Back in 2003, then-LSU OC Jimbo Fisher hired James Coley as a grad assistant, and the two have been close ever since.

Therefore, it was somewhat surprising that Coley chose to remain at Georgia this offseason after Fisher offered him the Texas A&M OC job. Still, for his loyalty, Coley earned a big raise, watching his salary almost double from $450,000 to $850,000.

On Tuesday at the SEC meetings in Destin, Florida, Fisher said he doesn’t blame Coley for staying put in Athens (via OnlineAthens.com):

“Oh, no, no,” Fisher said. “Listen, that’s part of this business. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. James, I saw him in high school, brought him in as a G.A. when I was at LSU. Listen, James has done a great job. He’s earned everything he’s had. He’s a heck of a coach and a heck of a person.”

Coley is now a co-offensive coordinator with the Bulldogs, but OC Jim Chaney will likely retain play-calling duties. Coley in also now the team’s quarterbacks coach.

Sometimes staying put is the best move, and it’s clear that’s what Coley thought this offseason.