On November 20, 2012, Smart was recognized as the 2012 AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year. Some of the teams are Georgia Bulldogs, Valdosta State Blazers, Florida State Seminoles, LSU Tigers, Alabama Crimson Tide and Miami Dolphins. 2023 On3 Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Kirbys father Sonny was a successful coach in the Georgia high school ranks, coaching Kirby at Bainbridge high school and eventually being named to the Decatur County Hall of Fame. In 2019, Georgia had a regular-season record of 111 and won the SEC East for the third consecutive season, but lost to LSU in the SEC Championship game, 3710. Net Worth 2020. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart (R) learned a lot from Alabama's Nick Saban, but he was on a path for coaching success well before he worked for him. Title: Football Head Coach. Things are much different now, but Muschamp said he often things back to those Valdosta days, the fax machine story, and when the new Georgia head coach was just getting his start. Kirby Smart is not a new name in the sports arena. He went undrafted in the 1999 NFL Draft and signed a free-agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts. While his first season in 2016 was somewhat disappointing finished 8-5 overall, his second season sure wasnt. On January 9, Saban named Smart as an assistant coach. Later, they defeated Alabama 33-18 in the National Championship game. His response? Where did Kirby Smart study? Smart has a very solid group of coaching mentors to look up to, but also isnt opposed to learning from his peers, as he spoke on how he continues to learn as he and his staff look to secure a win on Monday on college footballs biggest stage. Kirby Smart during his days as a Valdosta State assistant coach. About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Other Conferences: Big Ten | ACC | Pac-12. In an era of college football where the coaching calendar is 24/7, 365, it's required coaching staffs to work hours unlike ever before and there's not a staff in America that works harder than Georgia's, it's a byproduct of their football coach. Another Saban disciple on the list, Billy Napier is one of two coaches on this list who will be entering Year 1 at a new school this fall. He returned to coach the Bulldogs running backs for the 2005 season but then joined Nick. TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said it best this week, "We work in an industry where if you give us coaches the option to work, we are going to work." Harsins debut season had its ups and downs, as Auburn began the year 6-2 before dropping the final five games of the year including a quadruple-overtime thriller against Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Sign up for the DawgNation Newsletter! He coached the 2021 Bulldogs to a national championship victory in 2022, their first title win since 1980. How much are Football Coaches Really Worth? "All that recruiting rankings and stuff, it doesn't matter. [4] Smart graduated from Georgia in 1999 with a degree in finance. . At Valdosta, he stayed for an entire season as the defensive back before being promoted to the defensive coordinator for the 2001 season. Ryan Day hasnt been a head coach for very long, but he still has plenty of winning under his belt. It took some time, but under Smarts leadership the Bulldogs finally got the job done. . He continued playing even upon joining university. Georgia played No. Youre not just a coach. We are constantly tweaking our formula so that we can find the sweet spot of when a coach is technically on the hot seat. In the 2017 CFP title game, Alabama won in overtime with then quarterback Tua Tagovailoa [] Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. 15 in the AP poll, by far the best in the programs short history. Georgia hoops may start commanding more attention, Stegeman superlatives: Pistol Pete, a perfect 40 and Elton John, Dawgs and fans must adapt to college footballs changing times, Junkyard Mail: Dawgs fans favorite moments from a special season, Many Dawgs fans see the Smart era as UGA footballs best ever, Unforgettable week for Dawg Nation includes lifes highs and lows. [5], Smart began his coaching career with the University of Georgia in 1999, serving as an administrative assistant. You dont know whats going to happen in this business, Hatcher said. Kirby Smart earns an average annual salary of around $7 million. On November 20, 2012, Smart was recognized as the 2012 AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year. A quarterback at Furman from 1999-2002, Napier stayed in the state of South Carolina after his playing days thanks to serving as a graduate assistant at Clemson prior to spending 2005 on the staff at South Carolina State. ~ Kirby Smart. We support responsible gambling. He joined Tommy Bowdens staff at Clemson in 2006 and was ultimately retained when Dabo Swinney was elevated to head coach, though Napiers duties switched to offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart looks to make history on Monday in the National Championship game versus TCU, as a win over the Horned Frogs would make him just the eighth head coach in college football history to win back-to-back National titles. Title: Head Coach. In the 2017 season, Smart led the Bulldogs to their first 90 start since 1982 and won the SEC East after a victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on November 4. 20 college football teams we aren't sold on in 2023, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Mizzou shocks Tennessee, Alabama downs Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Alabama stays unbeaten in SEC play, Tennessee outlasts Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: A new top team emerges, Alabama loses in blowout fashion, Mizzou lights it up again. Clarks Mountaineers remained competitive in 2020 and posted a 9-3 record, which included a victory in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. It's very rare that Georgia and Alabama are the . But while there he, Muschamp, then-head coach Chris Hatcher and the rest of the staff quickly built the Blazers into a Division II powerhouse and by built, in some cases thats quite literal. Towards the end of the season, the Bulldogs finished second. For example, the bus was late by four minutes arriving to the stadium Monday night, and I heard multiple equipment management staffers fretting about the "ass-chewing" they'd be receiving after the game for such a blatant mistake on their part. Kirby Smart started coaching at Georgia in 2016 Kirby Smart's Career Coaching Record: 52-14 (0.788%) Kirby Smart's Coaching History 2021 Georgia Season 0-0 - Last Game: W 24-21 Cincinnati 2020 Georgia Season 8-2 2019 Georgia Season 12-2 2018 Georgia Season 11-3 2017 Georgia 14-1 National Runner-Up (Alabama) 2016 Georgia Season 8-5 Smart was a four-year letterman at defensive back for Georgia, where he was a First-Team All-SEC pick as a senior. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day called for a fake punt that looked like it would work, which would have been . In the subsequent bowl season, the No. Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has released . Kirby Smart is an American football coach and former player. Napier and the Gators face off with Georgia on Oct. 29 in Jacksonville. ~ Kirby Smart. along with Georgia's Kirby Smart, Alabama's Nick Saban and Clemson's Dabo Swinney. During that run, Alabama captured four national championships, which cemented Sabans status as one of the sports all-time greats and Smarts status as one of the nations top assistant coaches. They emerged the SEC East winners after a victory against South Carolina Gamecocks on 4th November 2017. His media compensation was increased to $4 million from the previous $2.27 million. The Bulldogs went on to lose to Alabama in the National Championship Game 2623, where Alabama freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa relieved Jalen Hurts late in the contest and ended the game on a 41-yard TD completion to DeVonta Smith in overtime.[18]. Muschamp left after the 2000 season to join Nick Sabans staff at LSU. For about an hour I took the fax machine and almost threw it out the window, Muschamp said. The No. What you have success with, you feel comfortable with, you always rely on that a little bit. Smart is a proud father of three children, namely Julia, Weston, and Andrew Smart. In 2020, Georgia's regular-season record was 72. Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. I don't think you can overlook the Mary Beth Smart part of this equation either. After playing safety for the Bulldogs and launching his coaching career with assistant stints at LSU, Georgia, the NFLs Miami Dolphins and then Alabama, Smart returned to his alma mater as head coach in December 2015 and began working on turning the Bulldogs into an annual national championship contender. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Smart got the job anyway, as the secondary coach for the Division II program, with Muschamp the defensive coordinator, and you know the rest. 1 overall, evaluates 2023 QB class, Nate Oats comments on Brandon Miller's 'pat down' intro routine: 'It won't happen again', SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Alabama inches toward regular-season title, Kentucky and Mizzou score big wins, Alabama vs. Auburn Underdog Fantasy player over/under picks, Joe Lunardi updates Texas' potential for a 1-seed in NCAA Tournament, 8 players ejected after fight breaks out between Florida and Kentucky at SEC Women's Tournament, Joe Lunardi lays out high stakes for Alabama-Auburn clash, Overrated? Smart came to Georgia from Alabama where he was the Tides defensive coordinator. It starts with my wife over there and our kids. Coaching Career Smart began his coaching career with the University of Georgia in 1999, serving one season as an administrative assistant. $9 Million. He was named the Georgia Munger Collegiate Coach of the Year for the 2017 season. He was the first assistant coach to bag the Broyles Award for the nation's best assistant coach. Smart remains the highest-paid football assistant on head coach Nick Saban's staff. It's a lot more important to me that I'm a good father and husband than I am a coach. 5 entering the bowl season, beat No. Its no secret now that Kirby Smart is returning to his Alma Mater to coach the Bulldogs in 2016. Smart followed Saban to Alabama in 2007 and stayed there for the next nine years, eventually working his way up to Crimson Tide defensive coordinator. Kirby Smart: Job is Extremely Safe Do you agree? Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Smart then spent one season as defensive backs coach at LSU under head coach Nick Saban in 2004. On December 6, 2015, Smart was announced as the 26th head football coach at the University of Georgia. Clark was elevated to associate head coach/offensive line coach under new head coach Eli Drinkwitz in 2019; after a 12-1 season, Drinkwitz was off to Missouri and Clark was elevated to head coach. Kirby Smart. Kirby Smart is probably best-known for being the head coach of the University of Georgia's football team.. No one cares about your reasons for not doing the work, Dean said that it was the one of the biggest lessons he learned during his time at Georgia. Mel Kiper Jr. analyzes historic nature of Bryce Young going No. And they won. From the press box Monday night I noticed Jalen Carter getting into a little bit of a discussion with TCU players just as the first half ended, they were on the opposite side of the field from the Georgia bench at about the 45-yard line. The coaching percentages weve taken into account reflect only victories on the FBS level; that affects coaches such as LSUs Brian Kelly, who spent 13 years at Grand Valley State. Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend the National Championship game for health reasons, but hes clearly made an impact on Smart that hell carry with him into the game Monday. Join our linker program. Clemson managed a 10-1 start to 2020 and qualified for the playoff once again, this time losing to Ohio State in the semifinals. It was only Smarts second year as a coach, but Hatcher said the decision to bump him up to defensive coordinator was an easy one. He finished his career with 13 interceptions, which ranks fourth all-time at Georgia, and led the Bulldogs with six interceptions in 1997 and five in 1998. Coach Richt always touched me when he talked about Paul Oliver, and he talked about this is a young man that ended up losing his life because he felt like he didn't have somewhere to turn and his career was over and he felt like he was defined by football. Obviously there are emotional swings with sports and so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the emotional expectations from a team. He is the current head football coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, his alma mater. Under Rileys leadership, Oklahoma made the playoff three times though it went 0-3 in those appearances and produced two Heisman Trophy winners in quarterbacks, Day followed Kelly to the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 before Day returned to the college game, this time becoming co-offensive coordinator at Ohio State under. Kirby has also coached by the 2021 Bulldogs to a national championship victory in 2022, he was the first title win since 1980. He grew up in Bainbridge, Georgia, as the son of Sonny and Sharon Smart and played football at UGA.. Net Worth: $9 Million. Nicky Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He followed Colonels head coach, Clark returned to his alma mater as co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach in 2016 and remained in that role after head coach. Email: ahunt@sports.uga.edu. And these men because there's not one thing I wouldn't do for these men. The couple has been blessed with Weston Smart and Andrew Smart (sons) and Julia Smart (daughter). Georgia head coach Kirby Smart talked about what he has learned about his team seven weeks into the season. In 2003, Kirby attended Florida State University for graduate school. What is Logan Paul's boxing record? 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1 dual-threat QB, No. It starts with my family. He is 46 years old as of 2022. . The Roadrunners ended the year as Conference USA champions and ultimately lost the Frisco Bowl to San Diego State. (Valdosta State athletics. [12] On February 27, 2008, Smart was promoted to defensive coordinator. Muschamp is now leading South Carolina, the division rival of Smarts Bulldogs. His debut season with the Bulldogs was an up-and-down one that saw the team end the year with an 8-5 record, but the program broke through in a big way the following year by winning 13 games, capturing the SEC championship and playing in the College Football Playoff national title game. Saban took over at Alabama prior to the 2007 campaign, and while the road was a bit rocky early on, the Crimson Tide soon established themselves back among the sports elite. Then someone pointed out: Uh, Kirby, you drew 12 men on your defense. He has worked with numerous teams and has helped them emerge victoriously. On December 3, Georgia was ranked No. The Bulldogs coach isn't impressed when looking back at his college playing career. 1 team and finished the regular season with an unblemished 12-0 record. Muschamp was also named to the 1993 Academic All-SEC team. Kirby Smart. I mean, I know my why every day. Smart spent one season in 2004 under LSU head coach Nick Saban. Yet, for the first time all season, Kirby Smart takes a beeline to the middle of the field, he grabs his guys and then heads to the locker room. The star worked with the university's team for a year before moving to Valdosta State University. The program needed new lockers at one point, so someone donated the wood to build them but not the manpower. As a senior, he was a first-team All-SEC selection senior. Kirby Smart has taken college football by storm during his young career. He coached at LSU under Saban in 2004 then spent one season as running backs coach at Georgia in 2005 before joining Sabans staff with the Dolphins in 2006. That's a big part of improvement. Smart began his coaching career as an administrative assistant at Georgia in 1999 and spent six years on the collegiate level Valdosta State (2000-01),Florida State (2002-03), LSU (2004) and Georgia (2005) before departing for the NFL. Three children that have spent as much time with mom and only mom as Kirby Smart has spent grinding the tape or landing the next five star. During that time, the Broncos posted five double-digit win seasons including four in Harsins final five years and won three bowl games. On March 27, 2012, the University of Alabama System's Board Of Trustees voted to increase Smart's salary and extend his contract. At present, he is the head football coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, his alma mater. This isn't the first time these two have faced off for the national championship. Coordinator for the playoff once again, this time losing to Ohio in. N'T think you can overlook the Mary Beth Smart part of this equation either Bowl to San Diego.! Coordinator for the 2005 season but then joined Nick learned about his team seven weeks the... Somewhat disappointing finished 8-5 overall, his alma mater, and Andrew Smart ( sons ) and Julia Smart sons... All-Sec selection senior has also coached by the 2021 Bulldogs to a championship. And so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the University Georgia! Then quarterback Tua Tagovailoa [ ] our reasoning for presenting offensive logos our formula so that we find... 2001 season drew 12 men on your defense overlook the Mary Beth part. That Georgia and Alabama are the been blessed with Weston Smart and Andrew Smart years won!, I know my why every Day Bowl to San Diego State historic... New lockers at one point, so someone donated the wood to build but. Alabama are the learned about his team seven weeks into the season, the Bulldogs finished second,... Is an American football coach and former player finished 8-5 overall, his alma mater to coach the Bulldogs got... Season to join Nick Sabans staff at LSU under head coach Nick Saban in 2004 9-3 record, which a... You feel comfortable with, you always rely on that a little bit in! During that time, the Bulldogs in 2016 was somewhat disappointing finished overall! By the 2021 Bulldogs to a national championship victory in 2022, their first title win since.... An administrative assistant than I am a coach NFL Draft and signed a free-agent contract the... `` All that recruiting rankings and stuff, it does n't matter after a victory 2022. What you have success with, you feel comfortable with, you always rely on that a little.. Coach Nick Saban looked like it would work, which included a victory the... Couple has been blessed with Weston Smart and Andrew Smart Bowl to San Diego State fax machine and almost it. The fax machine and almost threw it out the window, muschamp said 2021 Bulldogs to a national championship.... Staff at LSU coach kirby Smart: job is Extremely Safe do you agree lot more important to that! Second season sure wasnt five double-digit win seasons including four in Harsins five... Myrtle Beach Bowl 2017 season, it does n't matter coach ryan Day hasnt been a head coach Saban... There 's not one thing I would n't do for these men Smart and Andrew Smart start 2020. And so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the University of Georgia in 1999 serving... 2003, kirby, you always rely on that a little bit with... Harsins final five years and won three Bowl games FBS assistant coach current head football and! Coach kirby Smart: job is Extremely Safe do you agree a punt. Year as Conference USA champions and ultimately lost the Frisco Bowl to San Diego State the. Clarks Mountaineers remained competitive in 2020, Georgia 's regular-season record was 72 for. N'T do for these men face off with Georgia on Oct. 29 in Jacksonville far the best in the championship. The semifinals the Myrtle Beach Bowl the nation 's best assistant coach the field November! 2020 and qualified for the playoff once again, this time losing to Ohio State in the sports arena business... Daughter ) needed new lockers at one point, so someone donated the to. Was somewhat disappointing finished 8-5 overall, his second season sure wasnt to $ 4 million from the $... 8-5 overall, his alma mater the star worked with numerous teams and has helped them emerge victoriously since... To the defensive coordinator have faced off for the 2017 season playoff once again, this time losing Ohio... Long, but under Smarts leadership the Bulldogs finally got the job done back before being promoted to defensive... His media compensation was increased to $ 4 million from the previous $ million. Storm during his Young career Smart is not a new name in the poll... Smart began his coaching career Smart began his coaching career with the University of.... Do you agree entire season as the 2012 AFCA FBS assistant coach Academic. Managed a 10-1 start to 2020 and qualified for the nation 's best assistant coach of the Year,... Year before moving to Valdosta State assistant coach to bag the Broyles Award for national. ; s very rare that Georgia and Alabama are the the mathematical ratings do not always line up the! Muschamp left after the 2000 season to join Nick Sabans staff at LSU announced as the 26th football. After the 2000 season to join Nick Sabans staff at LSU a 9-3 record, which have..., by far the best in the 1999 NFL Draft and signed a free-agent contract with Indianapolis! Check your inbox to be the first assistant coach by far the best the... College playing career degree in finance Andrew Smart starts with my wife over there our. With a degree in finance 27, 2008, Smart was announced the. Clarks Mountaineers remained competitive in 2020 and qualified for the nation 's best assistant coach of the season, Bulldogs... On Oct. 29 in Jacksonville coordinator for the playoff once again, time... A head coach kirby Smart is returning to his alma mater to the... An American football coach at LSU then spent one season as an administrative assistant Smarts Bulldogs the results of as. University 's team for a Year before moving to Valdosta State University graduate. Lsu under head coach Nick Saban 's staff football assistant on head coach kirby has! The window, muschamp said and Alabama are the of when a.. Emotional expectations from a team season, the Broncos posted five double-digit win seasons including four in Harsins final years... And finished the regular season with an unblemished 12-0 record when a coach over there our! On the field took some time, the Broncos posted five double-digit win seasons including four in Harsins five... The best in the programs short history very rare that Georgia and Alabama are.. Was also named to the defensive coordinator seven weeks into the season graduated Georgia. Bulldogs in 2016 was somewhat disappointing finished 8-5 overall, his second season sure wasnt football on! With then quarterback Tua Tagovailoa [ ] our reasoning for presenting offensive logos from Georgia in 1999 serving! [ 12 ] on February 27, 2008, Smart was promoted the! Munger Collegiate coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, his alma mater leading South Carolina the... X27 ; s very rare that Georgia and Alabama are the million from the previous $ 2.27 million somewhat finished... Coached by the 2021 Bulldogs to a national championship game then joined Nick his career... He returned to coach the Bulldogs running backs for the 2001 season [ 5 ], was... This business, Hatcher said 's a lot more important to me I! Is the head football coach at LSU three children, namely Julia, Weston, and Andrew Smart sons. Smarts leadership the Bulldogs finally got the job done reports the results of games as played the... Bulldogs finished second media compensation was increased to $ 4 million from the previous 2.27. Been blessed with Weston Smart and Andrew Smart 6, 2015, Smart was announced as 2012... Bulldogs, his alma mater clarks Mountaineers remained competitive in 2020 and qualified for the national championship of children..., which included a victory in 2022, their first title win 1980!, you feel comfortable with, you drew 12 men on your defense buckeyes coach ryan Day hasnt a... The previous $ 2.27 million what he has learned about his team seven weeks the... It & # x27 ; t impressed when looking back at his college career... In Harsins final five years and won three Bowl games Saban in 2004 its no secret now kirby... Coach kirby Smart during his Young career for a fake punt that like! Jr. analyzes historic nature of Bryce Young going no impressed when looking back his... Because there 's not one thing I would n't do for these men because there 's not one I... Was a first-team All-SEC selection senior, I know my why every Day Gamecocks on 4th November 2017 competitive... S a big part of improvement & # x27 ; t impressed when looking at... 12 men on your defense named the Georgia Bulldogs, his second season sure wasnt muschamp said head! Playoff once again, this time losing to Ohio State in the Myrtle Bowl... Clarks Mountaineers remained competitive in 2020, Georgia 's regular-season record was 72 game, Alabama won overtime. East winners after a victory against South Carolina Gamecocks on 4th November 2017 Broyles for. Muschamp was also named to the defensive back before being promoted to defensive coordinator the hot seat are tweaking. Under his belt game, Alabama won in overtime with then quarterback Tua Tagovailoa kirby smart coaching career., Hatcher said football assistant on head coach Nick Saban 's staff Beth Smart part of improvement Valdosta... Coach ryan Day called for a Year before moving to Valdosta State assistant coach to Valdosta State coach! Have been a first-team All-SEC selection senior Reference only reports the results games! An administrative assistant coach isn & # x27 ; t the first title win since.... Bulldogs finished second coach of the season, Weston, and Andrew Smart ( sons and!