Mike Bobo Turns Down $12 Million Auburn Offer, Cements Legacy of Loyalty with Georgia Bulldogs
ATHENS, Ga. – June 26, 2025 — In an era where loyalty often takes a backseat to multi-million-dollar contracts, Mike Bobo, the Georgia Bulldogs’ Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, has drawn a bold line in the red and black turf of Sanford Stadium.
Bobo has reportedly turned down a staggering $12 million offer from arch-rival Auburn University to remain in Athens—a decision that has not only stunned the college football world but galvanized the Georgia faithful heading into the 2025 season.
Despite the allure of a historic payday and the prestige of leading one of the most storied programs in the SEC, Bobo’s heart remains with the Dawgs. In a short but poignant statement released Wednesday afternoon by UGA Athletics, Bobo made his stance clear:
> “The Dawgs isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. The culture we’ve built here, the people, the players—this is where I want to be. The rivalry means everything, and I’d rather be on the right side of it.”
The statement, delivered with a coach’s grit and a Georgian’s soul, has already become an instant classic among Bulldog Nation. Social media erupted moments after the release, with hashtags like #BoboForever and #LoyalToTheG collapsing timelines and flooding fan pages.
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A Statement of Values
For Bobo, a Georgia alum and longtime fixture in the program, the decision wasn’t just financial—it was foundational. He played quarterback for the Dawgs in the mid-1990s and has worn the red and black in multiple coaching stints over the past two decades. After returning to Athens in 2022 to serve under Head Coach Kirby Smart, Bobo helped guide the Bulldogs to continued offensive dominance, showcasing a lethal mix of pro-style efficiency and modern tempo.
More than Xs and Os, though, Bobo has been instrumental in shaping the culture that has fueled Georgia’s ascension to college football’s elite tier.
“He’s a leader, a teacher, and a Dawg through and through,” said Coach Kirby Smart in a press conference following the announcement. “Mike’s decision says everything about who he is—and who we are as a program. This is bigger than football.”
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An Offer Too Big—But Not Enough
According to sources close to the situation, Auburn’s aggressive pitch included full offensive control, a multi-year guaranteed contract worth $12 million, and expansive recruiting resources. It was the kind of offer that would turn heads anywhere in the SEC.
But for Bobo, Auburn wasn’t home.
“This is a rare moment in college football,” said Paul Finebaum during his Thursday segment. “You’ve got a guy saying no to money and yes to mission. That’s not just a win for Georgia—that’s a win for the sport.”
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Fan Reaction: Electrified
The Bulldog fan base, known for its passion and pride, wasted no time celebrating the news. Downtown Athens bars offered “Bobo Bombs” at half-price, the Georgia Redcoat Band played “Glory, Glory” on campus, and one local bakery sold out of “BoGO Dawgs” cookies within hours of the announcement.
“I was scared to death he’d take it,” said longtime fan and UGA alum Janice Hensley. “But when I read his statement… I cried. We’ve got a real one.”
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Looking Ahead
With Bobo back in the fold and Georgia’s quarterback room brimming with talent, the Dawgs are once again poised for a national title run. And with the Auburn game circled in bold red ink, the 2025 season just got a little more personal.
From the hedges of Sanford to the living rooms of recruits across the South, Bobo’s decision sends a clear message: loyalty, culture, and commitment still matter in college football.
And for Mike Bobo, the Dawgs aren’t just a team—they’re family.
Related:
5 ways Bobo Has Transformed the Georgia Offense
The Rivalry Rekindled: Georgia vs. Auburn 2025 Preview
Kirby Smart on Loyalty, Leadership, and Legacy
