The Exodus Continues: Olivadotti And Wilson Rumored Out.

At today's press conference announcing new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, Coach Richt said that defensive line coach Chris Wilson and inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti were welcome to stay in Athens, and that he thought they would.

It looks like he was a tad too optimistic. Separate reports from multiple sources this evening indicate that Olivadotti will be returning to the Washington Redskins and that Wilson will become the defensive line coach under new Southern Cal coach Steve Sarkisian. Olivadotti has done great work in the Classic City, most recently coaching Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera into becoming the two most prolific tacklers in the SEC. He also helped Alec Ogletree transition from a raw but powerful safety to an NFL-caliber linebacker. Wilson took over a group which underachieved frequently in 2012 and turned it into a bright spot despite the loss of key personnel. He was also shaping up as an asset in recruiting.

Of course it's entirely possible (probable I'd argue) that Richt knew about both of these moves this morning and either didn't want to spoil Pruitt's moment, or didn't have official clearance to spill the beans. In either event, this clears the way for Pruitt to bring in assistants with whom he's worked and feels comfortable, putting his own stamp on the staff.

I'd wager that Coach Pruitt's been working the phones in advance of the recruiting dead period expiring tonight, and that the new defensive line and linebackers coaches (both inside and outside) will be named by Monday. Just a hunch. For now, I hope you'll join us in wishing Coaches Olivadotti and Wilson the best in their new posts. Until later...

Go 'Dawgs!!!