Georgia Bulldogs: Kimbrough transfers after coaching staff fallout
Georgia Bulldogs inside linebacker Tim Kimbrough announced Wednesday that he would be leaving based on a decision made”in his best interest.” On Thursday, Kimbrough then took to social media with a much more vocal explanation.
Last season, inside linebacker Tim Kimbrough of the Georgia Bulldogs played in 12 games with seven starts. He also totaled 67 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. Not to mention, he was named defensive
Most Improved Player at conclusion of spring practice. Kimbrough would probably tell you himself that he earned his starting position with the Georgia Bulldogs.
What happened on Wednesday…
On Wednesday, news first broke from the Athens Banner-Herald that the Bulldogs senior inside linebacker decided to leave “in his best interest,” according to a statement first made by his father.
VIA Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner Herald:
"“It has to do with some other stuff,” that his father did not want to divulge. “He didn’t get into trouble or nothing like that. It’s just in our best interests. We’re from Indiana and it’s kind of hard. I can’t do everything 600 miles away and get information like I’m supposed to. He just was very unhappy.”More from ATL All DayAtlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation SpotAtlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains SidelinedKyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red SoxAtlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over WeekendAtlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check UpStill his father, said “we love Georgia.”"
Later, Kimbrough took to Twitter further indicating that he was done with UGA.
He claimed it was a “family decision” and that he “didn’t want to do it.” Kimbrough also expressed his love for Georgia Bulldogs fans via Twitter. Since then, he has received overwhelming support from Bulldogs fans.
Kimbrough gives more details on Thursday:
The next day, however, Kimbrough had a different explanation for his decision to leave the Bulldogs. On Thursday, again via Twitter, he tweeted, “I didn’t have a choice to stay at Georgia.” He then proceeded to turn the tables on Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart.
VIA Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner Herald:
"He told the Associated Press that coach Kirby Smart “told me he was going to kick me off the team or I had to transfer.” That happened after he left practice for a non-injury related reason.Georgia issued a statement from Smart Thursday afternoon: “Based on a mutual decision between Tim and I, he will no longer be a part of our football program. We wish him the best as he continues his education and playing career.”Kimbrough indicated a fallout with the Bulldogs coaching staff.He had four different position coaches at Georgia: Kirk Olivadotti (2013), Mike Ekeler (2014-15), Kevin Sherrer (for TaxSlayer Bowl after Ekeler left) and Glenn Schumann (2016).“I had 4 different sets of coaches while I was there and I was good with each coaching staff,” Kimbrough tweeted. “Idk (I don’t know) what happened this year.”"
However, this is not the end of the road. Kimbrough apparently does plan to continue his college football career elsewhere. He tweeted:“I have to go to a D2 school so I can play this year.. I’m not sitting out this year.”
Next: Atlanta Falcons: Look out for the rookies
Coach Smart is commended for his recruiting abilities, but since he was hired, Kimbrough marks the team’s fourth transfer. On the other hand, Georgia Bulldogs fans do have something to look forward to. Recent Alabama graduate, defensive back Maurice Smith, has been released and is currently in the SEC waiver process.