Georgia Bulldogs QB coach and Offensive Coordinator MIKE BOBO has turned down a jaw-dropping $12 million offer from the Auburn Tigers.

In the world of college football, coaching positions often come with the kind of financial packages that rival the salaries of top executives, and every year, coaching shakeups—whether through hires, firings, or poaching of talent—make headlines. However, every once in a while, a move or decision transcends the usual fare and sparks widespread conversation across the sport. This was certainly the case when Mike Bobo, the respected offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for the Georgia Bulldogs, turned down an astounding $12 million offer to become the next head coach at Auburn University. The decision has sent shockwaves through the college football community, raising questions not just about Bobo’s future but about the changing landscape of college football coaching in general.

For those who follow the sport closely, Mike Bobo’s name is hardly unfamiliar. As a former quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bobo’s journey to becoming one of the most respected offensive minds in college football has been impressive. From his early coaching days to his rise through the ranks at Georgia, Bobo has become synonymous with both the Bulldogs’ offensive success and the team’s continued rise to prominence under head coach Kirby Smart. But his decision to turn down what many would consider a life-changing sum of money to join a program that has seen its fair share of turmoil raises important questions about loyalty, ambition, and the state of the game.

Mike Bobo’s association with the University of Georgia runs deep. As a player, Bobo was the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs from 1997 to 2000, showcasing leadership and toughness on the field. Though his playing career didn’t have the same star-studded trajectory as some of Georgia’s more recent quarterbacks, Bobo’s understanding of the game and leadership qualities were undeniable. After his playing days concluded, Bobo transitioned to coaching, initially as a graduate assistant before working his way up to full-time roles with various programs.

Bobo’s connection to Georgia began to take off in 2001, when he returned to Athens as a part of Mark Richt’s coaching staff. Bobo served in a variety of roles, starting as a quarterbacks coach before becoming Georgia’s offensive coordinator in 2007. During his tenure as the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator, Bobo’s offenses were consistently among the best in the SEC. His ability to develop quarterbacks and mold high-powered offenses helped Georgia remain competitive in an era defined by high-scoring teams and stout defenses.

Bobo’s coaching resume includes helping develop some of Georgia’s most successful quarterbacks, including Aaron Murray, who became the SEC’s all-time passing leader under Bobo’s tutelage. It was this track record that led to a resurgence in Bobo’s career after he departed Georgia in 2015, taking offensive coordinator roles at South Carolina and Colorado State. Though he left Georgia in 2015 to pursue head coaching opportunities, Bobo’s tenure at Colorado State, where he helped turn around a struggling program, further solidified his standing as one of the top offensive minds in college football.

Bobo’s return to Georgia came in 2020, when Kirby Smart brought him back to Athens as the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. His second stint at Georgia has been marked by continued success. While the Bulldogs have been known for their stout defense and power-running game, Bobo’s work with quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett and the development of an increasingly potent passing game has added a new dimension to the offense. Georgia’s rise to national prominence—culminating in a national championship in 2021—was in part due to Bobo’s ability to adapt his offensive schemes and make key adjustments when necessary.

Under Bobo’s guidance, Georgia has maintained one of the most balanced and dangerous offenses in college football, complementing the Bulldogs’ suffocating defense. This balance between offense and defense has made Georgia one of the most complete teams in the nation, and Kirby Smart’s decision to retain Bobo has paid dividends in recruiting and on the field.

When news broke that Auburn University had made a $12 million offer to Mike Bobo to become their next head coach, it sent ripples through the college football world. Auburn, one of the most prestigious programs in the SEC, had been searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Bryan Harsin mid-season in 2022. Despite its rich football history, Auburn had found itself in a state of flux, with a rotating cast of leadership and a fanbase that was desperate for stability and success.

Auburn’s $12 million offer to Bobo was nothing short of jaw-dropping. In the world of college football, it’s rare for a coordinator—especially one not yet serving as a head coach at a Power 5 school—to receive such a lucrative offer. The contract, which included significant incentives and a guaranteed tenure, was a clear signal that Auburn was serious about hiring a coach who could restore the Tigers to championship contention.

The offer also underscored the high stakes involved in the SEC. As one of the most competitive conferences in college football, the SEC demands not just top-tier talent but also elite coaching to keep pace with programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Auburn, seeking to build on its rich football heritage, was willing to offer a deal that would make Bobo one of the highest-paid coaches in the country.

It’s important to note that while Bobo had significant ties to Georgia, he was seen as a potential candidate for head coaching roles elsewhere given his impressive offensive track record and his success as a coordinator. Auburn, in particular, was interested in securing someone who could provide both leadership and offensive innovation. Bobo, a proven offensive architect with deep knowledge of the SEC, was a natural target for the Tigers.

Despite the allure of the huge paycheck, the prestige of being the head coach at a school like Auburn, and the opportunity to shape the future of the Tigers program, Bobo ultimately turned down the offer.

Why Mike Bobo Turned Down $12 Million

The decision to reject a $12 million offer would be considered unfathomable by many, especially in a sport where financial incentives often drive decisions. So, what prompted Mike Bobo to turn down such a lucrative deal? Several factors likely played a role in his decision, not the least of which was his connection to the University of Georgia.

1. Loyalty to Kirby Smart and Georgia:
   Mike Bobo’s relationship with Kirby Smart is a cornerstone of his tenure at Georgia. The two share a deep bond, forged over years of working together both as players and coaches. Bobo’s return to Georgia in 2020 was a key move for the Bulldogs, as Smart had long valued Bobo’s expertise. The culture Smart has built at Georgia—a culture of family, loyalty, and pursuit of excellence—likely weighed heavily in Bobo’s decision to remain in Athens.

   Turning his back on Smart and the Georgia football program, particularly after the success they’ve shared, would have been a tough emotional decision for Bobo. Furthermore, Georgia has consistently been a national title contender, and Bobo is already in the midst of one of the most successful coaching careers in the sport. Given that Georgia is a top-tier program with a stable coaching staff, it would have been difficult for Bobo to leave that behind for an uncertain future at Auburn.

2. A Chance to Continue Building with Georgia:
   Mike Bobo’s work with Georgia’s quarterbacks and offensive system has been widely regarded as a major factor in the Bulldogs’ rise to national prominence. The team has become more dynamic offensively, complementing its renowned defense. Bobo’s offensive game plan, along with his ability to develop quarterbacks and maximize the talent at his disposal, has positioned Georgia as one of the most feared teams in college football.

   With Georgia positioned to remain at the forefront of the sport for years to come, Bobo likely saw more potential for continued success within the Bulldogs’ program. In contrast, Auburn—while historically a power—had been in a state of flux for years, with coaching changes and inconsistent performances. Given Georgia’s trajectory and the stability of Smart’s staff, Bobo likely believed his future would be better served by staying at Georgia and continuing to build on the Bulldogs’ success.

3. Financial Security at Georgia:
   While the $12 million offer from Auburn was enticing, it’s important to consider that Mike Bobo is already financially secure at Georgia. Georgia has invested heavily in its coaching staff, and Bobo’s compensation is likely to be competitive with any head coaching offer. The Bulldogs’ commitment to winning has led to large salaries and facilities that rival any program in the country, giving Bobo the financial security to turn down such an offer. Furthermore, as a part of the Georgia staff, Bobo is part of a program on the rise, and he may have felt that the long-term rewards of success at Georgia were more valuable than a large immediate payday.
4. Desire for a Championship at Georgia:
   Mike Bobo’s decision to stay at Georgia may also be tied to his desire to win a national championship with the Bulldogs. Having been a part of Georgia’s rise under Kirby Smart, Bobo is likely driven by the ambition of securing a title with the program. Georgia’s status as a perennial contender in the SEC and at the national level makes it an ideal environment for a coach looking to cement his legacy. By remaining in Athens, Bobo has the chance to help Smart and the Bulldogs continue their dominance, and perhaps, eventually achieve the ultimate goal—a national championship.

Mike Bobo’s decision to turn down a jaw-dropping $12 million offer from Auburn speaks volumes about the loyalty, ambition, and long-term vision that he possesses. It’s a testament to the strong bond he

shares with Kirby Smart and the Georgia football program, and it also highlights the unique dynamics of college football coaching in today’s era.

In rejecting the Auburn offer, Bobo has chosen the stability, tradition, and championship potential of Georgia over the allure of a massive payday and the chance to lead another SEC program. In doing so, he has cemented his place as an integral figure in Georgia’s ongoing football dynasty and proven that in college football, loyalty, and long-term success can sometimes be worth more than a record-breaking contract. For Bulldog fans, the decision only solidifies the belief that Georgia’s football future is in the best possible hands.