Georgia Targets West Virginia Assistant Coach Larry Knight

Knight, an expert in defensive ends and pass rushing, is being recruited to join the Bulldogs' coaching staff.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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According to reports, West Virginia assistant coach Larry Knight, who specializes in coaching defensive ends and pass rushers, is being targeted by the University of Georgia to fill their open outside linebackers coach position. Knight was just hired by West Virginia in January, but the opportunity to join the defending national champion Bulldogs may be too good to pass up.

Why it matters

Knight's defensive expertise and recruiting prowess could be a major boost for the Georgia program as they look to reload after losing several key defensive players to the NFL draft. His departure would also leave a hole on the West Virginia coaching staff that head coach Rich Rodriguez would need to fill.

The details

Knight joined West Virginia in January after previously coaching at Arkansas State, Temple, and Georgia Tech. He has extensive experience coaching defensive ends, outside linebackers, and serving as a defensive recruiting coordinator. The Bulldogs are looking to replace Chidera Uzo-Diribe, who left to join the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff.

  • Knight was hired by West Virginia in January 2026.
  • Georgia is reportedly targeting Knight to fill their open outside linebackers coach position.

The players

Larry Knight

West Virginia assistant coach who specializes in coaching defensive ends and pass rushers.

Chidera Uzo-Diribe

Former Georgia outside linebackers coach who left to join the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff.

Rich Rodriguez

Head coach of the West Virginia football team.

University of Georgia

Defending national champion college football program that is targeting Knight for their open coaching position.

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What they’re saying

“It might be a short stay in Morgantown for one of West Virginia assistant coaches as Pete Nakos of On3 is reporting that edges/pass rushing specialist Larry Knight is being targeted for a job at Georgia.”

— Pete Nakos, Reporter (On3.com)

What’s next

If Knight accepts the Georgia job, West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez will need to find a replacement to fill the defensive ends and pass rushing coaching position on his staff.

The takeaway

The opportunity to join the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs may be too enticing for West Virginia assistant coach Larry Knight to pass up, as his defensive expertise and recruiting prowess could be a major boost for the Bulldogs as they look to reload their roster.