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Kirby Smart
Kirby Smart
Kirby Smart
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Kirby Paul Smart[2] (born December 23, 1975) is an American football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at the University of Georgia, his alma mater. As head coach, he led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Smart was born in Montgomery, Alabama, to Sonny and Sharon Smart, and grew up in Bainbridge, Georgia.[3][4] He has a brother, Karl and a sister, Kendall.[4] His father, Sonny Smart, was a high school football coach and coached Smart in high school.[4][5] Smart began his playing career at Bainbridge High School and went on to play college football at the University of Georgia, where he was teammates with defensive linemen Antonio Cochran, Emarlos Leroy, linebacker Brandon Tolbert, Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey, and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward.[6] Smart was a four-year letterman at defensive back for Georgia and a first-team All-SEC selection as a senior.[7][8] He finished his career with 13 interceptions, which ranked fourth all-time at Georgia, and led the Bulldogs with six interceptions in 1997 and five in 1998.[9][8][10] He was also a four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.[11] Smart graduated from the Terry College of Business in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in finance. He went undrafted in the 1999 NFL draft and signed a free-agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts.[8] He spent the 1999 preseason with the team but was cut before the start of the regular season.[12] In 2003, Kirby attended Florida State University for graduate school.[13]

Coaching career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Smart began his coaching career with the University of Georgia in 1999, serving as an administrative assistant.[14] He moved to Valdosta State where he spent one season as defensive backs coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2001 season.[15] From 2002 to 2003, Smart worked as a graduate assistant under Bobby Bowden at Florida State while pursuing a master's degree.[13] He received his master's degree from FSU in 2003.[16] Smart then spent one season as defensive backs coach at LSU under head coach Nick Saban in 2004.[17] Smart rejoined the Georgia Bulldogs football program to serve as running backs coach for the 2005 season.[18] His only season in the NFL came in 2006, during which time he coached under Saban again, this time as the Miami Dolphins safeties coach.[19]

Alabama

[edit]

Smart followed Nick Saban to the University of Alabama in 2007. He was hired by Saban as an assistant coach on January 9.[20] On February 27, 2008, Smart was promoted to defensive coordinator.[21] On December 8, 2009, Smart was awarded the Broyles Award as the nation's best assistant coach.[22] He was the first Alabama assistant coach to win the award.[23] Alabama went on to win the BCS National Championship over Texas.[24] Smart considered a lucrative contract to be the defensive coordinator at his alma mater, the University of Georgia but chose to stay with the Crimson Tide in early January 2010.[25] In 2011, Smart's defense helped Alabama win another championship, beating LSU in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game.[26] On March 27, 2012, the University of Alabama System's Board Of Trustees voted to increase Smart's salary and extend his contract.[27] On November 20, 2012, Smart was recognized as the 2012 AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year.[28] Alabama would win another national championship, beating Notre Dame with a bruising defense.[29] On April 16, 2013, Smart was granted a $200,000 salary increase to make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football.[30] He was part of the Alabama staff that won the National Championship over Clemson in the 2015 season.[31]

Georgia

[edit]

On December 6, 2015, Smart was announced as the 26th head football coach at the University of Georgia.[32]

Smart with Alabama in 2013.

Smart has had 6 of his assistant coaches become head coaches at the FBS level: Shane Beamer for South Carolina, Sam Pittman for Arkansas, Mel Tucker for Colorado and Michigan State, Dan Lanning for Oregon, Fran Brown for Syracuse, and Dell McGee for Georgia State.

2016 season

[edit]

Smart earned his first victory as head coach of the Bulldogs in a 33–24 victory over #22 North Carolina in Georgia's first game.[33] Smart led Georgia to a 13–7 victory over #8 Auburn on November 12.[34] Smart went 8–5 in his first season as the head coach of the Bulldogs in 2016.[35] The Bulldogs finished tied for second in the SEC East division.[36] Smart's first year as Georgia's head coach ended with a 31–23 victory over TCU in the Liberty Bowl.[37]

2017 season

[edit]

In the 2017 season, Smart led the Bulldogs to their first 9–0 start since 1982 and won the SEC East after a victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on November 4.[38][39] On December 2, 2017, Smart coached Georgia to its first SEC title since 2005, and only the fourth 12-win season in school history (1980, 2002, 2012).[40][41][42] On December 3, Georgia was ranked No. 3 by the College Football Playoff Committee.[43] Georgia played No. 2 Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Rose Bowl. Georgia rallied from a 31–14 first-half deficit, ultimately defeating Oklahoma 54–48 in double overtime.[44] The Bulldogs went on to lose to Alabama in the National Championship Game 26–23, where Alabama freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa relieved Jalen Hurts late in the contest and ended the game on a 41-yard touchdown completion to DeVonta Smith in overtime.[45] Smart was named SEC Coach of the Year for the 2017 season and received the George Munger Award.[46]

2018 season

[edit]

In the 2018 season, Georgia completed the regular season with an 11–1 record. The one loss was a 36–16 defeat to #13 LSU.[47] Georgia earned a spot in the SEC Championship game as the Eastern Division Champions, but lost to Alabama, 35–28.[48][49][50] The No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs earned an invitation to play in the Sugar Bowl, where they lost to No. 15 Texas, 28–21.[51]

2019 season

[edit]

In 2019, Georgia had a regular-season record of 11–1. The team recorded victories over #7 Notre Dame and #6 Florida during the season.[52] The one loss was a 20–17 setback to South Carolina.[53][54] Georgia won the SEC East for the third consecutive season, but lost to LSU in the SEC Championship game, 37–10.[55][56] Georgia, ranked No. 5 entering the bowl season, beat No. 7 Baylor in the Sugar Bowl, 26–14.[57]

2020 season

[edit]

In 2020, Georgia's regular-season record was 7–2.[58] Georgia's two setbacks were to #2 Alabama and #8 Florida.[59][60] The season was shortened because of the COVID-19 pandemic; all four games against non-SEC opponents were canceled, though Georgia played one more game than usual against SEC opponents.[61] Georgia was slated to play ten games, but the game against Vanderbilt had to be cancelled due to COVID issues within the Commodore program.[62] Georgia finished the regular season in second place in the SEC East.[63] In the subsequent bowl season, the No. 9 Bulldogs beat No. 8 Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl, 24–21.[64]

2021 season

[edit]

In 2021, Georgia went 12–0 in the regular season.[65] Georgia lost to Alabama in the SEC Championship, 41–24.[66] Georgia was ranked No. 3 after this game and earned a College Football Playoff nomination.[67] The Bulldogs defeated No. 2 Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Orange Bowl, 34–11.[68] Georgia defeated No. 1 Alabama in the National Championship game, 33–18, to secure their first national championship since 1980.[69] With this victory, Smart became the first of Saban's former assistants at Alabama and just the second overall to defeat Saban (Jimbo Fisher, a former assistant at LSU and the head coach at Texas A&M, was the first after his unranked Aggies team upset the Crimson Tide earlier in the season).[70] Smart was named SEC Coach of the Year for the 2021 season.[71]

2022 season

[edit]

In July 2022, Smart and Georgia agreed to a 10-year contract extension worth $112.5 million, making him the highest-paid coach in college football.[72] Georgia started off the season with a #3 ranking in the AP Poll.[73] The team started with a 49–3 victory over #11 Oregon.[74] After the Oregon victory, Georgia earned the top spot in the AP Poll and reeled off seven more victories to set up an undefeated matchup against Tennessee, who was #1 in the College Football Playoff rankings and #2 in the AP Poll.[75] Georgia defeated Tennessee 27–13.[76] In the 2022 season, Georgia finished 12–0 once more in the regular season before defeating LSU in the SEC Championship game, 50–30.[77][78] Georgia defeated Ohio State in the Peach Bowl 42–41.[79] In the National Championship game, Georgia defeated TCU 65–7, making Kirby Smart a back-to-back national championship-winning coach, the first one since Nick Saban did so with Alabama in 2011 and 2012.[80] Smart was named SEC Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season and the third time overall.[81]

2023 season

[edit]

Before the beginning of 2023, Georgia was ranked #1 in both the AP and coaches polls.[82] Following a 49–21 victory over UAB, Smart's record as head coach of Georgia increased to 85–15, which became the highest total of wins and the highest win percentage achieved by an SEC coach through their first 100 games in history.[83] Smart additionally led the Bulldogs to an SEC-record 29-game win-streak with a 31–23 win over in-state rival Georgia Tech in Week 12 of the regular season, finishing it 12–0.[84] The win also resulted in the most recent instance of 3-consecutive seasons of undefeated in-conference SEC play, with the second most recent also being Georgia from 1980-82. The win streak ended with a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, 24–27.[85] As a result of the loss, Georgia was not among the top four ranked teams that made the College Football Playoff, and instead played Florida State in the Orange Bowl. Georgia defeated Florida State by a score of 63–3, the largest point differential in Orange Bowl and FBS bowl game history, the latter breaking the record set in the previous year's National Championship game.[86]

2024 season

[edit]

In May 2024, Smart and Georgia agreed to a ten-year contract extension worth $130 million, once again making him the highest-paid coach in college football history.[87] Smart earned his 100th career win as head coach in a 30–15 victory against #1 Texas.[88] Georgia finished with a 10–2 regular season record to qualify for the SEC Championship Game.[89] In a rematch against Texas, he led the Bulldogs to a conference title with a 22–19 overtime win,[90] clinching the #2-seed and a first-round bye for the College Football Playoff.[91] In the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame, Georgia lost 23–10.[92]

Personal life

[edit]
The Smart family poses for reporters ahead of the 2023 CFP title game.

Smart is married to Mary "Beth" Elizabeth Lycett, who played basketball for the University of Georgia.[2] The couple have three children.[93]

Smart's father, Sonny Smart, died on January 4, 2025.[4]

Head coaching record

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Georgia Bulldogs (Southeastern Conference) (2016–present)
2016 Georgia 8–5 4–4 T–2nd (Eastern) W Liberty
2017 Georgia 13–2 7–1 1st (Eastern) W Rose†, L CFP NCG† 2 2
2018 Georgia 11–3 7–1 1st (Eastern) L Sugar† 8 7
2019 Georgia 12–2 7–1 1st (Eastern) W Sugar† 4 4
2020 Georgia 8–2 7–2 2nd (Eastern) W Peach† 7 7
2021 Georgia 14–1 8–0 1st (Eastern) W Orange†, W CFP NCG† 1 1
2022 Georgia 15–0 8–0 1st (Eastern) W Peach†, W CFP NCG† 1 1
2023 Georgia 13–1 8–0 1st (Eastern) W Orange† 3 4
2024 Georgia 11–3 6–2 T–2nd L Sugar† 6 6
2025 Georgia 9–1 7–1
Georgia: 114–20 69–12
Total: 114–20
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kirby Smart

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kirby Smart (born December 23, 1975) is an American coach serving as the head coach of the Bulldogs since 2016. A former for Georgia from 1995 to 1998, where he earned First-Team All-SEC honors as a senior and recorded 13 career interceptions, Smart began his coaching career as an at his in 1999. He holds a in from the (1998) and a in from the same institution. Smart's coaching ascent included stints as defensive backs coach at Valdosta State (2000) and LSU (2004), running backs coach at Georgia (2005), and safeties coach with the NFL's (2006). From 2007 to 2015, he worked at the under , initially as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach before becoming defensive coordinator in , helping secure four national championships (2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015). Appointed Georgia's on December 6, 2015, Smart has compiled a 114–20 record as of November 17, 2025 (.851 winning percentage)—the highest in program history. Under Smart's leadership, Georgia has won two national championships (2021 and 2022), three (SEC) titles (2017, 2022, and 2024), and appeared in five s overall. The program set SEC records with a 29-game winning streak from December 2021 to December 2023 and a 33-game home winning streak, while producing over 80 NFL draft picks, including a record 15 in 2022 and nine first-round selections in that draft alone. Smart has been named SEC Coach of the Year three times (2017, 2021, 2022) and the 2017 Georgia Munger Collegiate Coach of the Year. His recruiting prowess has yielded nine top-three classes per 247Sports, including four No. 1 rankings (2018, 2020, 2023, 2024), with 170 ESPN 300 signees and 22 five-star recruits. In May 2024, Georgia extended Smart's contract through 2033 at an annual salary of $13 million, making him the highest-paid coach in at the time. Personally, Smart is married to Mary Beth Lycett, a former Georgia women's basketball player, and they have three children. The family resides in Athens, Georgia. As of November 17, 2025, in his 10th season, Georgia stands at 9–1 (7–1 SEC), continuing Smart's era of dominance amid evolving challenges like the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation.

Early life and playing career

Upbringing and family background

Kirby Smart was born on December 23, 1975, in . At the age of seven, his family relocated to , where his father took a coaching position. This move immersed Smart in a community deeply engaged with , shaping his early years. Smart's father, Sonny Smart, was a prominent high school football coach who joined Bainbridge High School as an assistant in 1982 and later became from 1988 to 1994. achieved notable success, including leading the team to the Class 4A state semifinals in , and his dedication to the sport provided Kirby with constant exposure to football strategies, practices, and team dynamics from a young age. This paternal influence fostered Smart's passion for the game, as he often observed and participated in his father's coaching environment. His mother, Sharon Smart, originally from , worked as an for 34 years and emphasized the importance of alongside in the household. Together with Sonny, she instilled values of discipline and in their children. Smart grew up with an older brother, Karl, and a younger sister, Kendall, in a setting where sports activities, particularly football, were central to daily life and bonding.

High school career

Kirby Smart attended Bainbridge High School in , where he played football under the guidance of his father, Smart, who served as the team's . Smart demonstrated versatility on the field, excelling as both a and a during his high school tenure. In his senior year of 1993, he helped lead the Bearcats to a strong 10–3 record and the Class 4A state semifinals, showcasing his leadership and defensive prowess. As a , Smart earned all-state honors, recognizing his standout performances in the secondary and his contributions to the team's regional success. He was also selected for regional competitions, highlighting his reputation as one of the top players in southwest Georgia. Beyond football, Smart participated in , adding to his well-rounded athletic profile at the school. Academically, he maintained strong performance, balancing his sports commitments with solid grades that prepared him for future opportunities. His father's coaching influence provided early exposure to the demands of competitive football, shaping Smart's approach to the game from a young age.

College playing career

Smart committed to the in 1995 after a standout high school career at Bainbridge High School, where he earned All-State honors as a . He majored in , earning a degree in finance in 1998 while being a four-time member of the Academic Honor Roll. As a for the from to 1998, Smart appeared in 44 games, recording 13 —ranking fourth in program history at the time—and contributing significantly to the secondary during his four-year letterman tenure. His totals included one each in and , followed by -leading figures of six in 1997 and five in 1998. Smart earned second-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and first-team All-SEC recognition in 1998, serving as during his senior year. Following his college career, Smart went undrafted in the but signed as a with the , participating in preseason activities before being released prior to the regular season, marking the end of his professional playing aspirations.

Assistant coaching career

Early roles (1999–2006)

Kirby Smart began his coaching career at his alma mater, the , in 1999, where he served as an under Jim Donnan. His prior experience as a standout for the Bulldogs from 1995 to 1998 facilitated this entry-level role, allowing him to gain initial insights into program operations and recruiting. In 2000, Smart transitioned to , a Division II program, as defensive backs coach under head coach Chris Hatcher. He was promoted to the following year in 2001, overseeing the Blazers' secondary during a period of staff development that included future coaches like ; that season, the defense ranked 2nd nationally in scoring defense as the team went 11–0 in the regular season. This role marked his first on-field coaching responsibilities, emphasizing coverage techniques and player fundamentals in a competitive environment. Smart then pursued further education and experience as a at from 2002 to 2003, working primarily with the defense under head coach . In 2004, he joined as defensive backs coach under , contributing to a secondary that helped the Tigers finish ranked No. 6 nationally in pass efficiency defense. His work with Saban, whom he would later reunite with multiple times, focused on aggressive man coverage schemes and player development. Returning to Georgia in 2005, Smart served as running backs coach under head coach Mark Richt, guiding a group that averaged 162.6 rushing yards per game en route to an SEC Championship. In February 2006, he accepted his first professional league position as safeties coach for the NFL's Miami Dolphins, again under Saban, where he coached a unit featuring veterans like Sammy Knight and emphasized run support and deep coverage in a 4-3 scheme. This brief NFL stint provided Smart with exposure to pro-level preparation and schemes before his return to college ranks.

Alabama Crimson Tide (2007–2015)

Kirby Smart joined the in 2007 as the defensive backs coach under head coach , leveraging his prior experience working with Saban at LSU and the . In 2008, he was promoted to , a role in which he implemented aggressive, disciplined schemes that emphasized speed, physicality, and coverage versatility. Under Smart's coordination, Alabama's defenses consistently ranked among the nation's elite, achieving No. 1 in total defense nationally in 2009, 2011, and 2012, while leading the SEC in the category each year from 2008 to 2015. These units were pivotal in Alabama's victories in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015, holding opponents to an average of under 12 points per game across those title seasons and forcing turnovers at critical junctures, such as in the against LSU. Smart's defensive strategies not only stifled high-powered offenses but also developed standout talent that contributed to the Tide's dominance. He played a key role in recruiting and coaching elite players, including running backs Mark Ingram, the 2009 winner from the 2008 class, and , the 2015 Heisman winner from the 2013 class, both of whom bolstered Alabama's balanced attacks during championship runs. In 2009, Smart earned the as the nation's top assistant coach for his oversight of a defense that allowed just 11.5 points per game en route to the national title. His units produced multiple All-Americans and NFL draft picks annually, with five defenders earning honors in 2011 alone. In 2014, Smart assumed additional duties as recruiting coordinator, leading to the nation's top-rated recruiting class that year, which included five-star prospects like Minkah and Kendall . This elite haul, ranked No. 1 by , reinforced 's talent pipeline and sustained the program's defensive excellence into 2015. Despite interest from other programs—interviewing for Auburn's head coaching job in 2012 and turning down an offer from Georgia in 2010—Smart remained at through the 2015 season, prioritizing the opportunity to build on the Tide's championship foundation. His tenure established 's defense as a benchmark for , influencing schemes across the sport.

Head coaching career

Early years at Georgia (2016–2018)

Kirby Smart was hired as the 25th head football coach of the on December 6, 2015, signing a six-year contract that paid him at least $3.75 million annually, including a $400,000 base salary and additional funds from apparel deals and incentives. Returning to his after nine seasons as at , where he helped win four national championships, Smart focused on rebuilding the program by instilling a physical, disciplined defensive rooted in his prior experience. In his inaugural 2016 season, Georgia finished 8-5 overall and 4-4 in SEC play, emphasizing defensive fundamentals that limited opponents to an average of 22.3 points per game. The campaign ended with a 24-17 victory over Penn State in the Bowl, providing Smart's first bowl win as and signaling early progress in program stabilization. The 2017 season represented a significant leap, as Georgia compiled a 13-2 record and captured the program's first SEC Championship since 2005 with a dominant 28-7 win over Auburn in the title game. Smart's squad, bolstered by a stout defense that ranked second nationally in scoring defense at 13.1 points per game allowed, advanced to the but fell 26-23 in overtime to . This runner-up finish marked Georgia's deepest playoff run since the system's inception and highlighted Smart's success in rapidly elevating the team's competitiveness within the SEC. Building on that momentum, the 2018 Bulldogs achieved an 11-3 record, clinching the SEC East division title for the second straight year with a flawless 6-0 mark against divisional foes. In the semifinal at the Rose Bowl, Georgia edged 54-48 in double overtime, showcasing a balanced attack led by running backs and . Smart's early recruiting prowess further solidified the program's foundation, as his inaugural 2016 class ranked seventh nationally and produced key contributors like quarterback , setting the stage for sustained talent influx.

National championship era (2019–2022)

The 2019 season marked a breakthrough for Kirby Smart's , culminating in a 12–2 overall record and a 7–1 mark in (SEC) play. The team started strong with wins over notable opponents like Notre Dame and , but suffered a midseason setback with a 20–17 loss to unranked . Georgia rebounded to claim the SEC East Division title before facing No. 1 LSU in the , where they fell 37–10, ending their national title hopes. In the semifinal of the , the Bulldogs defeated Baylor 26–14, with freshman wide receiver earning MVP honors for his 12 receptions and 175 yards. This postseason victory highlighted Smart's defensive strategies, which held opponents to an average of 15.6 during the . The 2020 campaign was heavily impacted by the , resulting in a shortened 10-game SEC-only regular season schedule and no conference championship game. Georgia finished 8–2 overall and 7–2 in conference play, with losses to (41–24) and (44–28) in a controversial matchup marred by a late targeting call. Despite the disruptions, Smart's team demonstrated resilience, ranking third nationally in total defense by allowing just 312.1 yards per game. In the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Georgia edged No. 8 24–21 on a last-second by , securing a postseason win and closing out the abbreviated year on a high note. Building on prior recruiting successes that bolstered the roster's depth, the 2021 season saw Georgia achieve a dominant 14–1 record, going undefeated in the regular season at 12–0 and 8–0 in SEC play. The Bulldogs' only defeat came in the , a 41–24 loss to , which dropped them to the No. 2 seed in the . Smart's squad advanced through the playoff bracket with a 34–11 rout of in the semifinal, where the defense forced four turnovers. In the game at , Georgia avenged their earlier loss by defeating 33–18, with quarterback throwing for 224 yards and two touchdowns while the defense sacked 's six times. This victory marked Smart's first national title as head coach and Georgia's first since 1980. The pinnacle of this era arrived in 2022, as Georgia completed a perfect 15–0 season, the program's first undefeated campaign since 1980. The Bulldogs dominated the regular season with an 11–0 record and 8–0 in the SEC East, outscoring opponents 460–118. In the , they overwhelmed LSU 50–30, with Kendall rushing for 154 yards and two scores. Advancing as the No. 1 playoff seed, Georgia survived a thriller in the Chick-fil-A semifinal, defeating State 42–41 on a 15-yard pass from Bennett with 0:54 remaining. The season concluded with a resounding 65–7 win over TCU in the title game, setting records for the largest margin of victory (58 points) and total offense (665 yards) in a championship contest. This repeat title under Smart solidified Georgia's status as a modern dynasty, with the defense allowing a nation-leading 10.1 .

Recent seasons (2023–2025)

In 2023, the under Kirby Smart achieved an undefeated 12–0 regular season record, capped by an SEC East division title. However, their bid for a third straight appearance ended with a 27–24 loss to in the , snapping a 29-game . Georgia closed the year with a resounding 63–3 victory over Florida State in the , setting an FBS record for the largest margin of victory in a and finishing 13–1 overall. The 2024 season brought a 11–3 record for Georgia, including a sixth straight 10-win campaign. Smart guided the Bulldogs to their third SEC title in five years via a 22–19 overtime triumph against in the conference championship, the first overtime game in SEC title history. Their postseason hopes were dashed in the quarterfinal, a 23–10 defeat to Notre Dame in the . Amid these results, Smart secured a 10-year, $130 million contract extension in May 2024, positioning him as college football's highest-paid coach with an annual salary of $13 million. Entering 2025, Smart's Bulldogs stand at 9–1 overall (7–1 SEC) as of November 16, ranked No. 4 in the . This includes a 35–10 victory over then-No. 10 on November 15, positioning Georgia strongly for the . The season has unfolded against the backdrop of personal adversity, as Smart's father, Smart—a longtime high school coach and influential figure in his son's career—passed away on January 4, 2025, from complications following a fall and hip surgery in New Orleans. Smart has spoken of his father's enduring lessons on leadership and excellence, noting, "I miss him often," while crediting for shaping his coaching philosophy. Smart has prioritized program stability through aggressive recruiting despite roster flux, with 13 players drafted in the and 16 others entering the transfer portal. Georgia's 2025 class achieved a program milestone by signing a record 22 in-state prospects under Smart's tenure, bolstering depth. As projected by Smart in July 2025, approximately 54% of the roster comprises first- or second-year players; the current official roster shows 44% (48 of 108 players) in these classes, underscoring Smart's strategy of integrating young talent to sustain competitiveness post-championships.

Personal life

Family

Kirby Smart married Mary Beth Smart (née Lycett) in 2006 after meeting at the , where both are alumni. Mary Beth played guard-forward on the Georgia Lady Bulldogs team from 1999 to 2003, earning recognition as the 1999 Miss Georgia Basketball during her high school career. The couple has three children: twins Weston (son) and Julia (daughter), born on February 8, 2008, and youngest son Andrew, born on May 25, 2012. The resides in , where Kirby serves as head coach of the Bulldogs. Mary Beth provides essential support in managing family responsibilities amid Kirby's intense coaching schedule and contributes to the operations of the Kirby Smart Family Foundation, which focuses on community initiatives in Georgia. On January 4, 2025, Kirby's father, Sonny Smart—a longtime high school coach whose influence shaped Kirby's early passion for football—died at age 76 from complications following a fall in New Orleans, profoundly impacting the family during the Bulldogs' preparations.

Philanthropy

Kirby Smart established the Kirby Smart Family Foundation in 2018, which received 501(c)(3) status in 2019 as a dedicated to raising awareness and resources for deserving causes, with a core mission to support needy children and families facing adversity. Through the foundation, Smart has facilitated donations totaling nearly $2.5 million by August 2025 to organizations across Georgia, emphasizing aid for children, families, teachers, and students in need. These efforts include the annual Giving Day events, which in 2025 raised $345,365 for 117 organizations, building on prior years to amplify statewide community support. In 2020, Smart and his wife, Mary Beth, personally donated $1 million to the Athletic Association, directing funds toward programs, scholarships for student-athletes impacted by , and enhancements to football facilities. Smart's wife and daughter play key roles in the foundation's operations and events, helping to foster lasting community impact in Athens and throughout Georgia.

Awards and honors

Coach of the Year awards

Kirby Smart has earned multiple Coach of the Year honors at both the conference and national levels, recognizing his leadership in transforming the into a dominant program. His awards highlight his ability to implement innovative defensive strategies that emphasize physicality, discipline, and adaptability, contributing to some of the nation's top-ranked defenses during his tenure. These accolades underscore his role in turning around Georgia's fortunes, elevating the team from inconsistent performances to consistent contenders in the and nationally. Smart has been named Coach of the Year three times, in 2017, 2021, and 2022. The 2017 honor came after guiding Georgia to its first SEC Championship since 2005 and an appearance in the game, marking a significant program resurgence. In 2021, he received the award for leading the Bulldogs to a 14-1 record and the program's first national title in 41 years, with a defense that ranked first nationally in scoring defense (10.1 points per game). The 2022 recognition followed a perfect 15-0 season and repeat national championship, as Smart's team topped all major defensive categories, including total yards allowed (245.1 per game). These selections were made by a panel of head coaches and media members, reflecting his impact on team performance and development. At the national level, Smart won the George Munger Collegiate Coach of the Year Award in 2017, presented by the for his outstanding leadership and success in elevating Georgia's program. He has also been a multiple-time finalist for prestigious honors, including the (finalist in 2017, 2021, and 2022) from the , the Paul " Coach of the Year Award (finalist in 2017 and 2022), and the Coach of the Year Award. These nominations recognize his consistent excellence in building a culture through defensive mastery and player development.
YearAwardOrganizationContext
2017SEC Coach of the YearLed Georgia to SEC title and CFP National Championship appearance; program turnaround with 13-2 record.
2017George Munger Collegiate Coach of the YearRecognized for defensive innovations and national runner-up finish.
2021SEC Coach of the YearGuided team to national championship; No. 1 scoring defense nationally.
2022SEC Coach of the YearRepeat national champions with undefeated season; top-ranked defense in multiple categories.

Championships and conference titles

As defensive coordinator at Alabama from 2007 to 2015, Kirby Smart contributed to four won by the Crimson Tide: the victory over (37–17), the win against LSU (9–0), the 2012 BCS National Championship defeat of Notre Dame (42–14), and the triumph over Clemson (45–40). Under Smart's head coaching tenure at Georgia since 2016, the Bulldogs have secured two , marking the program's first back-to-back titles in its history. The 2021 season culminated in a 33–18 victory over in the CFP Game at in , completing an undefeated 14–1 campaign. The following year, Georgia repeated as champions with a dominant 65–7 rout of TCU in the 2023 CFP Game (played January 9, 2023) at in , finishing 15–0. Smart has also led Georgia to three Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships. The first came in 2017 with a 28–7 win over Auburn in the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, securing the program's first conference title since 2005. Subsequent victories followed in 2022 (50–30 against LSU) and 2024 (22–19 in overtime versus Texas, the first overtime SEC title game). During the years the SEC maintained divisional alignments (through the 2023 season), Georgia claimed the SEC Eastern Division title six times under Smart: in 2017 (8–0 divisional record), 2018 (7–1), 2019 (8–0), 2021 (8–0), 2022 (8–0), and 2023 (8–0). The SEC eliminated divisions starting with the 2024 season, transitioning to a top-two format for championship qualification.

Coaching record

Head coaching record

Kirby Smart has compiled an overall head coaching record of 114–20 (.851 winning percentage) at the through the partial 2025 regular season. In (SEC) play, his teams hold a 69–11 mark. The following table summarizes his year-by-year performance:
YearOverallConference (SEC)
20168–54–4
201713–27–1
201811–37–1
201912–27–1
20208–27–1
202114–18–0
202215–08–0
202313–18–0
202411–36–2
20259–1*7–1*
*As of November 17, 2025. Smart's teams have a home record of 57–5, an away record of 36–5, and a neutral-site record of 28–11 through the 2025 partial season. He reached 100 career wins faster than any other coach in SEC history, achieving the milestone in his 117th game during the 2024 season.

Bowl game record

As head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, Kirby Smart has compiled a 9–3 bowl game record (.750 winning percentage) across 12 appearances, with his teams securing two national championships during this span. These postseason successes underscore Georgia's dominance in major bowls, including multiple victories, though recent results include a semifinal loss in the 2024 season. Smart's first bowl win came in the 2016 , setting the stage for a run of high-stakes games that featured dramatic overtime triumphs and lopsided title-game routs. The following table details Smart's bowl game performances, listing the regular season year, date, bowl name, opponent, result, score (Georgia's score listed first), and venue:
SeasonDateBowl GameOpponentResultScoreVenue
2016December 30, 2016Liberty BowlTCUWin31–23Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, TN
2017January 1, 2018Rose Bowl (CFP Semifinal)OklahomaWin54–48 (2OT)Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
2017January 8, 2018CFP National ChampionshipAlabamaLoss23–26 (OT)Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
2018January 1, 2019Sugar BowlTexasLoss21–28Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA
2019January 1, 2020Sugar BowlBaylorWin26–14Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA
2020January 1, 2021Peach BowlCincinnatiWin24–21Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
2021December 31, 2021Orange Bowl (CFP Semifinal)MichiganWin34–11Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
2021January 10, 2022CFP National ChampionshipAlabamaWin33–18Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
2022December 31, 2022Peach Bowl (CFP Semifinal)Ohio StateWin42–41Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
2022January 9, 2023CFP National ChampionshipTCUWin65–7SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
2023December 30, 2023Orange Bowl (CFP Semifinal)Florida StateWin63–3Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
2024January 2, 2025Sugar Bowl (CFP Quarterfinal)Notre DameLoss10–23Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA

References

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