Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken: 'I believe we’re going to win and I believe in the head coach'
Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken: 'I believe we’re going to win and I believe in the head coach'
ATLANTA — Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken is one of the game’s brightest minds, and he’s helped evolve the Bulldogs’ offense since arriving in Athens three years ago.
There’s been a lot of buzz over the last several seasons that Monken will eventually move on and take another head coaching gig, whether it’s in college or at the NFL level.
However, he recently said he enjoys his job calling plays for Georgia under head coach Kirby Smart.
"At some point in my career, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted next year, in five years, in 10 years, really what I wanted. I don’t know if it’s just getting old or the appreciation for your job, but I don’t control opportunities coming my way. I would never say never to anything,” Monken told reporters this week. “I would never say no to anything, but I love where I’m at because I believe we’re going to win and I believe in the head coach. So, those are all huge factors in where you decide to stay as a coach.”
Monken, who has had a lot of success in college and the pro level, has helped evolve the Bulldogs’ offense. He’s helped Smart turn the page in terms of offensive schemes and success.
Georgia is currently averaging 39.2 points per game, which is the nation’s No. 11 scoring offense. The Bulldogs are also No. 9 in the country in total offense, averaging 491 yards per game. They are also totaling 6.79 yards per play through 13 games so far in 2022.
Smart praised Monken on his success as Georgia’s play-caller over the past few seasons.
“He utilizes the talents of the players he has. He does a really good job of tying the run game and passing game together, using different tempos,” Smart said. “He does a good job calling the game aggressively and keeping things mixed up. I think if you talk with the defensive coordinators that go against him, he ties the run and pass game together really well.”
Georgia struggled offensively in 2019 under the direction of former coordinator James Coley. The Bulldogs were ranked 49th nationally in total offense, according to Sports-Reference.com. They struggled to score at times, although they averaged 30.9 points per contest.
Monken helped elevate Georgia’s offensive unit during the COVID season of 2020, but things really took off last year. The Bulldogs averaged 38.6 points and 442.8 yards per contest in 2021. They also ended the year ranked No. 9 in total offense with a national title.
UGA quarterback Stetson Bennett “didn’t really understand” the game until Monken arrived.
“Maybe I’m a slow learner, but finally, it did start clicking whenever he would tell me the same thing for the 20th time and look at me like I was, you know, like why do you not do what I just tell you to do,” Bennett said. “I’m your coach. And so just repetitive, just doing that. I think honestly, the most important thing that he’s done is just stay consistent.”
Bennett has completed 68 percent (269-of-395) of his pass attempts for 3,425 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 184 yards and seven scores during his super senior season. Bennett’s success on the field this year led him to be a Heisman Trophy finalist.
The two have developed a tight relationship since Monken arrived on campus almost three years ago. He was a supporter of Bennett and advocated for him to remain the starter after he struggled against Alabama in the SEC Championship game last December.
Monken highlighted Bennett’s grit and determination to help lead the Bulldogs to a title.
“It’s a complete credit to him, and (it) really (has) nothing to do with me,” Monken said. “All we did was try to bury him for the couple of years he was here, and all he did was continue to fight and compete. He had every reason to say, ‘you know what, I’m gone in today’s day and age in the portal and guys leaving.’ He didn’t do that. He wanted to be a Georgia Bulldog, wanted to be the quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs.”
Monken is happy to have others such as Buster Faulkner, who will be Georgia Tech’s next offensive coordinator, on his staff. He also enjoys having Mike Bobo work under him as well.
The long-time offensive coach chalked it up to having a good support staff and players around him.
“We have a tremendous staff that adds value to that, and they don't get nearly as much credit for the game-planning that we do every given week. That's a big part of it, especially because we have the resources to be able to add value to the staff,” Monken said. “And that's huge — whether it's recruiting, whether it's coaching and knowledge of the sport to be able to add value to that. You've seen that with our staff on both sides.
“The more resources you have — now, you have to be careful of how many ideas you have,” Monken added. “Then you have to shrink that down, and that's hard because the offense is fun to create, so (now) you just have to find a way to call the plays that work."
Here is the video from Monken’s press conference: