Kirby Smart speaks on Scott Cochran's return to the program

Entering the bye week, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart revealed special teams coordinator Scott Cochran’s return to the Bulldogs staff. After leaving the program in mid-July to deal with a personal health issue, Cochran will serve as an off-field assistant coach.

“Scott, he’s back with us officially and working with us,” Smart told reporters during his Tuesday press conference. “He’s gonna be an assistant on the special teams staff, helping contribute to those guys in an off-field role for the rest of the season.”

Since his departure, former analyst Will Muschamp served as special teams coordinator. That shift will remain in place through the end of the 2021 season, with the future plan unclear.

One thing is certain, Kirby Smart is happy about Scott Cochran’s return. The return brings a new energy, one associated with Cochran throughout his career at Alabama and Georgia.

“Happy to have him back and hopefully going to keep him safe and healthy throughout that process and during his recovery process,” said Smart. “But we’re glad to have his energy and enthusiasm back, and he’ll help us in an off-the-field- roll there on special teams.”

Scott Cochran’s Background

Kirby Smart hired Scott Cochran in February of 2020 after the departure of Scott Fountain. The 42-year-old former Alabama strength and conditioning coach had been searching for an on-field coaching job.

“I think it was critical,” Smart said in a statement. “We all deal with issues and problems within our own household, our own families, and those are personal things.”

Cochran has been away from the Georgia program since mid-July, “dealing with health issues” and working on his mental health. During his absence, Scott Cochran has been replaced by former South Carolina and Florida head coach Will Muschamp, a defensive analyst with the program.

Muschamp is a former Georgia player who spent the past five seasons as the head coach at South Carolina. He was 55-51 as a head coach between his time at South Carolina and Florida, where he coached previously. Muschamp is a fellow member of the Nick Saban coaching tree. He worked as a defensive coordinator at LSU from 2001-04 and as associate head coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2005.

Georgia holds a 4-0 record early in the season, including a win over Clemson. The Bulldogs are heading into a Week Five matchup against No. 8 Arkansas, who has already upset two top 25 teams this season.