As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for Wednesday morning’s National Signing Day for football, the top storyline of the day doesn’t even involve a recruit. It’s whether or not defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will be around to meet any of the new signees.

Grantham has long been rumored to be a candidate for defensive coordinator jobs with the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints. But those rumors reached another level on Tuesday as multiple reports from NFL beat writers said Grantham is scheduled to interview with the Saints on Thursday.

Most of the reports cited NFL sources. But Saints radio sideline reporter Kristian Garic stated on Twitter that it was Saints head coach Sean Payton who told him so. This time it looks pretty solid.

As has been the case from the outset, neither Grantham nor his agent have responded to calls and messages seeking comment. But there’s really no need to hear from them. The fact that they have let the rumors flap in the wind unabated for weeks is statement enough. He wants the job.

Grantham was in a similar situation last year, when rumors of his return to the NFL surfaced. But he addressed them then. He emailed a statement to several members of the UGA beat corps on Jan. 11:

“This time of year there are a lot of rumors involving coaching openings. Because of the terrific recruiting class we are assembling and the juniors that have communicated to me their desire to come back to Georgia I felt it important to address some of these current and any future rumors. I’ve had discussions with Coach Richt and (AD) Greg McGarity and we are on track to finalizing details on a contract extension. My family enjoys Athens very much. I love the passion and excitement of our fans. We have the program headed in the right direction and I want to be a part of bringing Georgia a championship. My desire is to be at UGA for a very long time. Go Dawgs!”

There has been no such statement this time around.

Meanwhile, the three-year, $2.4 million contract that Grantham inked shortly after that last year includes a clause that allows him to leave UGA without penalty for an NFL coordinator’s job or a college head coaching job. There also is a clause that states Grantham must inform Athletic Director Greg McGarity about serious job interests. As of Tuesday night, McGarity said he had not been heard from Grantham in that regard.

Of course, Grantham might not get it. There were also reports that Rob Ryan is to interview for the same job with the Saints on Friday and one that says Ryan is Payton’s target. Meanwhile, there are persisting reports out of Philadelphia that Grantham remains a candidate for the Eagles’ DC opening under new coach Chip Kelly.

Regardless of what Grantham eventually decides to do, it has already affected Georgia’s recruiting. Chamblee defensive end Davin Bellamy, who Grantham had a major hand in flipping from a Florida State commitment, has expressed concerns to AJC Recruiting reporter Michael Carvell that Grantham might bolt for the NFL. But Bellamy said Grantham insists he will be around to coach him. Bellamy is due to make his decision Wednesday at 11 a.m. and it was speculated to be Georgia over Oregon and Tennessee. But his family seeking answers from UGA Tuesday night.

"This was our biggest fear," a family member told the AJC. "We're going to call Georgia and try to get more information.

Grantham also was recruiting 5-star defensive linemen Montravius Adams and junior college defensive lineman Toby Johnson, among others. Neither player is expected to sign with the Bulldogs now.

Grantham is scheduled to meet with the media Wednesday at 2 p.m. – along with head coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo – to discuss the newest crop of recruits. I suppose we could get some answers from Grantham then.

If he shows.