The Georgia Bulldogs are undergoing departmental and group changes.

The University of Georgia Bulldogs are a powerhouse across multiple athletic disciplines, from football to basketball and baseball. Known for their strong traditions and championship pedigree, UGA sports have long been a cornerstone of college athletics, with Kirby Smart’s football team recently securing national championships and the school’s other programs continuing to thrive in their respective sports. However, as we move into 2025, the Bulldogs are undergoing a series of departmental and group changes that could significantly impact the university’s athletic programs and their future trajectory.

These changes are being driven by several factors, including shifts in the NCAA landscape, new leadership within the athletic department, evolving trends in sports science and technology, and growing pressure to adapt to new demands from players, fans, and financial backers. These changes are not just limited to coaching changes, but also extend to organizational restructuring, upgraded facilities, and changes to the way the Bulldogs approach recruiting, team culture, and competition.

In this article, we will explore these departmental and group changes at Georgia, looking at the effects they may have on the Bulldogs’ athletic future and what they mean for both the present and long-term goals of the university’s sports programs.

1. New Leadership: Athletic Department Overhaul

Perhaps the most significant shift within the Georgia athletic landscape is the change in leadership at the University of Georgia Athletic Department. In 2024, Greg McGarity, who served as the athletic director for a decade, stepped down, and was succeeded by Josh Brooks, who had been serving as the deputy director of athletics.

Brooks, a UGA alum, has been with the athletic department for several years, and his promotion represents a natural progression for Georgia as they look to build on their success. As athletic director, Brooks brings a fresh perspective on how to manage one of the most prestigious athletic departments in the country. His background in both the administrative and strategic aspects of college athletics makes him well-positioned to lead Georgia into the future.

Brooks’ Vision for Georgia Athletics

Brooks has articulated a vision that aims to further elevate Georgia’s already successful programs while also addressing areas in need of growth and improvement. His focus will be on three key areas: expanding Georgia’s brand, investing in facilities, and building sustainable success across all sports programs.

One of Brooks’ first priorities has been to strengthen the collaboration between the various athletic programs. While football is the flagship program at Georgia, Brooks recognizes that success across multiple sports creates a broader athletic identity. As part of this, he has stressed the importance of ensuring that the Bulldogs’ non-revenue sports—like basketball, baseball, and track and field—receive the attention and resources they deserve. This will help to create a more holistic athletic culture, where every team has the tools to succeed.

To make these goals a reality, Brooks has pushed for increased investment in athletic facilities, particularly for basketball, baseball, and other Olympic sports. New upgrades and renovations to facilities will support player development, improve fan experiences, and attract top-tier recruits from across the country.

2. Football Program Adjustments: Changes Under Kirby Smart’s Leadership

The Georgia Bulldogs football program has been riding a wave of success under Kirby Smart, with back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 cementing their place as a dominant force in college football. Smart, who has transformed Georgia into a perennial powerhouse, has already set the bar high for what the team is capable of achieving. However, even a program as successful as Georgia must constantly evolve to stay competitive.

As Smart enters the 2025 season, the football program will be navigating a series of changes. The most notable among them is the departure of several key players—especially on the defensive side of the ball—who helped secure Georgia’s national championships in recent years. Names like Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo are now in the NFL, leaving behind big shoes to fill.

Focus on Recruiting and Development

Smart’s ability to reload rather than rebuild has been the hallmark of his coaching success. To mitigate the impact of these departures, the Bulldogs will continue to focus on recruiting, especially in areas like defensive line and secondary. However, Georgia’s success in the modern era has been tied not only to recruiting top-tier talent but also to developing that talent. Georgia’s recruiting class for 2025 and beyond has already set records for the program, with Smart securing some of the nation’s top high school prospects.

Additionally, Smart has also revamped the coaching staff to ensure that Georgia stays on top. Mike Bobo, who returned as offensive coordinator after a stint at Colorado State, has made significant changes to the offensive strategy. These adjustments are aimed at integrating more versatility and speed into Georgia’s offense, allowing them to compete with the increasingly high-scoring offenses in the SEC and nationwide.

This season will also see Georgia’s offense shift more toward the quarterback development side of things. With Carson Beck taking over at quarterback, Smart and Bobo will focus on refining Beck’s skills as the program navigates the post-Stetson Bennett era. There will be a greater emphasis on creating an offense that suits Beck’s abilities, particularly in the passing game, while maintaining the offensive balance that has made Georgia so successful in recent years.

3. Basketball Program: Strategic Changes and Rising Expectations

The Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball program, under the leadership of Mike White, is also undergoing significant changes. White, who took over as head coach in 2022, has had to rebuild a program that was in need of rejuvenation after several years of underachievement. White’s vision has been clear from the beginning: build a strong, competitive team that can consistently compete in the SEC.

However, as the 2025 season approaches, changes are continuing to unfold within the basketball program. White has focused on recruiting talent from the high school and transfer portal and building a strong team culture. The addition of several key players, including transfers from top-tier programs, is expected to elevate Georgia’s play. Terry Roberts and Kario Oquendo are two of the Bulldogs’ key pieces heading into 2025, and their leadership on both ends of the floor will be crucial to Georgia’s success in the SEC.

Building a Sustainable Program

The biggest change for Georgia basketball is White’s growing emphasis on developing a sustainable, year-over-year competitive team. This involves not just recruiting high school talent but also capitalizing on the transfer portal to bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately. Under White’s leadership, Georgia basketball has started to attract talent from across the country, and the program’s overall growth is palpable.

For Georgia, the key to long-term success in basketball will be developing a winning culture that competes consistently in the SEC. This will require a strong defense-first mentality, efficient offense, and the ability to finish games in the clutch—something that has historically been a challenge for the Bulldogs. White’s approach has already shown signs of improvement, but 2025 will be a critical year for determining how far the program can go in terms of national relevance.

4. Baseball and Other Sports: Embracing New Approaches

Finally, Georgia’s other athletic programs, particularly baseball, softball, and the Olympic sports, are also undergoing changes aimed at achieving greater success.

The Georgia baseball program, led by Scott Stricklin, has experienced periods of strong success, but the competition in the SEC is fierce. Stricklin has continued to upgrade the program’s facilities and recruitment efforts, ensuring that Georgia remains competitive in one of the nation’s premier conferences for college baseball. Stricklin’s coaching staff has also undergone some adjustments, with new hires and an enhanced focus on analytics and player development.

On the softball front, Lu Harris-Champer is also looking to bring in top-tier recruits and focus on improving the program’s overall depth. The team will likely see a shift in their approach to game preparation, as they look to compete with the best in the nation.

 Georgia Bulldogs’ Bright Future

As we look toward the future of Georgia athletics, it’s clear that the program is undergoing a series of departmental and group changes designed to keep them at the top of the college sports landscape. From new leadership in the athletic department to evolving coaching strategies in football, basketball, and other sports, the Bulldogs are preparing for a future of continued success.

The restructuring efforts and programmatic changes reflect a growing commitment to maintaining Georgia’s status as a leader in college athletics. With a strong leadership team in place, a continued focus on recruitment and development, and a commitment to upgrading facilities, the Georgia Bulldogs are well-positioned for future success. As they adapt to the new challenges of the modern athletic landscape, one thing is certain: Georgia’s commitment to excellence will remain a driving force behind their success in the years to come.