“Georgia Bulldogs Welcome James Coley and Josh Crawford to Coaching Staff”
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has made significant moves to bolster his coaching staff, announcing the appointments of James Coley as wide receivers coach and Josh Crawford as running backs coach and run game coordinator on Monday.
Coley steps into the role vacated by Bryan McClendon, who recently assumed the position of wide receivers coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Crawford takes over the responsibilities of Dell McGee, who has been named the head coach of Georgia State.
This marks Coley’s second career move in just two months, having been named South Carolina’s wide receivers coach on Jan. 12. Prior to his latest stint, Coley served as Georgia’s wide receivers coach from 2016-2017 and later transitioned to coaching quarterbacks in 2018-2019, culminating in his role as offensive coordinator during his final year with the Bulldogs. He brings a wealth of experience, having also contributed to Texas A&M’s coaching staff from 2020-2023, where he coached wide receivers and tight ends.
Coach Smart expressed confidence in Coley’s abilities, describing him as “a tremendous teacher and leader of young men.” He anticipates a seamless transition given Coley’s prior experience within the Georgia program.
Meanwhile, Crawford arrives at Georgia following his tenure as Georgia Tech’s wide receivers coach in 2023. He brings a depth of knowledge and experience, having earned his master’s degree from Georgia in 2012 after a standout career as a running back at Morehouse College in Atlanta.
With these additions, the Bulldogs coaching staff aims to strengthen their offensive capabilities and provide guidance to the team’s talented group of receivers and running backs.
The Georgia Bulldogs community eagerly anticipates the contributions of Coley and Crawford as they join the coaching ranks, poised to make an impact in the upcoming season and beyond.
