Smart Adds Shawn Watson To Staff

ATHENS, Ga. --- Shawn Watson has been named to the University of Georgia's offensive staff in a quality control role, according to an announcement Friday by UGA head coach Kirby Smart.

Watson, a native of Carbondale, Ill., spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at the University of Pittsburgh.  He has extensive experience in overseeing offenses on the collegiate level.  Along with his work with the Panthers, he has served as offensive coordinator at Texas (2014-15), Louisville (2012-13), Nebraska (2007-10) and Colorado (2000-05).  Additionally, he was the head coach at his alma mater, Southern Illinois, from 1994-96.

In 2018, Watson helped the Panthers to their first ACC Coastal Division title after going 6-2 in league play followed by an appearance in the Sun Bowl.  The Panthers featured one of the nation's top rushing attacks including a 1,000-yard rushing duo (Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall) for the first time in school history.  Pitt finished the 2017 season with an upset of No. 2 Miami (Fla.), which marked the highest-ranked opponent the Panthers had ever defeated at home.

While at Louisville, Watson helped develop Teddy Bridgewater as the Cardinals went 30-9 during a three-year span with a pair of Big East Championships.  During his time with the Cornhuskers, Nebraska annually ranked among the nation's most productive offenses.  Cornhuskers quarterback Joe Ganz set 23 school records under Watson's tutelage.  While at Colorado, the Buffaloes claimed four Big 12 North Division titles and a conference crown in 2001.

"Shawn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him after coaching the offensive side of the ball around the country during his career," said Smart.  "He is an excellent addition to our staff and we are pleased to have him in Athens already. "

Watson played safety at SIU (1979-80) and began his coaching career as a Salukis graduate assistant in 1982, making stops at Illinois and Miami (Ohio) before landing the head job at his alma mater.  Watson and his wife, Anita, have three children: Amber, Aaron and Adam.

University of Georgia Athletics

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