LSU’s Wide Receiver Coach/Offensive Coordinator Cortez Hankton has turned down a jaw-dropping $2 million offer from the Georgia Bulldogs.
In a move that stunned both fans and pundits across the college football landscape, LSU’s wide receiver coach and offensive coordinator, Cortez Hankton, recently turned down an eye-popping \$2 million offer from the University of Georgia. The decision not only made headlines but also raised questions about Hankton’s future at LSU, his long-term career ambitions, and what this means for the evolving power dynamics in college football. With such a substantial offer on the table from one of the most successful programs in the nation, Hankton’s decision reveals deeper layers of his character, values, and professional aspirations.
For many coaches, an offer from Georgia, a program that has consistently been a national championship contender under head coach Kirby Smart, would be too good to pass up. Georgia’s recent dominance, including their back-to-back College Football Playoff National Championships, makes them an attractive destination for any coach looking to elevate their career. So, why did Hankton choose to stay at LSU instead?
At the heart of Hankton’s decision is likely the opportunity to continue building on his success at LSU, which has blossomed in recent years. While his tenure as LSU’s wide receiver coach and offensive coordinator has been relatively short, his impact has been profound. Hankton arrived in Baton Rouge with a reputation as an up-and-coming coach, and his work with the Tigers’ receiving corps has been nothing short of impressive. Under his guidance, LSU’s wide receivers have developed into one of the most dynamic groups in the SEC, playing a pivotal role in the team’s offensive success.
In many ways, Hankton’s relationship with LSU has evolved into something more than just a job. He’s deeply invested in the program, and his coaching philosophy aligns well with the ethos of LSU football, which is rooted in toughness, speed, and skill. This connection to the Tigers’ identity may have been a decisive factor in Hankton’s decision to remain in Baton Rouge, as it seems clear he has a sense of loyalty and pride in being part of LSU’s football tradition. The opportunity to continue working under head coach Brian Kelly, whose vision for LSU football is beginning to take shape in exciting ways, likely also played a role in Hankton’s choice.
Another possible factor in Hankton’s decision is his own professional growth trajectory. While an offer of \$2 million from Georgia would certainly have been an attractive financial incentive, Hankton is likely weighing the broader impact of his career decisions. For many coaches, the move to a powerhouse like Georgia could be seen as a significant leap forward, both financially and in terms of career prestige. However, Hankton may have recognized that LSU offers him a unique platform to carve out his own legacy in a program that is on the rise. Under Kelly’s leadership, LSU is on track to become one of the top teams in the SEC once again, and Hankton’s ability to contribute to that success could lead to more long-term opportunities—possibly even a head coaching role in the future.
Moreover, Hankton’s loyalty to LSU and his relationship with Kelly may be influenced by the stability and culture that has been fostered within the program. Coaches at LSU are often given the autonomy to shape their own units and have the support needed to succeed. This level of trust and autonomy is not always guaranteed at other programs, even those with more resources. The decision to turn down Georgia’s massive offer could be rooted in a recognition that LSU provides Hankton with a level of professional fulfillment that extends beyond financial compensation.
The financial aspect of the offer is also worth exploring. \$2 million is an extraordinary sum of money, especially for a position coach. To put it in perspective, the average salary for an assistant coach in college football is typically much lower, with many coaches earning in the range of \$500,000 to \$1 million per year. In this context, Georgia’s offer to Hankton was nearly double the typical compensation for a coach in his role. Such a lucrative offer could be seen as a sign of Georgia’s high regard for Hankton’s abilities and the belief that he could make a significant impact on their program. However, Hankton’s decision to turn it down may also suggest that, for him, the intrinsic rewards of coaching and the opportunity to continue building something special at LSU outweigh the financial incentives offered by Georgia.
What makes Hankton’s decision even more noteworthy is the timing. College football is in the midst of a transformative era, with major changes on the horizon in terms of recruiting, NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals, and conference realignment. Programs are competing more aggressively than ever for top-tier coaching talent, and assistant coaches like Hankton are increasingly being courted by rival schools. In this environment, Hankton’s ability to resist such a lucrative offer speaks volumes about his character and his long-term vision for his career.
Hankton’s decision to stay at LSU is also a reflection of his confidence in the direction of the program. Since Brian Kelly took over as head coach in 2022, LSU has shown signs of regaining its elite status in college football. Kelly’s track record of success at Notre Dame, combined with his experience in the SEC, has laid the groundwork for what could be a sustained run of excellence in Baton Rouge. As part of this resurgence, Hankton’s role in developing LSU’s passing game has been critical. His work with the wide receivers has helped shape the Tigers’ offense into one of the more dynamic units in the conference, and with the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the charge, the future of LSU football looks very bright. Hankton’s decision to stay with LSU suggests that he is fully committed to helping the team reach its full potential and is confident that the program’s upward trajectory will continue.
Another factor in Hankton’s decision may be the family-like atmosphere that often defines LSU’s football program. College football is a highly competitive business, and coaching can sometimes feel like a mercenary profession, with coaches hopping from one program to the next in search of better opportunities. However, LSU has always been a program where loyalty and camaraderie are valued, and Hankton may have felt a deep sense of belonging within the LSU family. His relationship with the players, staff, and fans likely plays a crucial role in his decision-making process. Moving to Georgia, a rival program in many respects, may have felt like a disruptive change that would have uprooted his ties to the LSU community.
Hankton’s decision to remain at LSU also speaks to his growing role as a mentor and leader. As one of the premier wide receiver coaches in the country, Hankton has earned the respect of not only his peers but also his players. His ability to develop talent and foster a culture of excellence has contributed to the continued success of LSU’s offense. Players like Malik Nabers, Kayshon Boutte (who is now in the NFL), and others have flourished under Hankton’s guidance, and his impact on their careers will likely be felt for years to come. Hankton’s influence as a mentor and leader in the locker room is invaluable, and it’s possible that his decision to stay at LSU is rooted in a desire to continue nurturing young talent and helping his players achieve their goals.
Moreover, Hankton’s work with LSU’s offense has brought a fresh, innovative approach to the program. His experience coaching at both Vanderbilt and Georgia before coming to LSU gave him a unique perspective on how to develop an offense that is both explosive and balanced. LSU’s offensive identity under Hankton is one that thrives on versatility, with a diverse passing attack that can stretch the field while maintaining a solid ground game. This balance has been a key component of the Tigers’ offensive success, and Hankton’s decision to remain at LSU allows him to continue refining this system with one of the most talented rosters in the country.
While Hankton’s decision may be surprising to some, it underscores the broader trend in college football where coaches are increasingly valuing stability, loyalty, and long-term growth over short-term financial gain. In an era where NIL deals and massive contracts dominate the conversation, Hankton’s decision serves as a reminder that there are still coaches who are committed to building something meaningful with a program rather than chasing the highest paycheck.
Cortez Hankton’s decision to turn down Georgia’s \$2 million offer is a major statement about his professional values, his belief in LSU’s potential, and his commitment to the future of the Tigers’ football program. While the financial reward may have been tempting, Hankton chose to stay where he believes he can make the biggest impact. His decision not only ensures that LSU’s offensive coaching staff remains intact, but it also sends a message about the importance of loyalty, culture, and long-term success in the world of college football. As LSU continues to build its program into a perennial powerhouse, Hankton’s role in that journey will undoubtedly be one of the key factors in their success moving forward.
