Jeremy Pruitt to UGA: Trouble Ahead or Just Rumors?

((ht: 1010xl.com))

Much ballyhoo was made over the speed that the University of Georgia hired Florida State defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

The obvious one being: Why would the D-Coordinator of a National Championship team leave so quickly, aside from the pay raise, which he may have gotten in Tallahassee?

Well, there may be an answer….

Rick Ballou, from 1010XL Sports Radio in Jacksonville, Florida says Pruitt was running from something. He says Pruitt lived an "Active" nightlife and was out…carousing…a lot.

Ballou quotes sources in Tallahassee who said today that Pruitt, who was set to be engaged to a 23-year old, was in an illicit relationship with someone "Very Young" in the Florida State Athletic offices--who was not the 23-year old. He characterizes Pruitt as a "Player"….

He goes on to say Pruitt had a good relationship with FSU coach Jimbo Fisher, but that Fisher was very concerned with Pruitt's "Philandering" ways. And "Everybody knew it" about Pruitt.

Ballou also says FSU was prepared to come close to or match the $850,000 salary that Georgia is going to pay Pruitt, but Pruitt chose to run to Athens.

You can listen to the Radio Podcast RIGHT HERE

Here's a Tweet from Ballou earlier today:

Many rumors on why Pruitt really left. I think its safe to say his leaving for Ga.wasn't a football only move. #FSU
— Rick Ballou (@Ballou1010xl) January 15, 2014

Don't hate Georgia Fans, we are just passing this along. We know Georgia coach Mark Richt well and are very sure that he would not put up with someone who is a "Player" with that kind of night life for long. But it is interesting.

Considering the time frame this was accomplished in, we wonder about the background checks that may or may not have happened here. Yes, Pruitt by all reports, including from Ballou is an amazingly talented football coach who will undoubtedly be successful in Athens, and this may be nothing but sour grapes by the FSU contingent.

But be aware that quite often where there is smoke, fire is not far behind. Let's hope the change of scenery will do him well.

Georgia Grabs FSU Defensive Coordinator

((ht: ajc.com))

Okay, this admittedly is a bit of a head scratcher and we post it because of that reason. While we cover College Football extensively, assistant coaching hires rarely make the news.

On the heels of losing defensive coordinator Todd Grantham to Louisville on Sunday, the University of Georgia appears to have grabbed his replacement from the defending national champion Florida State Seminoles.

Multiple reports say Jeremy Pruitt has agreed to take the vacant job in Athens…that was open a total of two days. Pruitt has been labeled by many an upcoming coaching star and the Seminoles gave up the fewest points per game of any team in College Football.

AJC.com was 1st with the story. You can read it RIGHT HERE

He replaces Grantham, who despite having a ton of "NFL Caliber" talent, led the Bulldogs to a "Top 60" ranked defense. Though Grantham, to his credit, parlayed that into a pay raise at Louisville.

Pruitt will essentially inherit Grantham's salary and jump from the defending title holder to a team that finished 3rd in the SEC last season.

But….the 'Dawgs return arguably 10 of their 12 defensive starters from 2013 and should be much improved this upcoming season.

One note, we wonder what this says about ACC Football. Pruitt, who was making slightly over $500K in Tallahassee didn't wait to see if he was getting a raise this season, he moved quickly. Does it mean the ACC can't compete with the SEC? Does the ACC (or FSU) not have the money to pay an assistant what an SEC assistant makes?

All good questions. All makes us (well, me) wonder about how out of control money is in College Football. But that's another conversation for another day. Enjoy your fortuity Georgia Football fans, and applause to you Mark Richt. Somehow, you ended up trading in a mediocre car for a newer model that looks a whole lot better and more than likely, but not for sure, is….

Edward Aschoff discusses the coup pulled off by CMR
((HT: ESPN))