Kirby Smart announces change at OL coach for 2026 season

Georgia will have a new offensive line coach in 2026.

On Tuesday, Kirby Smart announced that Stacy Searels is making the change from on-field offensive line coach to an analyst role. Phil Rauscher is taking over as OL coach in a promotion from his previous quality control position.

“We’re grateful for everything Coach Searels has poured into our program over the past several seasons,” Smart said in a statement released by the program. “His knowledge, experience and steady leadership have been instrumental to our offensive production. In his new role, Stacy will continue to impact our offensive strategy and provide mentorship for both our staff and players.”

It was the second stint for Searels as UGA’s o-line coach. He held the position form 2007-10 under Mark Richt and then joined Smart’s staff ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Rauscher was a UCLA lineman from 2003-05 and then immediately got into coaching. He was an NFL assistant from 2015-24 before joining the Georgia staff ahead of 2025.

“Phil has been a tremendous asset to our staff and players,” Smart said. “He has earned this opportunity through his work ethic, technical expertise and his ability to connect with our players. We’re excited about the future of our offensive line under his leadership.”

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.