Georgia State hires Georgia's McGee as head coach

Georgia State is hiring Dell McGee as its new head coach, the school announced Friday.

"Coach McGee is an outstanding and authentic man with a strong passion for developing young men," athletic director Charlie Cobb said in a statement. "His track record of competitive success at the high school and college levels makes me confident that he will lead our football program to its greatest achievements."

McGee spent the past eight years as a member of Georgia's coaching staff, serving as the team's running backs coach, among other roles, during his tenure.

"Georgia State is primed for success. As a premier institution in the best city in America, I can't wait to lead the football program as we compete for championships," McGee said in a statement.

McGee emerged as the front-runner among a group of finalists that included former Florida A&M head coach Willie Simmons and Texas A&M assistant Trooper Taylor, per 247 Sports' Matt Zenitz.

Prior to joining the Bulldogs, McGee led Georgia Southern to the program's first-ever bowl win in the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl as interim coach.

The Panthers appear set to replace former coach Shawn Elliott, who left to become the tight ends coach for South Carolina earlier this month. He finished with a 41-44 record, including a 7-6 mark last season that concluded with a win over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Georgia State promoted strength and conditioning coordinator Mike Sirignano to interim coach after the school postponed spring practices and the annual spring game.