Smart, speaking through ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, praised Monken for bringing “an exceptional level of professionalism and creativity” to the Georgia program, and for his quarterback development and tailored game plans. Smart added that Monken’s impact helped Georgia’s success and that the school is “incredibly excited for Todd and Terri.”
Monken’s Georgia arc began in 2020, when Smart, after James Coley’s departure, handed him the offensive reins. The Bulldogs had ranked among the SEC’s least productive offenses in 2019, despite their talent, posting middling marks across scoring, total offense, passing, and rushing.
Under Monken, Georgia’s offense transformed, helping the program win back-to-back national championships in his final two seasons in Athens. The Bulldogs jumped from 59th nationally in total offense in 2019 to eighth in 2022, with the passing game climbing from 72nd to 15th, laying the groundwork for a title run and Georgia’s first Heisman finalist since 1992.
Stetson Bennett later reflected that Monken’s arrival helped him understand football more deeply, underscoring Monken’s influence on Georgia’s quarterback development and offensive identity.
Smart has long feared losing Monken—LSU and Purdue reportedly showed interest, and the NFL never stopped calling—but Georgia rewarded him with a three-year, $2 million-per-year extension to stay in Athens before Monken eventually left for the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator role in 2023. As he moved on, Smart maintained confidence in the program’s direction and the stability of its offensive leadership with Mike Bobo at the helm.
Georgia’s current head coach has since framed Monken’s departure as a pivotal moment in the program’s championship dynasty, while acknowledging that Monken’s work left a lasting imprint on Smart’s teams and their continued success. The development underscores how Smart’s coaching tree continues to influence both college and NFL offenses as Monken’s NFL chapter begins.
