Report: Scott Cochran is back with Georgia

Photo from UGA Sports Communications

Athens, Ga. — Georgia special teams coordinator Scott Cochran stepped away from the program in August to deal with some personal issues.

Recently, head coach Kirby Smart announced that he was going to be rejoining the team. Palmer Thombs of DawgsHQ was the first to report this news.

“He’s going to be assisting the special teams’ staff and helping contribute in an off-field role for the rest of the season,” Smart said.

Cochran led Georgia’s special teams unit to be one of the best in the country in 2020. Jake Camarda was the SEC’s top punter, averaging 46.3 yards per kick last season. Jack Podlesny also made 10-of-16 field goal attempts and had a long of 53 yards, which helped the Bulldogs secure a 24-21 win over Cincinnati in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl on Jan. 1. Georgia also finished ranked No. 1 in the SEC in kick returns as running back Kenny McIntosh and wide receiver Kearis Jackson each were productive.

“I'm happy to have him back and hopefully going to keep him safe and healthy through his recovery process,” Smart said. “We're glad to have his energy and enthusiasm and he'll help us in an off-field role with special teams."

Cochran took the job as Georgia’s special teams coordinator in February 2020. He previously served under Nick Saban and was Alabama’s strength and conditioning coach from 2007-2020. Cochran was a two-time National Strength Coach of the Year and helped the Crimson win five national championships. He also helped LSU win a national title under Saban in 2004.

Will Muschamp was promoted to special teams coordinator in Cochran’s absence and will remain in the position for the rest of the season. It’s expected that Cochran will help the No. 1 Bulldogs prepare for Florida in the next week. The two teams are set to square off in Jacksonville, Fl. for their annual rivalry matchup. It will be played in TIAA Bank Field on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 3:30 p.m. on CBS.

Here is the video from Smart’s Tuesday presser: