Why Georgia elevating Mike Bobo to offensive coordinator will have Dawgs primed to remain in CFP contention

Georgia’s coaching staff underwent an important offseason change, all of which unfolded within a 20-minute span. First, offensive coordinator Todd Monken was announced as the new OC for the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday. He was quickly replaced, however, by Bulldogs offensive analyst Mike Bobo, who previously served on Georgia’s staff for 14 years (2001-14), the last eight as an offensive coordinator.

Consider it a home-run promotion by coach Kirby Smart that keeps the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff picture. 

Make no mistake, Bobo will be facing lots of pressure after Monken and quarterback Stetson Bennett IV led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships. He also came to Georgia after a one-year stint at Auburn. Bobo proved during his previous time in Athens, though, that he is more than capable of keeping this train on the tracks.

Let’s break down what to expect from Bobo and the new Bulldogs offense

A look at Bobo’s previous success

Familiarity and continuity are a big deal in the coaching world, and Bobo’s previous experience in Athens will allow him to hit the ground running. A former starting quarterback for the Bulldogs from 1993-1997, Bobo became a longtime assistant under Mark Richt and returned to the program last year as an analyst. 

But he has a reputation; he’s not highly thought-of by the fans. Those concerns are unfounded. 

Bobo doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his role in building Georgia into the monster it is today. He called plays for Aaron Murray, who finished his career as the SEC’s all-time leading passer with 13,166 yards. That’s remarkable considering the talent that has matriculated through the conference over its history, and it’s even more important considering its evolution with more pass-happy offenses over the last decade-plus. 

Bobo took the Colorado State job following the 2014 season, a move that eventually played a part in Richt’s dismissal the following year. Check out the offensive falloff from 2014 to 2015 — one year after Bobo’s departure.

Bulldogs have options at QB

Bennett, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2022, won’t be around; however, Georgia’s quarterback room is as deep as it has ever been. Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton were blue-chip prospects coming out of high school, and Bobo is familiar with them from his time…