Scott Cochran back with Bulldogs full-time (UPDATED)
Sources tell DawgsHQ that Georgia assistant coach Scott Cochran is back with the Bulldogs in Athens. This comes after an extended period of time away from the team to start the season.
On August 8, as Kirby Smart and company were preparing for the upcoming season, Cochran left the program to “prioritize his mental health and well-being.” Smart said that Cochran was “currently dealing with health issues” and gave his full support for the move, saying, “We fully support him as he takes this time to focus on his well-being.”
Then, when asked for an update on Cochran’s situation on September 29, Smart said, that he was “back in town now as we speak,” that Cochran was “home and visiting with his family” and that he was “with us (Georgia) temporarily and seeing some friends.” At that time, his role had yet to be determined and the worry was about “Cochran’s family, his safety and all of that,” not on the field.
In his absence, Georgia has turned to former SEC head coach Will Muschamp in an on-field position. Cochran’s special teams units have been spearheaded by Muschamp. The veteran defensive mastermind has, also, helped all over the field and on the recruiting trail. He is expected to stay on the field through the remainder of the season.
Background on Scott Cochran, Will Muschamp
Cochran came to Athens ahead of the 2020 season, being named Special Teams Coordinator in February of that year. Previously he served 13 years as the head strength and conditioning coach under Nick Saban at Alabama.
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In his one year leading the special teams, punter Jake Camarda was named a first-team All-American and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year. Additionally, Kicker Jack Podlesny took over kicking duties and capped off the season by making a game-winning field goal in the bowl game. Georgia finished first in the SEC and fifth nationally for kickoff returns with 29.7 yards per return. The Dawgs were also first in the SEC for kickoff coverage. The on-field job at Georgia was the first of his career.
Meanwhile, Muschamp began helping the Bulldogs after he was relieved of his head coaching duties at South Carolina. Muschamp was around the team during preparation for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against Cincinnati. He came on full-time as a defensive analyst shortly after.
Update Following Presser
Smart said the following when asked about Cochran today during his presser:
“He’s back with us officially, working with us. He’s going to be assisting the special teams staff and helping contribute in an off-field role for the rest of the season. Happy to have him back. Hopefully, going to keep him safe and healthy throughout that process, during the recovery process, but we’re glad to have his energy and enthusiasm back and he’ll help us kind of on an off the field role with special teams.”
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