Georgia expected to hire Georgia Tech WR coach Josh Crawford as running back coach, per report
The in-state coaching carousel continues in Georgia.
After former Georgia Bulldogs running backs coach and run-game coordinator Dell McGee recently became the next head coach at Georgia State, Kirby Smart has crossed enemy lines to fill the role. With Dawgs HQ reporting Sunday that the Bulldogs are expected to hire former Georgia Tech assistant Josh Crawford as Georgia’s next running backs coach.
Crawford spent last season as the Yellow Jackets’ wide receivers coach, quickly jumping up in the college coaching ranks after spending a large majority of his career as one of the most respected high school coaches in Georgia.
The Yellow Jackets had the ACC’s worst passing attack in 2022 prior to Crawford’s arrival, averaging 192.2 yards through the air per game. But in 2023 they improved to 220.8 passing yards per game, with Crawford also aiding Freshman All-American Eric Singleton in his breakout season as Georgia Tech’s leading wide receiver.
Prior to his one season with Georgia Tech, Crawford spent two years with one of college football’s most prolific passing attacks at Western Kentucky. Serving as outside receivers coach in 2021 before being promoted to co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach in 2022, where in two seasons his wideouts compiled 10,339 receiving yards and 94 touchdowns.
Georgia is hoping Crawford’s recent success in the passing game at the college level can translate to the run in Athens. But his connections to the state of Georgia in regards to recruiting will be undeniable given his track record as a high school football coach.
Crawford played high school football at Morehouse and got his master’s degree at Georgia, and for an entire decade between 2010-2020 spent time as a high school football coach in the state before moving onto the college level with the Hilltoppers in 2021.
He spent time coaching at Greater Atlanta Christian School, Jefferson County, Colquitt County, Lee County, and Valdosta throughout his time at the high school ranks. Serving in numerous roles from associate head coach, to offensive coordinator, and coaching every position on the offense outside of the offensive line. Helping three teams win 6A state championships and coaching standouts like Darius Slayton, Mitchell Tinsley, and Tate Rodemaker.
The Bulldogs have had one of the top five rushing attacks in the SEC the past two seasons, a standard that Crawford will look to maintain as the backfield returns Branson Robinson from injury and adds Trevor Etienne from the transfer portal along with three freshmen ranked as top 25 running backs in the 2024 recruiting class according to the On3 Industry Ranking.