ATHENS — Georgia’s release about assistants returning on next year’s staff did not mention Thomas Brown, and there’s a good reason for that.

Brown, the team’s running backs coach this year, is to join Mark Richt’s staff at Miami, multiple people familiar with the situation said on Tuesday.

The offer would include some sort of title, possibly co-offensive coordinator. Richt has said he intends to call plays for the Hurricanes.

Brown’s decision represents a change of heart. He confirmed himself plans to remain with the Bulldogs while he was out on the road recruiting with Smart in the days after new head coach Kirby Smart’s appointment. But Brown was recruited to Georgia by Richt, convinced to try coaching by Richt after Brown’s NFL career ended and lured back to UGA from Wisconsin.

Barring another change of mind, Brown was going to tell players after Tuesday’s practice. He was planning on remaining with the team through the bowl.

Smart announced Tuesday morning that two defensive assistants were being retained: Defensive line coach Tracy Rocker and outside linebackers coach Kevin Sherrer. (Sherrer is coordinating the defense and moving to coach inside linebackers during bowl practice.)

Three other assistant coaches have been hired: Glenn Schumann to an undefined defensive role, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jim Chaney, and offensive line coach Sam Pittman.

Bryan McClendon, the Bulldogs’ receivers coach and interim head coach, remains in limbo, at least publicly.

Staff writer Chip Towers contributed to this report.