Edwards, who spent 17 seasons coaching high school football before rejoining his alma mater, will be his first collegiate coaching role. A Georgia native, Edwards played at Georgia in the 1990s, shifted from cornerback to running back, and delivered a notable debut with a five-touchdown, 211-yard performance in 1994. He later faced injuries but resurgence in 1997 helped him become a first-round pick of the New England Patriots in the 1998 NFL Draft, where he topped 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie season before later finishing his NFL career with the Dolphins in 2002.
The hire comes as Smart enters his 11th season and continues to pursue stability and continued success after Georgia’s national titles in 2021 and 2022. The move aims to bolster the program’s connection with position players, leveraging Edwards’ Georgia ties and playing experience to benefit the 2026 season.
Georgia’s schedule for 2026 remains a focal point for fans, with notable opponents including Alabama and Ole Miss—teams that are entering new-look eras. If the Bulldogs can leverage Edwards’ insight and recruit connections, the staff addition could contribute to Georgia’s aspirations for a return to elite success in nearby seasons.
The report indicates Edwards’ return to Athens signals a positive development for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, as the program continues to build on its established dynasty in Athens and aims to sustain competitiveness in an evolving Southeastern Conference landscape.
