Georgia Football: DC Todd Grantham Flips, Will Interview for NFL Job

Reports surfaced earlier in the week that Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who was entering the closing stretch before national signing day, could interview for defensive coordinator positions in the NFL including with the New Orleans Saints.

Truth, or evil recruiting ploy planted by a college coach who was fighting with Georgia over one of the remaining top prospects in the recruiting pool?

Apparently it's the former.

According to Marc Weiszer of the Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald, Grantham informed athletics director Greg McGarity on Thursday of his intention to speak with the Saints, as stipulated by his contract.

"

#UGA confirms defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has notified AD Greg McGarity of New Orleans Saints' interest interviewing him for DC job.

— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) February 7, 2013"

That's a 180-degree turn from what was reported on Wednesday—national signing day—by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Bridgett Bellamy, the mother of 4-star defensive end signee Davin Bellamy, told the AJC that she had heard of the rumors and they weren't an issue.

“We spoke with Grantham, we spoke with (Bryan) McClendon, we’ve spoken with Mark Richt," she said. "There is no truth to that and it will not affect Davin’s decision today.”

Davin Bellamy signed with the Bulldogs over offers from Oregon, Florida State and others.

Now, all of the sudden, there's apparently truth to the Grantham rumors.

Bridgett Bellamy declined to comment to Chip Towers of the AJC on Thursday, right before she commented.

"

Hmmm, I have thoughts about it but for the protection of my son I’m going to say no comment. Right now I’m in mother’s mode and I’m just going to say no comment.

There’s not much you can do now. Davin has already signed his letter and he’s going to UGA to play college football. At this point, if Grantham is there, he’s there. If he’s not then Davin will be there playing for the coach that takes Grantham’s place. That’s the facts as they are.

"

It's a major stretch to say that Grantham had no clue of interest from the NFL prior to Thursday, especially since he was linked to the Philadelphia Eagles over the last few weeks.

National signing day is the last day football players have the upper hand in the game of football until they play in the NFL.

They put their trust in the coaching staffs of the schools where they sign, and buy in to whatever the coaches are selling.

If Grantham, or any member of the Georgia staff—head coach Mark Richt included—knowingly misled prospects regarding Grantham's intentions in order to keep them committed or convince them to sign with the Bulldogs, that's about as low and underhanded as it gets.

Follow @BarrettSallee