ATHENS — Brian VanGorder is in the UGA coaches’ box for today’s game. The former Georgia defensive coordinator, most recently of Notre Dame, has been helping out the Bulldogs in a consultant’s role the past couple of weeks.

Among the things were learned from VanGorder in a pregame conversation in the Dan Magill Press Box were:

• He was involved with the Bulldogs’ defensive game plan for today’s matchup against Georgia Tech. “I’ve had some success against the option, against Tech and Navy and a few other schools. But there’s really no secret to it. You’ve just got to play it,” Van Gorder said.
• Kirby Smart reached out to VanGorder and asked him to come help out. “It really wasn’t anything other than I wasn’t doing anything right now and had some time and could come watch and weigh in wherever I could.”
• VanGorder does not plan to remain with UGA. He hopes toreturn to the NFL but might consider a college program, “but it would have to be the right situation from a motivational standpoint.” He had a multi-year deal with Notre Dame, which dismissed him after four games this season, “so I’m not in a hurry.”
• VanGorder is living in a house he has on Lake Lanier. His son, Malone, is playing football at Buford High. He has two daughters who attended UGA. “I’m looking forward to getting out in my boat a little bit.”