Mel Tucker to be named UGA’s New Defensive Coordinator?

Mel Tucker is likely to be named the new defensive coordinator at UGA, according to reports by UGASports.com and other outlets.

Tucker (bio) is currently the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach at Alabama. He worked with then defensive coordinator Kirby Smart for one season (2015). Prior to that, Tucker was the defensive coordinator for the NFL’s Chicago Bears in 2013 and 2014.

Alabama is playing Clemson in the College Football National Championship on Monday, Jan. 11. That is likely the reason why Kirby Smart has not named a defensive coordinator yet if he (Tucker) is coming from Tuscaloosa.

If Tucker is named, he should be the last on-field hire for Kirby Smart’s new Georgia Bulldogs coaching staff. Here’s a look at the staff as it stands now:

Offense

• Jim Chaney – Offensive Coordinator/QB’s
• Sam Pittman – Offensive Line
• Dell McGee – Running Backs
• James Coley – Wide Receivers
• Shane Beamer – Tight Ends/Special Teams

Defense

• Tracy Rocker – Defensive Line
• Kevin Sherrer – Defense
• Glenn Schumann – Defense