Imagine being a key player in the high-stakes world of college football coaching, only to find yourself at the center of a tug-of-war between a powerhouse program and the bright lights of the NFL. That’s exactly where Phil Rauscher finds himself right now. But here’s where it gets controversial: after less than a month as the University of Georgia’s offensive line coach, Rauscher is already being courted by the Las Vegas Raiders to join their inaugural staff under new head coach Klint Kubiak. And this is the part most people miss—this isn’t just about a job offer; it’s about loyalty, opportunity, and the intricate dance between college and professional football.
Rauscher’s journey to this crossroads is anything but ordinary. He’s been part of Kirby Smart’s Georgia coaching staff for nearly a year, but his recent promotion to offensive line coach in late January marked a significant step forward. Yet, the NFL—a place he knows all too well—is knocking on his door again. Multiple sources with ties to both Georgia and the NFL confirm that the Raiders are eyeing Rauscher for the role of running game coordinator, a position that would reunite him with Kubiak, a longtime colleague and friend.
Their history together is deep. Rauscher and Kubiak first crossed paths in the NFL with the Denver Broncos last decade, where Rauscher served as an assistant offensive line coach and Kubiak worked as an offensive assistant. Their paths converged again with the Minnesota Vikings during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. While Rauscher rose to lead the offensive line in Minneapolis, Kubiak transitioned from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. After their time with the Vikings, Rauscher spent three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining Georgia in spring 2025.
Here’s the bold part: the Raiders aren’t just offering Rauscher a job—they’re offering him a chance to return to the NFL, a league where he’s already made his mark. But Georgia isn’t letting him go without a fight. Sources indicate that Rauscher has a substantial buyout in his Georgia contract, adding another layer of complexity to this decision. As one source told FootballScoop President Scott Roussel, ‘It’s a work in progress... the ball is in [Rauscher’s] court.’
To make things even more intriguing, the Raiders recently added Rick Dennison to Kubiak’s staff to work with the offensive line. Does this mean they’re preparing for Rauscher’s potential arrival, or is it a backup plan? And this is where we ask you: Is Rauscher’s loyalty to Georgia strong enough to keep him in college football, or will the allure of the NFL—and a reunion with Kubiak—prove too tempting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. This story is far from over, and Rauscher’s next move could reshape the landscape for both Georgia and the Raiders.
