Georgia’s Mike Bobo has been the offensive coordinator at the program he once played quarterback for since 2023, and he’s taken a lot of hits in Athens as a player and an assistant.
But not right now and not on Tuesday, when Bobo was honored for his work with the Bulldogs’ offense by being named 1 of 5 finalists for the prestigious Broyles Award, which is given annually to the top assistant coach in the sport. The 51-year-old who played quarterback in Athens from 1993-97 returned to his alma mater as Georgia‘s offensive analyst in 2022 before being elevated to offensive coordinator the following year.
Bobo is feeling the love right now of a fan base that’s been hard on him at times since he took over the Bulldogs’ offense, and his work this season with first-year starting QB Gunner Stockton helped Stockton become a Heisman Trophy contender and helped Georgia capture its 2nd straight SEC title with last Saturday’s victory over Alabama.
The other 4 finalists for the Broyles Award are Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Texas Tech defensive coordinator Shiel Wood and Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines. So, Bobo is the lone offensive coordinator on the Broyles finalist list.
Bobo will find out if he’s the last assistant standing when the winner of the award is announced on Feb. 12 in Hot Springs, Ark.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
