Kirby Smart continues to build out his Georgia football staff this offseason-not just on the field, but behind the scenes as well. While the Bulldogs are still finalizing their on-field coaching lineup, Smart has made three key additions to the support staff, bringing in some familiar faces with deep ties to the program.
Robert Edwards Returns to Athens
Former Georgia standout Robert Edwards is back in Athens, this time in a coaching capacity. Edwards will serve as the assistant running backs coach, stepping into a role previously held by David Hill, who left to become the running backs coach at Colorado State. Hill also had responsibilities as a player connections coordinator during his time with the Bulldogs, and Edwards is expected to bring a similar player-first approach to the job.
For Georgia fans, Edwards is a name that carries weight. He was a dynamic running back for the Bulldogs in the 1990s, sharing the locker room with none other than Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. That familiarity with the program's culture-and with the men now leading it-makes this a natural fit.
After being selected in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Edwards' professional career had its ups and downs, but he’s spent the last several years shaping young players as a high school coach in Georgia. Most recently, he was at Washington County High School, his alma mater. Now, he’s bringing that experience and passion for development back to the college level.
Maurice Smith Joins as Defensive Analyst
Another former Bulldog is joining the fold, as Maurice Smith has been named a defensive analyst. Smith was already around the program last season in a volunteer capacity, and now he’s officially part of the staff.
Smith’s path to Georgia was unique. He began his college career at Alabama, where he spent three seasons before transferring to Georgia in 2016-Smart’s first year as head coach.
In that lone season in Athens, Smith made an immediate impact, tallying 50 tackles and two interceptions while bringing veteran leadership to the secondary. After college, he had a stint with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent.
Now, Smith is back where he finished his college career, this time helping shape Georgia’s defense from the analyst room. His familiarity with Smart’s system, both as a player and now as a coach, should make him a valuable asset behind the scenes.
Jalen Harris Elevated to Assistant Wide Receivers Coach
Jalen Harris is also stepping into a new role, moving from Georgia’s assistant director of player development to assistant wide receivers coach. He’ll work alongside James Coley, who is entering his third year leading the Bulldogs’ wideouts.
Before joining Georgia’s staff, Harris was the wide receivers coach at UAB in 2023, giving him recent on-field experience that should translate well in his new role. His promotion reflects a growing trend within the Georgia program-developing coaching talent from within. Harris’ understanding of Georgia’s culture and expectations, combined with his recent experience coaching receivers, makes this an intriguing move for a position group that continues to evolve.
A Pipeline of Internal Promotions
Georgia has built a bit of a reputation for turning support staffers into key on-field contributors. Names like Buster Faulkner, Will Muschamp, and most recently Phil Rauscher-who will coach the offensive line in 2026 after serving in a support role in 2025-are prime examples. These aren’t just promotions for the sake of continuity; they’re calculated moves that reflect Smart’s trust in the people behind the scenes.
With Edwards, Smith, and Harris now officially part of that system, Georgia is doubling down on its commitment to developing not just players, but coaches too. And in the ever-competitive world of college football, that kind of stability and internal growth can be just as important as five-star recruits and flashy playbooks.
These moves may not grab national headlines, but they speak volumes about how Georgia operates. Smart isn’t just assembling a staff-he’s building a program, brick by brick, with people who know what it means to wear the G.