ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia coach Mark Richt is replacing his longtime associate Dave Van Halanger as the team's top strength coach.

Van Halanger will take a new role as Richt's administrative assistant, beginning Jan. 1. Joe Tereshinski, a longtime assistant strength and conditioning coach, will move up to head the program. Georgia announced the change on Thursday.

Tereshinski, a former player, has been on Georgia's staff since 1982 and has been an assistant strength coach and video coordinator since 1987.

Van Halanger came to Georgia with Richt from Florida State 10 years ago and installed the mat drills as the much-feared center of the offseason conditioning program.