JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The end of Georgia’s regular season turned out to be the end of Brian Schottenheimer’s tenure at Georgia, and since then he has practically been a ghost. There is at least one place, however, the now-former offensive coordinator has been seen.
Schottenheimer and his family visited recently with Devon Gales, the paralyzed Southern football player, continuing a relationship that began after the injury. Gales is undergoing treatment at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.
“They visited with us. They’re actually at vacation at the beach now with the kids,” said Kimberly August, who is Gales’ godmother. “We do talk to them regularly. Facebook, FaceTime. So they’re great people. Brian is wonderful.”
The day after Gales’ injury, Brian Schottenheimer and his family were among those who stopped by the hospital. That began a close friendship between the families, which also included Marty Schottenheimer, Brian’s father and longtime NFL head coach.
In fact the Gales and Schottenheimers spent Thanksgiving together.
“They’re wonderful. He and his wife Gemmi are great,” August said. “I resisted the urge to fan out because I got to sit next to Marty Schottenheimer at Thanksgiving dinner.”
Brian Schottenheimer has not said anything publicly yet about his plans for next year. He’s not coaching with the team in its bowl. His time at Georgia ended up being less than a year, and on the field was a struggle. But off of it there has at least been one success.
“Devon, as you know, he hated to see coach (Mark) Richt go because he’s great, and also Brian, because he’s a wonderful person and a wonderful Christian family. We just love him to death,” August said. “They’re great people, and they’ve been like a second family to the Gales.”
