Kirby Smart has a vacancy on his Georgia coaching staff, one that opened when Will Muschamp left to join Texas. It’s not a high-profile position-it’s an analyst role, behind the scenes, off the recruiting trail, and far from the sidelines on Saturdays.
But don’t let the title fool you. In the right hands, this kind of role can be a quiet game-changer.
And if Smart plays his cards right, he might just land one of the biggest names in football to fill it.
That name? Mike Tomlin.
Yes, that Mike Tomlin-the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach who stepped away this offseason after nearly two decades at the helm. Tomlin’s résumé speaks for itself: Super Bowl champion, consistent playoff contender, and one of the most respected leaders in the NFL.
He’s not someone you typically associate with an off-field analyst gig in college football. But the timing-and the circumstances-make this an intriguing possibility.
Tomlin is reportedly interested in taking a year off from the grind of head coaching. He’s not looking to jump into another high-pressure job just yet.
That’s where Georgia-and Smart-could come in. The analyst position would offer Tomlin a unique opportunity: stay connected to the game, contribute strategically, and do it all without the demands of running a program or managing a roster.
There’s another layer to this that makes Athens an even more logical landing spot. Tomlin’s daughter, Harley, is a member of the Georgia gymnastics team.
He’s already spending time on campus supporting her, as seen during a recent meet. That family connection could be the bridge that brings him into the Bulldogs’ football facility, even if just for a season.
Now, let’s be clear about what this role would entail. As an analyst, Tomlin wouldn’t be coaching players directly.
He wouldn’t be recruiting or traveling. His focus would be on film study, opponent breakdowns, and helping design schemes-essentially serving as a strategic consultant.
For someone with Tomlin’s football IQ, that’s a natural fit. And for Georgia, having a mind like that in the building-even in a limited capacity-would be a massive asset.
This wouldn’t be the first time Smart has pulled off a move like this. He brought in Muschamp in a similar capacity before promoting him into an on-field role.
Over the years, Smart has shown a knack for identifying coaching talent and integrating it into his staff, even in non-traditional ways. If Tomlin is open to the idea, Smart would be wise to make the call.
There’s no guarantee it happens. Tomlin may decide to spend his sabbatical completely away from football, and who could blame him? But if he wants to stay sharp, stay close to the game, and stay near his daughter, Georgia offers the perfect setup.
It’s a low-risk, high-upside move for both sides. Tomlin gets a breather from the NFL grind without fully stepping away from the sport. Georgia gets one of the sharpest defensive minds of the past two decades in their war room.
Whether this becomes reality or not, it’s the kind of outside-the-box thinking that separates good programs from great ones. And if Kirby Smart makes the pitch, don’t be surprised if Mike Tomlin listens.