The Georgia Bulldogs, under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart, have made significant additions to their coaching staff for the 2025 season. Among the latest hires are two new offensive assistants with notable NFL and Florida State University (FSU) ties: John Lilly and Phil Rauscher. These moves reflect Smart’s continued effort to elevate Georgia’s already formidable program.
Lilly, a name familiar to long-time Florida State fans, spent 13 years with the Seminoles from 1995 to 2007. His tenure at FSU saw him evolve from a videographer to a key coaching and recruiting figure. Lilly’s rapid ascent in the coaching ranks at Florida State began when he joined the program in 1995, eventually becoming the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator by 1998. His time in Tallahassee coincided with a golden era of FSU football, including their second National Championship in 1999 and nine ACC Championships.
Lilly’s role in recruiting was instrumental, as he helped Florida State land numerous high-caliber prospects who later became stars for the Seminoles. His recruitment prowess contributed significantly to the program’s success during that period, solidifying his legacy in FSU’s history. His departure from FSU in 2008 marked a new chapter in his coaching career as he moved to the University of Georgia to work under Mark Richt.
During his time at Georgia, Lilly was involved with the program until 2015, when Richt was let go. From there, he transitioned into the NFL, where he coached for the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns. After a brief return to college coaching under Mack Brown at North Carolina, Lilly spent the 2024 season coaching with the Carolina Panthers. This vast experience, both in college and the NFL, makes Lilly a highly regarded coach in the tight ends and offensive roles.
Now, Lilly’s return to the college ranks with Georgia is expected to boost the Bulldogs’ tight end production even further. Given his history of developing top-notch tight ends at FSU and his NFL background, Georgia’s already impressive offensive staff could see a significant enhancement. Lilly’s addition not only brings technical expertise but also valuable recruiting experience, which will benefit Georgia in the competitive recruiting battles of the SEC.
With Georgia consistently competing for national championships and attracting top-tier talent, Lilly’s track record and wealth of experience in both college football and the NFL make him a crucial addition to Smart’s staff. This move also highlights Georgia’s focus on strengthening its offensive unit as the Bulldogs aim for another deep postseason run in 2025.
As the spring practices continue, Georgia fans will no doubt be eager to see how Lilly’s expertise influences the Bulldogs’ offense, particularly the tight end position. With Lilly’s extensive coaching resume, Georgia’s offense could continue its upward trajectory, further solidifying the Bulldogs’ place as one of the top programs in college football.
Lilly’s connection to Florida State will also be of interest to FSU fans, who remember his contributions to the Seminoles’ glory years. While he has moved on to new challenges, his impact on FSU’s success in the late 90s and early 2000s is still felt today. His addition to Georgia’s staff only further strengthens the ties between successful college football programs and showcases the importance of experienced coaches in developing talent and leading teams to success.
With a wealth of experience in recruiting, coaching, and developing NFL talent, Lilly is well-equipped to help the Georgia Bulldogs continue their dominance in the college football landscape. His return to a major program like Georgia is yet another testament to the continued evolution of coaching careers that span both college and professional football.
As the Bulldogs prepare for the 2025 season, Georgia’s commitment to excellence, underscored by their offseason staff changes, will likely keep them at the forefront of the national championship race.