Georgia assistant coach and offensive line coach Stacy Searels during Georgia’s practice session in Athens, Ga., on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)
Cheers to Georgia offensive line coach Stacy Searels’ 60th birthday!
Over thirty years of experience as a college assistant coach, Searels was at Georgia from 2007 to 2010 and again from 2022 to the present.
As Coach Stacy Searels celebrates his 60th birthday, it is impossible not to reflect on his incredible journey through college football. Over the course of his more than thirty-year career, Searels has left an indelible mark on the sport, particularly in the area of coaching offensive linemen. From his early days at smaller programs to his time at prestigious institutions like the University of Georgia, Searels’ career has been a testament to dedication, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Stacy Searels was born and raised in the heart of football country, where his passion for the sport began at an early age. Raised in a community where high school football reigns supreme, Searels’ love for the game was nurtured through his family and his own athletic experiences. As a high school athlete, Searels excelled on the gridiron, earning recognition for his talent and commitment. However, it was not just his on-field performance that stood out, but also his understanding of the game’s intricacies. This natural aptitude for football eventually led Searels into coaching, where he would begin his legendary career.
After playing at the collegiate level, Searels transitioned into coaching, first as a graduate assistant before moving up the ranks. His early days in coaching were spent learning the ropes, honing his craft, and absorbing everything he could from those around him. It was in these formative years that Searels developed his coaching philosophy, one that would guide him throughout his career.
Searels’ career took off when he began working with offensive linemen. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with a deep understanding of the technical and mental aspects of the position, allowed him to get the most out of his players. It was clear early on that Searels had a special knack for developing offensive linemen. His players not only performed at a high level but also came to embody the values of toughness, discipline, and perseverance that Searels emphasized.
In 2007, Searels took a position as the offensive line coach at the University of Georgia. This was a pivotal moment in his career. During his first stint in Athens, Searels quickly became known for his ability to develop elite linemen. He helped mold some of the best players in college football, turning them into future NFL stars. The work he did with Georgia’s offensive line was instrumental in the program’s success during those years, helping the Bulldogs compete for SEC championships and national titles.
His ability to coach up a group of players to perform at the highest level made him a highly sought-after commodity in the world of college football. Searels’ work with Georgia’s offensive line, which included producing standout players like Clint Boling, Ben Jones, and Chris Davis, caught the attention of programs across the country.
What truly set Searels apart from other coaches was his approach to coaching the offensive line. While many coaches focus on technique and footwork, Searels was known for building strong relationships with his players. He didn’t just focus on developing their physical skills but also worked tirelessly to instill in them a sense of pride, responsibility, and work ethic. Searels demanded the best from his players, but he did so in a way that motivated them to give everything they had.
His offensive line was known for its physicality, consistency, and intelligence. Searels taught his players to be nasty in the trenches, to never back down from a challenge, and to play with a level of intensity that wore down opponents. But he also emphasized the importance of communication and teamwork, recognizing that an offensive line is only as strong as its collective bond.
Searels was not just about the Xs and Os; he also understood the importance of mental toughness and preparation. His philosophy was rooted in the idea that success is achieved not just through talent, but through hard work and discipline. His players knew that when they stepped onto the field, they would be ready for whatever came their way.
During his first tenure at Georgia from 2007 to 2010, Searels’ offensive line units were consistently among the best in the country. Under his guidance, Georgia boasted one of the most physical and talented offensive lines in the SEC. The Bulldogs’ offense was balanced, with a strong running game and an effective passing attack, both of which were made possible by Searels’ work with the big men up front.
The 2007 and 2008 seasons were particularly successful for Georgia, as the Bulldogs had one of the best offenses in the nation. In 2007, Georgia finished the season with an 11-2 record and a victory in the Sugar Bowl. The offensive line, under Searels’ direction, paved the way for a productive offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno. Searels’ work with Moreno, in particular, allowed the running back to thrive, as the offensive line opened up holes that allowed Moreno to showcase his talents.
The success continued in 2008, when Georgia finished with a 10-3 record. Though the team did not achieve the ultimate goal of a national championship, Searels’ offensive line continued to dominate in the trenches. The unit’s success was built on a solid foundation of physicality, technique, and intelligence — all elements that Searels instilled in his players. The success of Georgia’s offensive line during this period helped lay the foundation for future successes in the program.
After spending time coaching at various other prestigious programs, including LSU, Texas, and Auburn, Searels made his return to Georgia in 2022. This return to Athens was marked by a new era of Georgia football under head coach Kirby Smart. The program had evolved since Searels’ previous tenure, but his impact on the offensive line remained as strong as ever.
Upon his return, Searels was charged with continuing to build one of the most dominant offensive lines in the country. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with his experience working with some of the top offensive line talent in the country, made him a perfect fit for Georgia’s championship aspirations. His ability to develop players into top-tier NFL prospects remained as sharp as ever, and his leadership helped elevate Georgia’s offensive line play to new heights.
In the 2022 season, Searels helped Georgia win its second consecutive national title, with the offensive line playing a crucial role in the team’s success. The Bulldogs’ offensive line, led by Searels, was known for its dominance in the running game, particularly in the trenches where they physically imposed their will on opposing defensive lines. The unit was praised for its ability to protect quarterback Stetson Bennett, allowing the Bulldogs to maintain a balanced attack that kept opposing defenses on their heels.
As Coach Searels celebrates his 60th birthday, it is clear that his legacy extends far beyond any single season or achievement. His contributions to college football, particularly in the development of offensive linemen, are undeniable. Over the course of his career, Searels has coached a long list of players who went on to have successful careers in the NFL, and his influence on the game is still felt in every offensive line room he has touched.
What sets Searels apart from so many other coaches is his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football. Whether it was coaching at different institutions or adjusting to new coaching staffs, Searels has continually evolved while remaining true to his core values. His success isn’t just measured by wins and championships but by the players he has helped develop and the lives he has impacted throughout his career.
As he celebrates this milestone birthday, Coach Searels can look back on a career that has been defined by excellence, mentorship, and a passion for the game. His influence extends far beyond the gridiron, as he has shaped the lives and careers of countless young men who have passed through his program.
Stacy Searels’ legacy is not just one of coaching success, but one of leadership, integrity, and commitment. As the University of Georgia continues to build on its recent successes, Searels’ contributions to the program will be remembered for years to come. His 60 years are a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for the game.
Here’s to Coach Stacy Searels, a true legend in the world of college football, and a man who has made an unforgettable impact on the lives of his players and the sport he loves. Happy 60th birthday, Coach Searels!
