With four positions coming open on his defensive coaching staff since the end of the 2013 season, Mark Richt has been able to fill three of those. If one report plays out the way it appears to be headed, Richt could very well have a full complement of assistants heading into signing day homestretch.
Seth Emerson of the Macon Telegraph reported Thursday that “Mike Ekeler... has emerged as a serious candidate to join Georgia’s staff.” Ekeler, who spent the 2013 season as USC’s linebackers coach but was not retained by new Trojans head coach Steve Sarkisian, would hold the same title with the Bulldogs as well as help with special teams.
Prior to his time at USC, Ekeler spent three seasons (2010-12) as the defensive coordinator at Indiana.
While a source cautioned Emerson that Ekeler’s hiring is not a done deal, the fact that he was traveling to meet with Richt “points to an advanced candidacy.” UCLA is also reportedly in play for Ekeler’s coaching services.
This past month, Georgia has added Jeremy Pruitt (defensive coordinator), Tracy Rocker (defensive line) and Kevin Sherrer (position to be determined) to Richt’s staff. Pruitt replaced Todd Grantham, who left for the same job at Louisville, while Rocker replaced Chris Wilson, who left the Bulldogs for USC. Outside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti returned to the NFL with the Washington Redskins.
Citing personal reason for his resignation, secondary coach Scott Lakatos became the first of the four to leave the UGA football program three weeks ago.
(Photo credit: USC athletics)