Georgia Bulldogs UGA logoFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Georgia has hired Mississippi State defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator Chris Wilson as its new defensive line coach.
An announcement is expected this week.
"He's a great coach who is very passionate and loves what he does," Mississippi State All-American cornerback Johnthan Banks said Sunday. "He's an even better man off the field. I talked to him yesterday, and we're always going to keep in touch, because I love him like a father.
"Football is a business, and this is a great opportunity for him and his family."
Georgia has been seeking a defensive line coach since Rodney Garner left for Auburn, his alma mater, on Dec. 20.
Wilson has been Mississippi State's primary defensive play-caller the past two seasons, adding that role once Manny Diaz left for Texas after the 2010 season. The Bulldogs finished 16th nationally in scoring defense during the 2011 season (allowing 19.7 points per game) but slipped to 34th this season (23.31).
The Bulldogs allowed 30 or more points in six of their last eight games. Mississippi State finished 8-5 after a 7-0 start, losing the Gator Bowl to Northwestern.
"This season didn't turn out the way we wanted, but I'm glad I got the opportunity to play for him," Banks said.
Wilson, who turns 44 on Tuesday, came to MSU in 2010 after spending five seasons coaching the defensive line at Oklahoma, his alma mater. He also has coaching stints at Indiana State, Northern Illinois, Illinois State and Colorado.