On Dec. 20, Arkansas announced that George McDonald was leaving Miami (Fla.) to serve as Bret Bielema‘s wide receivers coach. Exactly four weeks later, McDonald has officially left the building.
Confirming reports that had piled up over the past few days, Syracuse announced via a press release that McDonald has been named as the Orange’s new offensive coordinator. McDonald has been a coordinator at the FBS once previously, serving in that capacity for Western Michigan in 2005-06.
In a statement, McDonald cited a Syracuse and NFL legend as a reason for his excitement over the new job.
“When I worked with the Browns in Cleveland I spoke often with Jim Brown. He always told me what a special place this is. I am excited to be here to continue the tradition of Syracuse Football and to continue to build what Coach Marrone, Coach Shafer and Coach Hackett have started,” McDonald said. “Our offense will be physical, fundamentally sound, and aggressive. We will strive to be balanced by getting the ball to the best playmakers, make the defense defend the whole field and play with a great tempo.
McDonald comes to the the Orange by way of the Hogs from Miami, where he served as receivers coach the past two seasons. He also added the title of passing game coordinator in 2012.
Prior to his time with the Hurricanes, he was a receivers coach at Minnesota (2007-08) and Northern Illinois (2001-03) in between his stint at WMU. Additionally, he served as receivers coach for the Cleveland Browns (2009-10) and tight ends coach at Stanford (2004).
Syracuse had announced earlier today that two members of Doug Marrone‘s staff -- wide receivers coach Rob Moore and defensive line coach Tim Daoust -- would remain with the Orange. The Buffalo Bills announced earlier in the week that three of Marrone’s Orange assistants had followed him to the NFL level.
(Photo credit: Miami athletics)