Phil Rauscher and John Lilly have been added to the Georgia Bulldogs’ offensive coaching staff.

The Georgia Bulldogs have made significant additions to their offensive coaching staff, bringing in experienced coaches Phil Rauscher and John Lilly. The two hires are expected to enhance the Bulldogs’ offensive unit, bolstering their schemes and player development as they continue to compete at the highest level of college football.

John Lilly Returns to Athens

John Lilly, a familiar face to Georgia fans, returns to the Bulldogs after previously serving on the coaching staff under former head coach Mark Richt. Lilly was an assistant at Georgia from 2008 to 2015, coaching tight ends and contributing to special teams. During his first stint in Athens, he played a crucial role in developing elite tight ends, including NFL players Orson Charles and Arthur Lynch. Lilly was also a key recruiter for Georgia, helping the program land several high-profile prospects.

Following his time at Georgia, Lilly spent time in the NFL, working as a tight ends coach for the Los Angeles Rams in 2016 and later joining the Cleveland Browns in 2019. His most recent position was with the Carolina Panthers in 2024, where he served as the tight ends coach. His return to the Bulldogs is expected to strengthen Georgia’s tight end play, which has been a key part of the team’s offensive success in recent years, particularly with the emergence of players like Brock Bowers.

Head coach Kirby Smart expressed excitement over Lilly’s return, citing his wealth of experience and familiarity with Georgia football. “John is someone who understands our program and has a deep knowledge of the game,” Smart said. “We’re thrilled to have him back as part of our staff.”

Phil Rauscher Brings NFL Experience to Georgia

Phil Rauscher joins the Bulldogs’ coaching staff after a long and successful career in the NFL. Most recently, Rauscher served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His contributions helped the Jaguars claim the AFC South title in 2022, and his expertise in offensive line play has been widely praised.

Rauscher has held coaching positions with several NFL teams, including the Washington Football Team, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos. His deep knowledge of offensive line techniques and strategies will be invaluable for Georgia as they look to maintain a dominant run game and protect their quarterbacks.

“Phil has coached at the highest level, and his experience will be a huge asset to our offensive line,” Smart said. “We know that developing strong line play is critical to our success, and Phil is one of the best at what he does.”

Impact on Georgia’s Offense

With the addition of Lilly and Rauscher, the Bulldogs’ offense stands to gain from both a schematic and developmental perspective. Georgia has been one of the most consistent programs in college football under Smart, and these hires signal a continued commitment to excellence.

Lilly’s return should have an immediate impact on the tight end position, an area where Georgia has thrived in recent years. His experience in both the college and professional ranks will help maintain the Bulldogs’ reputation for developing NFL-caliber tight ends.

Meanwhile, Rauscher’s presence on the offensive line could be a game-changer for Georgia’s run game and pass protection. His NFL background gives him a unique perspective on player development, and his ability to implement advanced blocking schemes will benefit the Bulldogs’ offensive unit.

Looking Ahead

As Georgia prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how these coaching additions influence the team’s performance. With their strong track records, both Lilly and Rauscher are expected to make immediate contributions, helping the Bulldogs remain a powerhouse in college football.

The Georgia Bulldogs have consistently been among the elite programs in the country, and with the addition of two proven coaches, their future looks even brighter. Fans can expect a dynamic offense that continues to dominate in the SEC and beyond.