Richt says Searels to stay at UGA

Orlando — Georgia won’t lose its highly regarded offensive line coach, Stacy Searels, to Auburn.

Searels, who was being pursued by his alma mater for a position on new coach Gene Chizik’s staff, has decided to stay in his current job, Georgia coach Mark Richt said Friday night.

“We’re excited about it,” Richt said. “For us to keep him is big for Georgia.”

Richt disclosed Searels’ decision on the field of Olympia High School here, minutes before the Bulldogs held their first Orlando practice session in preparation for the Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl vs. Michigan State.

Richt indicated that Searels will receive a salary increase, although he wouldn’t provide specifics.

“You always want to let people know how you feel about them,” Richt said. “We let him know.”

Searels’ current salary is $235,400 annually, fourth highest among Richt’s assistants.

“Everybody is going to get a boost,” Richt said.

Auburn last week had requested and received permission from Georgia to talk with Searels about a job.

In his second season on Georgia’s staff after four years as LSU’s offensive line coach, Searels has deep ties to Auburn. He played for the Tigers from 1984-87, earning All-American honors as an offensive lineman in his senior season. He has undergraduate and master’s degrees from Auburn.

Searels, 43, has been often praised by Richt and others for his work with Georgia’s young, injury-depleted line this season.