Georgia has just unveiled the salary details for some of Kirby Smart's newest coaching hires, giving us a glimpse into the financial landscape of the Bulldogs' football program.
Phil Rauscher, stepping in as the offensive line coach, is set to earn $650,000 in 2026. Rauscher's journey to Georgia began last spring when he joined as an analyst after three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
With a decade of NFL coaching experience, including stints with the Vikings, Commanders, and Broncos, Rauscher has been instrumental in shaping Georgia's run-game coordination. This marks his return to college football since his days as Cal Lutheran's offensive coordinator in 2014.
He replaces Stacy Searels, who transitioned to an analyst role after earning $803,000 in 2025.
On the defensive side, Larry Knight is taking over as the outside linebackers coach with a salary of $400,000. Knight arrives from West Virginia, following a successful run at Arkansas State as the defensive ends coach and run-game coordinator.
His leadership saw the Red Wolves notch 39 sacks in 2025, tying them for first in the Sun Belt Conference. Knight's resume includes a stint with the Green Bay Packers as part of the Bill Walsh Minority Internship and previous roles at Temple and Georgia Tech, where he worked alongside current Georgia STAR coach Andrew Thacker.
He fills the shoes of Chidera Uzo-Diribe, who moved to the Dallas Cowboys after earning $700,000 in 2025.
On the support staff, Robert Edwards, a familiar face for Bulldogs fans, joins as the assistant running backs coach with a $90,000 salary. Edwards, a former Georgia standout from 1993-97, made his mark as a running back, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 1997.
His collegiate success led to a first-round pick by the New England Patriots, where he rushed for 1,115 yards as a rookie, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie team. Despite a career-threatening knee injury, Edwards made a comeback with the Miami Dolphins and later excelled in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes.
Transitioning into coaching in 2009, Edwards has built an impressive record across various high school programs, amassing a 96-79 record. His journey from a celebrated player to a committed coach adds a rich layer to Georgia's coaching tapestry.
These hires reflect Georgia's commitment to blending NFL experience with college expertise, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in Bulldogs football.