Brian Van Gorder: 3 games from Unemployment

With Bobby Petrino's mid-season move from the Atlanta Falcons to Arkansas Razorbacks, one talented, nomadic assistant coach may be on the move again. Brian Van Gorder will likely be in search of work three games from now.

I've heard poorly sourced rumors that connect him with the defensive coordinator positions at South Carolina (Nix is out), Arkansas (Petrino will need a DC), and Georgia Tech (Tenuta may leave on his own or otherwise).

If he leaves the Falcons as expected, it would be:

2004 - University of Georgia (Defensive Coordinator)
2005 - Jacksonville Jags (Linebacker Coach)
2006 - Georgia Southern (Head Coach)
2007 - Atlanta Falcons (Linebacker Coach)
2008 - ?

Despite some never ending grumbling about Willie Martinez from our fan base...including me (particularly his ability to create a defense that pressures QBs), it should be noted that the Dawgs finished first in the SEC in sacks, second in third down conversions allowed (34 percent) and second in fewest redzone TDs allowed.

UGA also finished in the Top 3 among SEC teams in most major defensive categories this year. In other words, BVG is not coming back as defensive coordinator. Nor realistically should he be allowed to do that given the borderline insane way that he manages his career and complete inability to find happiness professionally...or the quality job that Willie did this year (other than the UT debacle). If we let him back in as DC, who's to say he doesn't blow himself up and leave to become special teams coach for the Montreal Alouettes in a year or two.

That said -- it wouldn't hurt my feelings to bring Van Gorder back as a linebacker coach should we have an opening there for any reason. We also might have an "in" with him given that his son Malloy is currently a walk-on for the Dawgs. The type of "in" that creates some semblance of professional stability?

I would wager that his family would be thrilled to have him on staff with the Yellow Jackets. A move like that would keep the family from moving...again. I personally would have no beef with him working for any of our rivals. The guy has bills to pay and mouths to feed.

But as Kyle King mentioned earlier today, it will be incredibly interesting to see where he lands. Heckuva a good coach and good man, but clearly the guy has no earthly idea how to manage his career or find happiness professionally. Makes you wonder how this story evolves.

See Also:
-- When going gets tough. Van Gorder Bolts GSU - GSB


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