Simpson to join Falcons' Mike Smith at UGA coaching clinic

ATHENS -- Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith will be the featured speaker at the annual University of Georgia spring football coaching clinic scheduled Thursday and Friday, March 31 and April 1.

All sessions will be held in the new facility adjoining the Butts-Mehre Building. Smith will speak during the Friday session at 10:50 a.m.

The Thursday session will include Georgia team practice at the Woodruff Practice Field and break out sessions with the Georgia coaching staff.

Included in this year's program are three standout former UGA football players, each with reputable playing experience in the NFL. Those speaking include Hines Ward, all-pro wide-receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers; Kevin Butler, College Football Hall of Fame kicker for the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals; and Richard Seymour, pro-bowler for the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots.

Friday will feature a lineup of champion high school coaches including Rayvan Teague, Carrolton High School, Class AAA state champion; Jess Simpson, Buford High School, Class AA state champion; Jim Dickerson, Clinch Co. High School, Class A state champion; Mark Crews, Brookwood High School, Class AAAAA state champion; Terry Crowder, Chattahoochee High School, Class AAAA state champion; and Ronnie Millen, Grady High School.

Friday's schedule will also feature a practice at the Woodruff Practice Field.
Pre-registration fee is $45.00 (at the door is $50.00). Fee includes all clinic lectures, gifts and a UGA drill DVD, athletic equipment displays, Thursday night hospitality and dinner and Friday FCA breakfast and box lunch.

Smith's career began in 1982 at San Diego State before moving on to Tennessee Tech as their defensive coordinator. In 1999, he was hired as defensive assistant/defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, where he helped the team capture a win at Super Bowl XXXV. He then moved on to defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003. His NFL career culminated in 2008 when he was named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons where he was given the 2008 NFL Coach of the Year honors by the Associated Press and Sporting News.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Ray Lamb at the UGA football office, 706-52-1515.