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After Dan Lanning turned down interest from the University of Texas for their open DC job, media outlets this afternoon have begun reporting that another Bulldog defensive coach is moving up the career leader.
Sources: #Indiana is set to hire #Georgia defensive backs coach Charlton Warren as its next defensive coordinator. Warren has coordinator experience at Air Force (2008 to 2013) and has coached DBs at North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and Nebraska. Replaces Kane Wommack.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 17, 2021
Reports had been percolating this weekend that UGA defensive backs coach’s Charlton Warren was a candidate for the Indiana job left open when Kane Wommack took the job of head coach at South Alabama.
It’s a bit of a curious move, to be honest. Indiana head coach Tom Allen is a former defensive coordinator and remains heavily involved with the Hoosier defense. He said recently that in choosing a replacement he’s not looking to change IU’s defensive identity and is looking for someone to come in and run the existing scheme. So it’s not as if Warren will get away from having a defensive-minded head coach like Kirby Smart looking over his shoulder. But it is a coordinator title, something Warren hasn’t held since he ran the defense at Air Force from 2008 to 2013.
It’s probably a bit early to speculate on replacements, but I’d keep an eye on UGA graduate assistant and former defensive back Nick Williams. Williams has been cited by a lot of recruits as a key influence. It will be interesting to see if Coach Smart thinks he’s ready to move into an on field game day role. If not, I’d imagine he’ll have his pick of resumes from experienced defensive backs coaches.
Whoever takes the job will step into a major rebuilding effort. Georgia is losing starting safety Richard LeCounte, along with corners DJ Daniels, Eric Stokes, and TysonCampbell to the NFL. Versatile Star Tyrique Stevenson is transferring to Miami. While a handful of veteran contributors (Lewis Cine, Latavious Brini, Christopher Smith) return, I’d expect the Bulldogs to be active in the transfer portal to round out the unit. It’s hard to gain much traction there if players don’t know who their position coach in Athens would be. Until later...
Go ‘Dawgs!!!