Former Georgia offensive lineman Warren Ericson is making a return to Athens after just one year away.
Having started in 14 games at right guard for the 2021 National Championship-winning Bulldogs, Ericson spent his initial year post-graduation as a graduate assistant at Wofford. Now, he is set to take on the same role at Georgia.
Georgia recently experienced graduate assistant Jeremy King stepping away from the program to accept the offensive line coach position at Western Carolina. This marks the second consecutive offseason where a support staffer has transitioned to a full-time role as an offensive line coach elsewhere. Eddie Gordon had a similar trajectory at UAB before the 2023 season, joining the inaugural staff of Trent Dilfer in Birmingham.
During his five seasons at Georgia, Ericson participated in 45 career games on the interior of the offensive line. After declaring for the NFL Draft following the 2022 season, he was invited to rookie minicamp with the Denver Broncos after going undrafted.
Furthermore, Ericson’s return to Athens adds another former player to Georgia’s staff. On the on-field staff, Kirby Smart, Mike Bobo, and Bryan McClendon fit that mold. Todd Hartley is also a UGA alum, although he did not play football. Additionally, in analyst and support staff roles, there are individuals like Will Muschamp, Jarvis Jones, and others.
“We actually use that in our recruiting presentations. I don’t know the exact number, 26, 24, something like that. We have 26 former alumni that are working in our program in some capacity. What that illustrates is Georgia’s willingness to welcome people back,” Hartley previously mentioned about the opportunity to work at his alma mater. “The University’s willingness to say it’s not a four-year decision, it’s a 40-year decision. I’m not just going to take care of you in your time in Athens but it does have the ability to help you find a career.
It also shows recruits and parents that once you leave Athens, a lot of people want to come back to Athens. It’s a great place to raise a family. Build a career, it’s a great place to go to school. You guys know this, there is no place like this anywhere in the country. I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to coach at my alma mater. Coach Smart has afforded me that, Josh Brooks has afforded me that. I’m very thankful for that.”
