UGA finds its DL coach

Former Mississippi State defensive coordinator Chris Wilson has accepted the job as Georgia's new defensive line coach, sources have confirmed to UGASports.

Earlier Friday, UGASports confirmed from individuals speaking on condition of anonymity that the longtime college assistant was among those who had interviewed for the job left vacant by Rodney Garner's decision to accept a job with Auburn.

Later, those same sources confirmed that Wilson has accepted the job. ESPN also reported the hiring. Wilson is expected to be announced either Monday or Tuesday.

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma where he played defensive line for the Sooners, Wilson has coached the past 19 years, the past three at Mississippi State including the just-completed season when he served as the Bulldogs' defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator along with linebackers coach Geoff Collins.

Ironically, MSU head coach Dan Mullen promoted Collins to defensive coordinator on Friday.

Prior to coming to Mississippi State, Wilson served five years at his alma mater at Oklahoma where he coached the Sooners' defensive line.

Wilson coached defensive ends at Oklahoma. For his last three years in Norman he also served as special teams coordinator. In 2009, Wilson helped mentor a defensive front that finished eighth nationally against the run, allowing only 92 yards per game, and posted the sixth-most sacks in the country. The Sooner defense also finished the season ranked eighth in total defense and seventh in points allowed.

Under Wilson's tutelage, defensive end Jeremy Beal was named All-Big 12 in consecutive seasons, leading the Sooner defense in tackles for loss and sacks both as a sophomore and as a junior.

In 2007, Wilson helped guide his alma mater's defense to a conference-leading 32 sacks, 15 of which came from his ends. Sophomore Auston English ranked 15th nationally in sacks despite missing three games and was named first-team All-Big 12. The year prior, his ends logged 25.5 tackles for loss including 10 sacks.

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