Georgia Poaches West Virginia's Top Pass Rush Coach

Bulldogs hire Larry Knight, leaving Mountaineers frustrated

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The University of Georgia has hired Larry Knight, West Virginia's top pass rush specialist coach, to join the Bulldogs' defensive coaching staff. This move has left the Mountaineers program frustrated, as Knight had just been hired by West Virginia in January 2026 after previously serving as the defensive line coach and run game coordinator at Arkansas State.

Why it matters

Georgia's hiring of Knight is a significant blow to West Virginia, as he was expected to play a key role in developing the Mountaineers' pass rush. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are bolstering their defensive coaching staff as they aim to contend for a national championship next season.

The details

Knight was hired by West Virginia in January 2026 to be their new pass rush specialist coach, a big step up from his previous role at Arkansas State. However, Georgia swooped in and hired Knight after he had spent less than two months with the Mountaineers program. Knight's Arkansas State defense led the Sun Belt conference with 39 sacks in 2025, nearly double what Georgia had all of last season. Kirby Smart is bringing Knight in to help improve the Bulldogs' pass rush.

  • Knight was hired by West Virginia in January 2026.
  • Georgia officially hired Knight on February 16, 2026.

The players

Kirby Smart

The head coach of the University of Georgia football team.

Larry Knight

The new outside linebackers coach for the University of Georgia, previously the pass rush specialist at West Virginia.

West Virginia Mountaineers

The football team of West Virginia University, who are frustrated by Georgia's hiring of their top pass rush coach.

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The takeaway

Georgia's hiring of West Virginia's top pass rush coach is a significant move that will bolster the Bulldogs' defense, but it has also created a new rival for the program in the Mountaineers. This highlights Georgia's ability to poach top coaching talent from other programs as they aim to contend for a national championship.