Georgia football has made countless big moves so far this offseason, with the highlight being adding multiple talented transfers from the transfer portal. But there have been a few promotions within Kirby Smart's staff as well.
But one thing that has not happened yet is Georgia making a big spash in the form of a new hire this offseason to their coaching staff. Smart likes to retain as many coaches as possible from year to year, so that means there aren't many open spots for new coaches most years. But that isn't stopping Smart from looking at the NFL for two new assistants to add to his staff.
Georgia is targeting Phil Rauscher and John Lilly for roles on its staff, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports.
Rauscher was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line coach the last three years. Lilly, a 30-year coaching vet, has been a tight ends coach in both college and the NFL.… pic.twitter.com/F16U4n9FzF
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) March 24, 2025
Georgia targeting two NFL assistants
According to Matt Zenitz with 247Sports, the Bulldogs are looking to add NFL assistants Phil Rauscher and John Lilly.
Rauscher has been the offensive line coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars for three years now. The Bulldogs offnesive line play, as everyone knows, was not great last season, so Smart is looking to make some changes to improve that group heading into this fall.
Lilly on the other hand has made multiple stops both in the NFL and in college. He even was a long time assistant for Georgia from 2008-2015 as the Bulldogs tight end coach. That would be the role Georgia is targeting him for, so UGA could be getting a familiar face back on their sidelines to help a position that struggled to make up for the departure of Brock Bowers this past season.
No word has been released from Rauscher or Lilly stating they are interested in making a change and coaching for Georgia, and because of that it is hard to predict if either will end up joining the staff or not. But both would be huge additions to Smart's staff that should help with recruiting as well because a lot of players want to play for coaches with NFL experience.