Recruits react to Bryan McClendon’s departure: ‘It’s heartbreaking’
Bryan McClendon is off to the NFL. Georgia is now in the market for a new wide receiver coach. McClendon is heading to Tampa Bay to coach the Buccaneers wide receivers. McClendon has been successful in two stints in the role at Georgia.
He played for Georgia under Mark Richt. He then was a part of the Bulldogs coaching staff under Richt as a graduate assistant and then as the running back coach and then the wide receiver coach.
McClendon left for South Carolina to be co-offensive coordinator, made a stop at Oregon as the passing game coordinator and made his way back to Athens under Kirby Smart.
In his time, McClendon has become a key recruiter, especially in the Atlanta area. Georgia was and is heavily involved a few key recruiting battles at the wide receiver position.
McClendon’s departure strikes up some uncertainty among the class of 2025 and 2026, many of whom he’d built strong bonds with over the last few years.
A few of those prospects lent their thoughts on McClendon’s move.
Georgia WR targets react to Bryan McClendon’s move to the NFL
Four-star WR Travis Smith: “At the least, it’s heartbreaking due to the fact that he’s been recruiting me for over a year now. It’s going to be tough trying to move on from that. That was really heartbreaking.”
2025 four-star WR CJ Wiley: “It’s a big loss for Georgia. He has done a great job with the wide receivers. I wish coach well.”
2025 WR Maurice Gleaton: “It kind of impacted me slightly. I’m still building a relationship with coach CJ (Germany). That’s going well. I didn’t know he was leaving. I just got the news.”
2026 four-star WR Aaron Gregory: “I was building a bond with him. It’s a shock to me. I would like to see who they bring in next.”
2026 four-star WR Devin Carter: “He was a big part of my recruitment, but it’s still Georgia and I’m looking forward to seeing who they hire and building a relationship with them.”
2025 WR Sam Turner: Georgia is still one of the top schools for me. Coach B-Mac was a pivotal part of my recruiting and potential decision to be a Dawg but the overall culture there is unmatched, especially the leadership they have at the top with Coach Smart. It’s still ‘go Dawgs’.”
Four-star 2025 WR Corey Simms: “Congrats to coach McClendon. We were building a relationship, but moving to the next level is always great.”
Three-star WR Edward Coleman: “I am definitely shocked but at the same time happy for him because he deserves it. I wonder who the next will be.”
Three-star WR Jamauri Brice: “I’m happy for him. He’s going to be missed but I thank him. It was a great move for him.”
2025 WR/DB Gerritt Kemp: “I mean the football world is a business. I understand obviously just like my goal is to make it to the highest level as a player he wants to coach at the highest level and he seized the opportunity.”
2025 WR Nasir Newkirk: “I respect and understand his decision because If I had the opportunity to go coach in the NFL I would have taken it also. I wish the best for him and his family. He was a big part of my recruitment at Georgia though. Now, I’m waiting to see whoever they bring in and if he shows love towards me and my family like Coach B-Mac did.”
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