ATHENS — One of the most important hires for new Georgia coach Kirby Smart will be what coach will coordinate his offense. There are several persons expected to get consideration.

Four to pay close attention to include (listed alphabetically):

  • Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite. The former Texas quarterback and coach directed a Cougars’ offense that averaged 40.6 points and 486 yards per game. Houston is 12-1 this season and 7-1 in the American Athletic Conference.
  • Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott. Elliott shares coordination duties with Geoff Scott (son of Brad) but is the primary play-caller in the arrangement. The Tigers lead the ACC in total offense (510.6 ypg) and averaged 38.5 points per game.
  • Western Kentucky offensive coordinator Tyson Helton. Helton coordinated an offense that led Conference USA in scoring (44.2 ppg) and total offense (519.8 ypg). The Hilltoppers beat Southern Miss 45-28 to win the league championship.
  • Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier. Billy Napier is in his third season on the Alabama coaching staff as wide receivers coach. Napier joined the Crimson Tide staff after serving as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach at Colorado State in 2012 for former Tide offensive coordinator Jim McElwain.

Smart was approved as Georgia’s head coach by the Georgia’s Athletic Association’s executive committee Sunday at 12:40 p.m.

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