Breaking news: Paul Finebaum Calls For College Football Powerhouse To Fire Offensive Coordinator…
In a recent interview on “680 The Fan” with Nick Cellini and Chris Dimino, esteemed college football analyst Paul Finebaum expressed strong criticism towards the University of Georgia’s offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo. Finebaum asserted that head coach Kirby Smart’s loyalty to Bobo is hindering the Bulldogs’ performance, stating, “I frankly believe Georgia’s problem is at the offensive coordinator’s position.” He further emphasized, “I think Kirby Smart…is being way too loyal to Mike Bobo, and I would get rid of Bobo today.”
Mike Bobo, a former Georgia quarterback, has deep-rooted ties to the program, having played alongside Kirby Smart in the late 1990s. He initially served as the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator under head coach Mark Richt from 2007 to 2014. After a period away, Bobo returned to the same role under Smart two seasons ago. During the 2023 season, Georgia’s offense thrived, finishing fifth nationally in total offense and achieving a 13-1 record. However, the subsequent season saw a significant decline, with the Bulldogs falling outside the top 30 in scoring offense, ranking beyond the top 50 in total offense, and placing 71st in turnovers.
Despite securing an SEC championship and making a College Football Playoff appearance during an 11-3 season, the offensive struggles were evident. Injuries plagued the team, including the loss of starting quarterback Carson Beck during the SEC title game. The season culminated in a disappointing 13-point loss to Notre Dame in the playoff quarterfinals, where the Bulldogs managed only 10 points. Reflecting on the season, Finebaum noted, “That (offense) was the frustrating part of last season and Georgia was good, they just weren’t great.”
Finebaum’s critique centers on the notion that Smart’s personal connection to Bobo may be influencing his professional decisions, potentially to the detriment of the team’s success. He suggested that Georgia could find a more effective offensive coordinator, even quipping, “I think you could walk down Peachtree Street (Atlanta) and get a better offensive coordinator than Bobo.”
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs face the challenge of rebuilding their offense. With the departure of key players to the NFL, including the starting running back, two starting receivers, and four offensive linemen, the team will rely on fresh talent. Smart has secured the No. 2 recruiting class in the 2025 cycle and added top receivers Zachariah Branch (from USC) and Noah Thomas (from Texas A&M) via the transfer portal. The upcoming season, set to kick off at home against Marshall on August 30, will test whether these new additions and potential strategic adjustments can revitalize Georgia’s offensive prowess.
In the competitive landscape of college football, coaching decisions are pivotal. Finebaum’s remarks underscore the pressure on programs like Georgia to not only maintain excellence but also to make tough choices that prioritize performance over personal relationships. As the Bulldogs prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how the coaching staff addresses the offensive challenges and whether changes, as suggested by Finebaum, will be implemented to restore the team’s elite status.
