It was reported last night that Mark Richt has finally found his defensive coordinator in Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line coach Todd Grantham. However, after seeing false reports of Vic Koenning, Bud Foster and Kirby Smart being hired in previous weeks, Dawg fans wanted to wait to make sure this was the real deal. And it is. "I would like to thank Coach Mark Richt and Damon Evans for the opportunity for myself and my family to be part of the University of Georgia community," said Grantham in a statement released today. "I’m very excited about being part of a staff that will work tremendously hard to return Georgia football to one of the premier teams in the SEC. To the fans and boosters of the University of Georgia, I understand the passion and standard of excellence expected. I look forward to developing an aggressive, physical, attacking style defense that offenses will not look forward to playing against."
After Kirby Smart said “no” to his alma mater on Monday, it was thought that the Dawgs would turn to Grantham. But nothing happened early in the week as rumors of Will Muschamp and Brian Van Gorder possibly being interested in the job circulated.
However, Richt sealed the deal with Grantham despite the Cowboys still being alive in the NFL playoffs.
"I’m excited the search is over, we have our man, and look forward to what Todd will bring to our defense, our team, and our University," Richt said in a statement. "I think it is particularly valuable that he has a wealth of experience on the defensive side of the ball at both the NFL and collegiate levels. Now we look forward to moving ahead with the home stretch of recruiting, finishing out the defensive staff, and getting ready for spring practice."
The former Virginia Tech defensive lineman will reportedly make around $750,000 per year for three years, making him the third-highest paid defensive coordinator in the country.
Grantham began his coaching career at his alma mater and coached there from 1990-1995. He was then hired by Nick Saban at Michigan State and remained there from 1996-1998 before heading to the NFL. Grantham has since coached for four NFL clubs including the Colts, Texans, Browns, and Cowboys.
The Pulaski, Va, native has been defensive coordinator for just team in his career, which was with the Browns.
Grantham still will need to hire two defensive assistants to the staff.
Black can be reached at sblack@scoreatl.com .
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