Georgia Bulldogs Hire New Outside Linebackers Coach

Kirby Smart says Larry Knight is 'ready to get to work' in Athens

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Georgia Bulldogs have hired Larry Knight as their new outside linebackers/EDGE coach. Knight comes to Athens after previous coaching stops at Arkansas State, Temple, Georgia Tech, and most recently West Virginia. Head coach Kirby Smart praised Knight's on-field coaching experience and recruiting prowess, saying he is 'ready to get to work' with the Bulldogs' talented group of pass rushers.

Why it matters

The outside linebacker/EDGE position is a critical part of Georgia's defense, which has been one of the best in the country in recent years. Knight's hiring is an important move as the Bulldogs look to reload their defensive front and continue their dominance on that side of the ball.

The details

Knight, a native of Augusta, Georgia, has an extensive coaching background that includes stints with the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons as a defensive intern. He has also served as a graduate assistant at Tennessee and Cincinnati. Most recently, Knight was the EDGE coach at West Virginia before accepting the job at Georgia. At his previous stop at Arkansas State, Knight helped the Red Wolves post 39 sacks, tied for the most in the Sun Belt Conference.

  • Knight was hired by Georgia on February 17, 2026.
  • He replaces Chidera Uzo-Diribe, who left Georgia to take the EDGE position with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month.

The players

Kirby Smart

The head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs football team.

Larry Knight

The new outside linebackers/EDGE coach for the Georgia Bulldogs, who previously coached at Arkansas State, Temple, Georgia Tech, and West Virginia.

Chidera Uzo-Diribe

The former Georgia Bulldogs EDGE coach who left the team to take the same position with the Dallas Cowboys.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are excited to add a coach and a man of Coach Knight's caliber to the staff. He has produced on the field at all of his coaching stops and has also proven his worth as one of the best recruiters around. Coach Knight was a conference champion on the field when he played for Central Michigan and I know he is ready to get to work in his home state.”

— Kirby Smart, Head Coach, Georgia Bulldogs (on3.com)

What’s next

Knight will begin working with the Georgia outside linebackers and EDGE rushers immediately as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Larry Knight as the new outside linebackers coach is an important move for the Georgia Bulldogs as they look to maintain their defensive dominance. Knight's coaching experience and recruiting prowess should help the Bulldogs continue to develop elite pass rushers and keep their defense among the best in the country.