This is a massive year for Kirby Smart, Glenn Schumann, and the rest of the Georgia Bulldogs. While UGA is one of four programs to make the 12-team College Football Playoff in back-to-back seasons, including being the only team out of the SEC to pull this off, this program is all about winning national championships now. Last year's team was a bit young, but this one might be seasoned to perfection.
For ESPN.com, Mark Schlabach outlined the biggest perceived strength and weakness for the Dawgs heading into the heart of the offseason. He tabbed Schumann's linebacking corps as the best part of this team. Conversely, Mike Bobo may have his work cut out for him with a totally revamped receiving corps. Even with CJ Allen off to the NFL, players like Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole remain for Georgia.
Given that Schumann specializes in coaching up the linebacker room, that unit's success could go a long way toward him being something more than merely a defensive coordinator. All Schumann has known is Smart and Nick Saban from his time at Georgia and at Alabama before that. He has been the frustrating branch on Smart's coaching tree that will not sprout. Maybe it is the year that it happens?
What kind of head-coaching opportunities could present themselves to Schumann after next year?
Glenn Schumann finally has the players to become a college head coach
While other top assistants who have served under Smart have gotten their chance at leading Power Four teams of their own, it has taken a little bit longer than expected for Schumann to get his great opportunity. Some of this may have to do with following in Dan Lanning's big footsteps. After all, the former Georgia defensive coordinator and current Oregon Ducks head coach is a ball of personality.
Assuming Wilson can be akin to what Allen was for Georgia last season, and if Cole can be a force coming off the edge, Schumann may get the Power Four looks he has long deserved. While he may want to lead programs like Alabama or Georgia, that is simply not in the cards for him. A job that could be in play for him might be one of Georgia's new annual rivals in South Carolina. Will he be a fit there?
Well, Shane Beamer is the ultimate frontrunner as a head coach. When all is well, the Gamecocks are a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. When things take a turn, South Carolina fails to make bowl games, and everybody wants everyone fired. The South Carolina gig may or may not open up, but it is the kind of job Schumann could land if all goes according to plan. He will need to have a great season.
Overall, how last year started and ended is not going to be good enough for this to manifest for him. Schumann had to be bailed out by Smart and his players in the second half of too many games. That being said, last year was one of tremendous growth for Schumann. He needs to level up to get what is his. The question is if other players will step up to join the likes of Wilson and Cole as Georgia elites.
For now, the opportunity for a bigger role in college football could be had for Schumann after 2026.
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