers, among others.
Monken’s innovative offenses, which ranked first nationally in his final two seasons with the Bulldogs, remain a benchmark for fans, who have longed for similar creativity since his departure.
Currently, Monken is thriving as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator in the NFL. However, there’s a slim possibility Kirby Smart could entice him back to college football, depending on the Ravens’ performance this season. After falling short in the 2023 AFC Championship Game, where Baltimore managed just 10 points against the Kansas City Chiefs, some criticized Monken for abandoning the Ravens’ top-ranked running game. If the Ravens endure another disappointing playoff run, coaching changes could open the door for Smart to make his pitch.
Joe Brady
Joe Brady made his name as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for LSU’s historic 2019 offense, which featured stars like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. That unit is widely regarded as one of the greatest in college football history, with Brady playing a direct role in their development into future first-round NFL draft picks.
Since then, Brady has transitioned to the NFL, where he worked with the Carolina Panthers before joining the Buffalo Bills. Elevated to offensive coordinator midway through the 2023 season, Brady has excelled, leading the Bills to one of the NFL’s top offenses.
If Brady doesn’t land an NFL head coaching job in 2025, Kirby Smart could present an enticing offer to bring him back to the college ranks. The opportunity to lead Georgia’s offense, one of the nation’s premier programs, could be a compelling proposition for Brady.
Buster Faulkner
Currently serving as Georgia Tech’s offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner has quickly revitalized the Yellow Jackets’ offense, leading them to a near-upset over Georgia in an eight-overtime thriller this season. Faulkner’s ability to elevate an offense was also evident during his stint as Georgia’s quarterbacks coach from 2020 to 2022, where he worked closely with Kirby Smart and contributed to the Bulldogs’ success.
Faulkner’s connection to Smart goes back further, to their days at Valdosta State, where Faulkner was a quarterback and Smart a young defensive coach. Their history, combined with Faulkner’s proven track record, makes him a strong candidate for the offensive coordinator role.
While Monken might be a longshot, Faulkner is widely considered the favorite to succeed Mike Bobo if a change is made. His familiarity with Smart’s system and demonstrated ability to compete at the highest level make him a natural fit for the job.