UGA Names LSU's Stacey Searels as OL Coach

Georgiadogs.com has the story. It's a great pick-up. I did something a few hours ago on Brad Scott and Searels. Looks like I was more behind than I thought. lol. Check that out for some more bio links and what not. Bottom line, he's from Trion, Georgia originally. Anyone that knows me, knows that I have no earthly idea where Trion is. However, Google Maps says it's due north of Rome, Georgia. So I'll take their word for it.

Anyway, Searels played for Pat Dye and Neil Callaway at Auburn, and he played a few years in the NFL. He was an All-American offensive lineman in 1987. His most recent coaching stop was at LSU for the past four years. Two years with Saban and two with Miles.

I think this is a HUGE hire for Richt. Searels is a proven SEC winner as an assistant and a player. As a player and coach...

National Title - 2003 at LSU
SEC Titles - 2003 at LSU and 1987 at AU (Player)
SEC West Titles - 2003 and 2005 at LSU
CUSA Title - 2002 at Cincy
Undefeated Season - 1993 at Auburn (Grad Assistant)

When Searels first went to LSU, he wrote an article for American Football Monthly magazine. It's hard core nuts and bolts about the OL drills he teaches.

Also, while serving as an assistant at Appalachian State, Searels was awarded the NCAA's Award of Valor. The Award has only been given 8 times since 1974. It was awarded for his for act of courage following a head-on collision involving a van carrying members of the Mountaineer football team and support staff on Sept. 30, 2000.

With the Appalachian State van burning, Searels pulled out two staff members, who were trapped in the vehicle (11 other passengers in the van were able to escape on their own). Moments after Searels got the two staff members to safety, the van was engulfed in flames. Searels, who had been traveling on the team bus behind the van, had saved the life of his student assistant coach (Jonathan Taylor) and assistant athletic trainer (Tony Barnett). Taylor, who was airlifted to a hospital, spent three weeks in intensive care before making a complete recovery.

The NCAA Award of Valor honors those who, "when confronted with a situation involving personal danger, averted or minimized potential disaster by courageous action or noteworthy bravery."

So, basically...he's a badass person and coach.

Incidentally, if Les Miles loses his OC/QB Coach Jimbo Fisher to FSU or Bama and his OL coach in one offseason, how will it affect his recruiting and preparations for 2007.

PWD

Update: The AJC has their article on the hiring up.

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