Texas Longhorns’ wide receiver coach and offensive coordinator Kyle Flood has reportedly rejected a staggering \$3 million offer from the Georgia Bulldogs. The news, which broke early Thursday morning, has surprised many within coaching circles, especially considering Georgia’s reputation as one of the premier programs in the nation and the financial muscle that often secures top-tier talent.
Sources close to the situation say that Georgia had set its sights firmly on Flood as the missing piece to elevate their offensive scheme heading into the upcoming season. With Georgia’s offensive coordinator position vacant following the departure of Mike Bobo to the NFL, the Bulldogs were ready to pull out all the stops to land one of the most respected offensive minds in the college game. The \$3 million per year offer would have made Flood one of the highest-paid assistants in the nation.
Despite the enormous paycheck and the prestige of joining a two-time national championship-winning program, Flood has opted to remain loyal to the Texas Longhorns. The decision, insiders say, came down to stability, relationships, and an unshakable belief in what head coach Steve Sarkisian is building in Austin. Flood has been an integral part of the Longhorns’ resurgence, helping to develop a dynamic offense that led them to a College Football Playoff appearance last season.
Flood’s bond with the players, particularly with emerging star wide receiver Jaylen Dixon, is said to be one of the reasons behind his decision to stay. Dixon, a sophomore who had a breakout season with over 900 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, spoke glowingly about Flood’s mentorship earlier this summer. “Coach Flood believed in me when no one else did. He challenges us to be great, but he does it with love,” Dixon said during a June press conference.
This move comes at a critical time for Texas, who are preparing for their first season as full members of the SEC. Retaining a key figure like Flood helps ensure continuity on the offensive side of the ball, something that will be crucial as the Longhorns face tougher competition week in and week out. Sarkisian has made it no secret that he sees Flood not only as a right-hand man but as someone who could eventually take the reins of a program himself.
Georgia, meanwhile, will now have to look elsewhere for their offensive architect. The Bulldogs are reportedly evaluating a shortlist of candidates that includes former Oregon coordinator Kenny Dillingham and USC’s Josh Henson. While the program is used to high-profile hires and big financial offers, missing out on Flood is a rare public miss for Georgia’s usually airtight recruitment of coaching talent.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Kyle Flood’s decision to stay with Texas is not just a victory for the Longhorns — it’s a signal to the rest of the SEC that this program isn’t just preparing to compete; it’s building something lasting. With Flood calling the plays and mentoring a new generation of talent, Texas fans have every reason to believe that bigger things are on the horizon in Austin.