Despite hanging on to his role as defensive coordinator at Alabama for the upcoming College Football Playoff run, Kirby Smart is also busy assembling his staff to lead once he moves over full time to Georgia as the new head coach. The newest piece to the staff heading to Athens will reportedly be Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, who will take on the same role with the Bulldogs and brings with him some previous SEC coaching experience. Dawg Nation was first to report the hiring of Chaney at Georgia. Arkansas offensive line coach Sam Pittman is also reportedly heading to Georgia.
Sources confirm reports that Arkansas offensive line coach Sam Pittman is leaving for Georgia.
— Bo Mattingly (@SportandStoryBo) December 12, 2015
Pittsburgh head coach Pat Natrduzzi has already released a statement of appreciation and thanks for the work done by Chaney at Pitt.
“On behalf of our entire program, I would like to thank Jim for his contributions to Pitt,” Narduzzi’s statement said. “His hard work was very important as we established our program in this first year. In addition to being an excellent football coach, he is a tremendous person and we wish him and his family the best.”
With Smart being a defensive-minded head coach, hiring a competent offensive coordinator to lead the Georgia offense was key. Chaney’s offensive style at Pittsburgh tended to utilize some smart and safe passing routes, and that proved to be pretty effective. Chaney was not one to gamble too often by going for home run after home run plays. The style he brings to Georgia should have some good potential to work as Georgia looks to take advantage of aggressive play in the trenches and allow the running game to control the offense.
Of course, the hiring of Chaney will also hope to have some benefits with quarterbacks as well. Chaney previously coached Drew Brees, and Georgia is still looking to recruit talented five-star quarterback Jacob Eason despite the coaching staff changes.
The loss of Chaney at Pittsburgh means both Pitt and Penn State are looking for offensive coordinators this offseason. The two in-state foes meet for the first time in over a decade next September.