ATHENS – UGA Football coach Kirby Smart announced today that Stacy Searels, the Bulldogs’ offensive line coach since 2022, will transition into an offensive analyst role for the 2026 season, while assistant offensive line coach Phil Rauscher has been promoted to offensive line coach.
“We’re grateful for everything Coach Searels has poured into our program over the past several seasons,” Smart said. “His knowledge, experience and steady leadership have been instrumental to our offensive production. In his new role, Stacy will continue to impact our offensive strategy and provide mentorship for both our staff and players.”
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Searels returned to Georgia as offensive line coach in February 2022 after previously serving in the same role at North Carolina for three seasons. Since coming back to Athens, he has helped develop seven NFL Draft picks, including first-round selections Amarius Mims and Broderick Jones. In his new capacity as an analyst, Searels will focus on opponent scouting, game planning and player evaluation.
Rauscher, who worked alongside Searels as assistant offensive line coach in 2025, will assume primary responsibility for the offensive line unit heading into spring practice.
“Phil has been a tremendous asset to our staff and players,” Smart said. “He has earned this opportunity through his work ethic, technical expertise and his ability to connect with our players. We’re excited about the future of our offensive line under his leadership.”
Rauscher has spent 16 years in the collegiate and NFL coaching ranks, working on the offensive side of the ball at both levels. He most recently served as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line coach and run game coordinator following previous NFL stops with the Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings. A former UCLA offensive lineman from 2003-05, Rauscher began his coaching career with the Bruins before making collegiate stops at Dixie State, Hawaii and Cal Lutheran.
