Georgia Football Updates: Staff Moves, Jersey Numbers

Staff Departures and Promotions

Two support staffers no longer appear on Georgia’s 2026 media guide. David Cooper, who had directed recruiting relations since June 2021 after moving from Louisville, is omitted. Jay Chapman, a 2016 hire who began as a football operations assistant under Kirby Smart and shifted to football management in 2019, also departed. These departures reflect the typical offseason reshuffle as the program evaluates its support structure. Such adjustments help maintain harmony within the coaching staff and ensure recruiting efforts stay aligned with the current philosophy. The transition also opens the door for fresh perspectives that could benefit the 2026 roster.

Jersey Number Changes for 2026 Season

Georgia’s roster update reveals a handful of number swaps that reflect player progression. Offensive guard Dontrell Glover, a sophomore from Langston Hughes High, switched from No. 63 to No. 58 after starting 12 games as a freshman. Freshmen bring their own identifiers: Justice Fitzpatrick (cornerback, Boca Raton) takes No. 6, Nick Peal (running back, Roswell) dons No. 30, Tre Shields (wide receiver, Flowery Branch) slips into No. 86, and long snapper Colton Dermer (Glendale, Ariz.) adopts No. 50. These changes signal the newcomers’ integration into the Bulldogs’ depth chart and give seasoned players new numbers that may aid fan recognition.

Renumbering is a routine part of each season’s preparation, allowing players to establish a personal identity that fans can easily follow. For Glover, the move to No. 58 aligns his number with his growing role on the offensive line, while the freshmen use their digits as a launching pad for building reputation. Fans will soon see these numbers on the field, deepening their connection to the 2026 roster.

Radio Broadcast Overhaul

The football radio lineup will see familiar faces in new roles. Jeff Dantzler moves into the play‑by‑play seat, while Jon Stinchcomb steps up as the analyst, replacing Scott Howard and Josh Brock. David Johnston, a longtime partner of Dantzler on Georgia baseball broadcasts, joins Kevin Butler for the Dawg Talk pregame show and the postgame call‑in program. This reshuffle aims to refresh the broadcast perspective and leverage Johnston’s established rapport with Dantzler, potentially boosting listener engagement.

The changes were announced ahead of SEC Media Days in Tampa, Fla., giving fans an early look at the updated media presence. By mixing experienced voices with new talent, the Bulldogs hope to maintain a high level of commentary while injecting fresh insights. Listeners can expect a more dynamic pregame and postgame experience as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Coaching Title Adjustments

Another personnel tweak involves a title clarification for an existing coach. Former Clemson offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter is now listed as quarterbacks coach, moving from senior offensive analyst. Meanwhile, the offensive coordinator remains listed as coaching quarterbacks, a dual responsibility that continues the program’s emphasis on developing the signal callers. Such title updates often reflect a coach’s expanding duties and the staff’s effort to align responsibilities with game plans.

The reassignment signals Streeter’s increased involvement in play‑calling and quarterback development, areas critical to Georgia’s offensive identity. It also underscores the program’s commitment to integrating former opponents’ coordinators into its coaching staff. Fans will notice the shift in responsibilities as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2026 campaign.

Overall, the updates announced ahead of SEC Media Days in Tampa, Fla., demonstrate Georgia’s routine offseason focus on depth, communication, and strategic clarity as the program eyes the 2026 season.