Georgia’s offense has seen some serious swings—from championship highs under Todd Monken to shaky ground. And now, all eyes are on offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, and let’s be honest, the seat is sizzling. Because the offense sputtered in 2024, and that Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame? It’s Exhibit A for his critics. Yet, despite the backlash, Bobo just secured a quiet one-year extension, keeping him in Athens through 2026. Kirby Smart now faces a pivotal moment, as his Dawgs’ offensive identity is on the line.

Georgia’s offensive struggles have ignited a firestorm of debate. Many believe Kirby Smart’s unwavering loyalty to Mike Bobo is holding the Bulldogs back. And critics argue it’s time for a fresh offensive vision—one that matches the program’s championship ambitions. But the question looms: Is Bobo still the right man for the job? National analyst Josh Pate has entered the conversation, sounding the alarm on Smart’s decision-making. To be honest, with the SEC evolving and competition fiercer than ever, Georgia can’t afford to be stuck in neutral.

On the March 9th episode of Josh Pate’s CFB Show, Josh Pate didn’t hold back on Georgia’s struggles, and he dropped a bombshell on Kirby Smart’s squad, highlighting a shocking stat with a dramatic paper pop. “Georgia football: 102nd in rush yards per game last year. Still can’t believe it. That’s the worst they’ve been this century,” Pate said. But the concerns don’t stop there. “They lost four offensive line starters. They probably don’t have an elite arm at quarterback—probably don’t,” stated the national analyst. As of now, for a program built on dominance, these are uncharted waters. So, can Georgia course-correct before it’s too late?

Look, with Todd Monken as offensive coordinator, Georgia’s offense exploded, scoring 40.1 points per game on average. But under Mike Bobo? The spark faded. Nearly 10 fewer points per game left fans frustrated with doubts creeping in. Now, Kirby Smart faces his toughest test yet. Not only is Carson Beck gone, but the Bulldogs’ offensive line took a massive hit; Tate Ratledge, Jared Wilson, and Arian Smith are off to the NFL, leaving major gaps up front. If Georgia wants to get back on top, Smart and Bobo need to find those answers—fast.

And here, Pate nailed the big question hanging over Georgia. “What is the identity of the Georgia offense?” he asked, as frustration mounts around Mike Bobo. For years, Georgia’s ‘offensive identity’ was simple: smash-mouth run game, complemented by Monken’s coaching, and let’s not forget Brock Bowers. But in 2024, that blueprint went out the window. The run game vanished, and honestly, they looked like they had no clue who they were. Now, with key departures and growing doubts, Georgia must rediscover what made them a powerhouse—or risk falling behind.

Well, last season, Kirby Smart’s offense struggled, scoring only 31.5 points and gaining just 124 rushing yards per game. For a program built on dominance, that’s a red flag. Moreover, Georgia’s WR room lacked firepower, making things even tougher. And let’s be real—124.4 rushing yards won’t cut it in 2025 if they want another title run. Yet, despite the struggles, Smart still won the SEC. But here’s the real question—was his $1.5 million decision to keep Mike Bobo really worth it?

Kirby Smart gives Mike Bobo another chance

Kirby Smart and Mike Bobo go way back. Teammates in the ’90s, Bobo led the offense while Smart locked down the defense. And their paths crossed again in coaching—Bobo ran Georgia’s offense under Mark Richt, while Smart built his resume elsewhere. Then, when Smart took over in 2016, Bobo was coaching away from Athens. But in 2022, Smart brought his old teammate home, and now, despite Georgia’s offensive struggles, Smart is sticking by him. Loyalty runs deep, but at what cost?

Mike Bobo isn’t just staying—he’s getting a raise. Georgia locked him in with a one-year extension, keeping him on staff through 2026. His paycheck? Rising from $1.403 million to $1.503 million this summer, then hitting $1.603 million in 2026. So, for better or worse, Kirby Smart is doubling down on his longtime friend. And now, it’s up to Bobo to prove he’s worth the investment.

However, fans aren’t exactly celebrating Bobo’s extension—and for good reason. Georgia’s offense hasn’t lived up to its championship pedigree. So, the frustration? Completely understandable. But analyst Daniel Monroe cut straight to the point, saying, “If Georgia wants to fire Mike Bobo after this season, they will fire Mike Bobo after this season….they don’t care; it’s one year; they’ll just buy it out. If Georgia wanted to keep Mike Bobo for 10 more years, they would still just re-up his contract a year at a time.” This extension isn’t a free pass; it just bought him time, not security. Now, we’ll see if Smart’s loyalty gamble pays off next season.