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

The Georgia Bulldogs have made a significant addition to their offensive coaching staff, bringing in Phil Rauscher and John Lilly to bolster their team ahead of the 2025 season. These hires are expected to bring a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to an already strong Bulldogs program under head coach Kirby Smart.

The Bulldogs, fresh off another successful season, are constantly evolving to maintain their dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and remain among the nation’s top college football programs. With these additions, Georgia’s offensive staff gains expertise in both offensive line play and tight end development, areas that will be crucial in their pursuit of another championship.

Phil Rauscher: A Respected Offensive Line Coach

Phil Rauscher comes to Georgia with an extensive background in offensive line coaching and a deep understanding of NFL-caliber blocking schemes. His experience in both the NFL and college football makes him a valuable asset to the Bulldogs’ coaching staff.

Rauscher’s Coaching Journey

Rauscher has worked in multiple coaching capacities, primarily specializing in offensive line development and run-game coordination. His previous stops include:

• Washington Commanders (2020-2021) – Assistant offensive line coach
• Minnesota Vikings (2019-2020) – Assistant offensive line coach
• Denver Broncos (2018) – Offensive line coach
• University of California, Berkeley (2017) – Offensive analyst

Rauscher has been instrumental in developing NFL linemen, utilizing modern blocking techniques and instilling toughness in his units. His coaching philosophy revolves around technique, footwork, and physicality, key elements that Georgia will continue to emphasize as they aim to dominate the trenches.

Impact on Georgia’s Offensive Line

With Georgia looking to maintain its reputation as a powerhouse in the trenches, Rauscher’s experience will be crucial in molding the next generation of Bulldogs linemen. His familiarity with pro-style offenses and zone-blocking schemes will further enhance the team’s run game and pass protection strategies.

John Lilly: A Familiar Face Returns to Athens

Unlike Rauscher, John Lilly is no stranger to Bulldogs football. Lilly previously served as Georgia’s tight ends coach from 2008 to 2015, and now, he returns to Athens to provide stability, expertise, and a fresh perspective to Georgia’s offensive system.

Lilly’s Career and Coaching Background

Lilly is a seasoned offensive mind, having coached at both the collegiate and professional levels. His resume includes:

• University of Georgia (2008-2015) – Tight ends coach
• Los Angeles Rams (2016) – Assistant coach
• Cleveland Browns (2018-2019) – Offensive assistant
• North Carolina Tar Heels (2020-2021) – Tight ends coach

During his first stint at Georgia, Lilly was instrumental in developing elite tight ends, and his players made significant contributions to the Bulldogs’ success in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

What Lilly Brings to the Table

Georgia has a rich history of producing top-tier tight ends, and Lilly’s return signals a continued emphasis on that position’s development. Under his guidance, Georgia can expect:

• Refined route-running techniques for tight ends
• Improved blocking skills to support the run game
• Enhanced red-zone production through tight-end utilization

Lilly’s track record of developing NFL-ready talent aligns perfectly with Georgia’s ongoing tradition of sending elite players to the next level.

How These Hires Strengthen Georgia’s Offense

The additions of Rauscher and Lilly complement Georgia’s existing offensive philosophy. The Bulldogs have built their success on physicality, execution, and efficiency, and these hires reinforce those principles.

Enhancing the Run Game and Pass Protection

With Rauscher’s expertise in offensive line play, Georgia’s ability to control the line of scrimmage will only improve. The Bulldogs have historically relied on a dominant run game, and with elite running backs in their stable, the offensive line’s performance will be crucial to their success.

Maximizing the Tight End Position

Lilly’s return is a strategic move to ensure the tight end position remains a focal point of Georgia’s offensive attack. Georgia has become known for its dominant tight end play in recent years, producing standouts like Brock Bowers, and Lilly’s ability to refine and develop talent at that position makes this hire particularly impactful.

Reaction from Kirby Smart and Georgia’s Coaching Staff

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart expressed enthusiasm about the new hires, emphasizing how both Rauscher and Lilly will help the Bulldogs maintain their championship standard.

“These are two great football minds who know what it takes to win at the highest level,” Smart said. “Phil [Rauscher] brings NFL experience and a passion for coaching linemen, and John [Lilly] is someone we know and trust to keep developing our tight ends at an elite level. We’re thrilled to have them on board.”

Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo also praised the additions, stating that the new hires will enhance Georgia’s offensive efficiency and physicality.

Player Reactions and Excitement

Several current and former Georgia players shared their excitement about the coaching changes.

• Offensive lineman Amarius Mims: “Coach Rauscher knows his stuff. I’ve already learned so much from him, and I know he’s going to push us to be the best.”
• Tight end Oscar Delp: “Coach Lilly has a proven track record of working with tight ends. Excited to see how he helps us take our game to another level.”

Even former Georgia standouts like Darnell Washington and Ben Cleveland chimed in on social media, congratulating Rauscher and Lilly on their new roles.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

With these additions, Georgia is poised to continue its dominance in the SEC and College Football Playoff picture. Their offensive philosophy will remain centered on:

• A powerful rushing attack behind an elite offensive line
• A disciplined passing game with tight ends as key playmakers
• NFL-level preparation and coaching for all offensive players

Both Rauscher and Lilly will play integral roles in helping Georgia’s offense remain one of the most efficient and feared units in the country.

Final Thoughts: Georgia’s Commitment to Excellence

With Phil Rauscher leading the charge in the trenches and John Lilly returning to mold elite tight ends, Georgia’s offensive future remains bright. Kirby Smart’s commitment to surrounding his players with top-tier coaching talent is evident in these hires, and Bulldogs fans have every reason to be excited about what’s to come.

As Georgia gears up for another title run, the addition of these two experienced coaches strengthens their championship foundation, ensuring the Bulldogs remain at the forefront of college football’s elite programs.