Connor Norman and Ryan Madaleno to Take Expanded Roles in Georgia’s Football Sports Medicine Department
The University of Georgia Athletic Association has announced that Connor Norman and Ryan Madaleno will assume expanded roles within the Sports Medicine department for football. As the Bulldogs continue to solidify their position as one of the premier programs in college football, these key promotions reflect the program’s commitment to providing top-tier care and support for its athletes.
Norman and Madaleno bring years of expertise and dedication to the table, and their new roles underscore Georgia’s focus on ensuring that its players receive the best in sports medicine, injury prevention, and recovery strategies.
The Bulldogs’ recent success on the field has been closely tied to their ability to maintain player health and performance. With back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and continued dominance under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia’s football program understands that comprehensive sports medicine is a cornerstone of sustained success.
Connor Norman and Ryan Madaleno have been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ efforts to prioritize player health. Their expanded responsibilities will enhance Georgia’s ability to address the growing demands of a high-level collegiate football program, where managing injuries, recovery, and overall wellness are critical to success.
Connor Norman is no stranger to the University of Georgia or its football program. A former player himself, Norman was a walk-on safety who earned a scholarship and became a key contributor to the Bulldogs during his playing career (2010–2013). His firsthand experience as a student-athlete gives him a unique perspective on the physical and mental demands faced by Georgia’s players.
Norman joined the Sports Medicine department following his playing career and quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated professional. Known for his attention to detail and strong rapport with athletes, Norman has been a vital part of the team’s efforts to provide individualized care to players.
In his expanded role, Norman will oversee more aspects of the day-to-day management of player health, including injury prevention strategies, rehabilitation programs, and collaboration with coaching staff to ensure player readiness. His ability to connect with athletes, combined with his deep understanding of the game, makes him an invaluable asset to the program.
Ryan Madaleno has been a fixture in Georgia’s Sports Medicine department for years, earning a reputation as a trusted leader in athletic health and performance. With extensive experience in managing complex injuries and implementing cutting-edge recovery techniques, Madaleno has played a key role in keeping the Bulldogs at full strength throughout grueling SEC schedules.
Madaleno’s expanded role will include greater oversight of the department’s overall operations, ensuring that Georgia remains at the forefront of sports medicine innovation. This includes working closely with strength and conditioning staff, nutritionists, and other medical professionals to create a holistic approach to athlete wellness.
Under his leadership, Georgia’s Sports Medicine department has integrated advanced technologies, such as GPS tracking systems and biomechanics analysis, to monitor player workload and prevent overuse injuries. These initiatives have contributed to the program’s ability to minimize injuries and maximize performance.
The promotions of Norman and Madaleno come at a time when the demands of college football have never been higher. With expanded schedules, playoff aspirations, and the intense physicality of the game, ensuring player health and wellness is more important than ever.
Norman and Madaleno’s expanded roles are part of a collaborative approach that involves coordination between the Sports Medicine department, coaching staff, and other support teams. This integrated strategy ensures that every player receives personalized care and that the program operates with a forward-thinking mindset.
The University of Georgia’s decision to promote Connor Norman and Ryan Madaleno reflects its unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the field. By prioritizing the health and well-being of its athletes, Georgia is not only enhancing its chances of success but also demonstrating a deep investment in the long-term futures of its players.
Head coach Kirby Smart has often spoken about the importance of having a world-class support staff to complement the team’s efforts. “What sets us apart is the attention to detail in every aspect of our program,” Smart said in a recent statement. “Connor and Ryan have been instrumental in building a culture where our players feel supported, and I’m excited to see them thrive in these expanded roles.”
As Georgia prepares for another highly anticipated football season, the promotions of Norman and Madaleno serve as a reminder that the program’s success is built on more than just talent and coaching. It’s the behind-the-scenes efforts of individuals like Norman and Madaleno that allow the Bulldogs to perform at their peak week in and week out.
Their expanded roles signal a continued commitment to innovation, player welfare, and excellence in sports medicine. With Norman and Madaleno leading the charge, the Bulldogs are well-positioned to remain a dominant force in college football for years to come.