The Georgia football team is undergoing some changes as they prepare for the 2026 season. The program announced that veteran offensive line coach Stacy Searels will transition to an analyst role after serving four seasons in his coaching position. In his place, Phil Rauscher, a former NFL assistant, will take over as the offensive line coach.
Rauscher was recently a quality control assistant on the Bulldogs’ staff and previously held the role of offensive line coach and run-game coordinator with the Jacksonville Jaguars for three seasons. He brings a wealth of experience from his time in the NFL, having also worked with teams such as Denver, Washington, and Minnesota, as well as coaching stints at various colleges including UCLA and Hawaii.
The announcement of this coaching shift follows two consecutive College Football Playoff quarterfinal losses for Georgia, prompting a reevaluation of the coaching staff. Head coach Kirby Smart expressed gratitude for Searels’ contributions to the program, acknowledging his impactful leadership and deep knowledge of the game. Smart emphasized that Searels will continue to play a valuable role in shaping the offensive strategy and mentoring both staff and players in his new position.
Searels, 60, previously coached the Bulldogs’ offensive line from 2007 to 2009 and returned for a second tenure, guiding several players to the NFL, including first-round picks and other notable selections. His leadership faced scrutiny, particularly after a season where the running game struggled, leading to improvements in 2025 after Rauscher’s involvement.
As the Bulldogs prepare for the upcoming season, they will have to navigate the departure of key players, including left tackle Monroe Freeling, who has declared for the NFL Draft. However, center Drew Bobo, right guard Dontrell Glover, right tackle Earnest Greene, and rising sophomore Juan Gaston are expected to return, providing a foundation for Rauscher to work with.
Rauscher’s promotion marks a new chapter for the Bulldogs’ offensive line, and Smart’s confidence in him suggests a positive outlook for future performance on the field. The team is poised to build on its achievements, including a successful 2025 season that culminated in an SEC Championship title and significant improvement in their rushing statistics. This change in leadership may not only rejuvenate the offensive line but also enhance the overall performance of the Georgia football program moving forward.