ATHENS — Loran Smith has been removed from his longtime role as sideline reporter but will remain part of the game coverage on Georgia radio broadcasts.

Smith, 72, will continue as one of the hosts on the pre-game show for the Georgia radio network, which covers 52 stations.
Chuck Dowdle, the former longtime sports anchor for WSB-TV, was named on Thursday as the new sideline reporter for the network.

Smith told The Associated Press on Thursday night the changes in his role on the broadcast “just sort of evolved out of several different discussions.”

“I’m comfortable with the way we’re going, since I will still be involved,” Smith said.
Smith said he has no plan to retire.

Smith said he started a post-game radio show with former coach Vince Dooley in the early 1970s and joined former play-by-play legend Larry Munson in 1974. Munson and Smith became a popular team.

“I’ve had 36 good years on the sideline and I appreciate the support of the Georgia people for that,” Smith said.
Georgia fans knew it was time for an update from Smith when Munson would call out “Whaddyagot, Loran?”

Uga VI, one of the line of English bulldog mascots, was named “Whatchagot Loran.”