Despite a flop in the College Football Playoff, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is still regarded as the best.

In the world of college football, the significance of winning national championships cannot be overstated. For coaches, it’s the ultimate measure of success, the crowning achievement that solidifies legacies and defines careers. For Kirby Smart, head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, this moment has come, gone, and returned again. Smart’s leadership and skill have guided Georgia to national prominence, culminating in national championships and high expectations for every season. Yet, despite his unparalleled success in recent years, the recent College Football Playoff (CFP) flop has raised questions and cast some doubt on the Bulldogs’ current trajectory.

However, even with the disappointment of an early exit from the CFP, Smart remains one of the most revered coaches in the country, with a reputation that is largely untarnished. His body of work speaks for itself—multiple SEC titles, national championships, and a roster that consistently competes for top rankings in the nation. Despite the setbacks, Kirby Smart’s legacy continues to stand tall, and his place as the best coach in college football today is, for many, unquestionable.

Building the Georgia Dynasty

Kirby Smart’s journey to becoming one of the best in college football started long before his time at Georgia. Raised in the heart of Georgia, Smart played college football at the University of Georgia as a defensive back. From an early age, he was entrenched in the culture of the game and formed a deep bond with the state’s football program. His passion for the Bulldogs and his competitive nature were clear even as a player. But it was his transition to coaching that would truly set him apart.

Smart’s coaching career began as a graduate assistant at the University of Georgia before stints at various programs, including LSU, and more notably, the University of Alabama. Under the tutelage of Nick Saban, Smart became known as one of the brightest defensive minds in the game. During his time with the Crimson Tide, Smart helped orchestrate some of the most dominant defenses in college football history, contributing to multiple national championships and solidifying his reputation as a future head coach.

In 2016, Smart was given the opportunity to return to Georgia as its head coach. His task was monumental: rebuild a program that had seen flashes of brilliance but had struggled to return to the pinnacle of college football. The expectations were high from the outset, and Smart wasted no time making his mark.

In just his second year as head coach, Smart led the Bulldogs to the National Championship Game, narrowly losing to Alabama in a heartbreaking overtime finish. While the defeat was painful, it signified that Smart’s vision was taking shape, and Georgia was once again a national contender.

Achieving Greatness: National Championships and SEC Dominance

It didn’t take long for Smart to turn Georgia into a juggernaut. The 2021 season was the culmination of years of recruiting, development, and strategic planning. The Bulldogs, led by a formidable defense and a capable offense, went on an undefeated run and earned a spot in the CFP. There, they triumphed in dominating fashion, defeating Alabama to win the program’s first national title in over 40 years. Smart had finally delivered on his promise, cementing his place as one of the most successful head coaches in Georgia history.

The following year, Smart’s Bulldogs entered the 2022 season as the defending champions. Despite losing some key players to the NFL draft, Georgia’s roster remained stacked with elite talent, and the coaching staff remained one of the best in the nation. The Bulldogs returned to the national stage, again making a deep run in the CFP, further cementing Smart’s legacy as one of the top coaches in the game.

Smart’s ability to recruit has been a key component of his success. His recruiting prowess is unmatched in many ways, as he has consistently brought in top-tier talent from all over the country. Smart has built a program where the competition for starting spots is fierce, and his depth allows Georgia to withstand injuries and perform at an elite level all season long. His success on the recruiting trail has not only bolstered the roster but has also set a standard for what it means to be a Georgia Bulldog.

From his rise to the top of the SEC to his national titles, Smart has created a lasting legacy of dominance. His defensive schemes have revolutionized the way college football teams approach the game, blending traditional concepts with innovative techniques that keep opponents guessing. He’s built a culture of toughness and discipline, instilling a work ethic in his players that has earned Georgia a reputation for both physicality and finesse.

The CFP Flop: A Setback in an Otherwise Stellar Career

Despite the accolades, Kirby Smart’s legacy has not been entirely without blemish. The College Football Playoff can be unforgiving, and for all of Smart’s success, the recent 2024 CFP performance was disappointing for both him and the Bulldogs. After earning a place in the playoff with an impressive season, Georgia fell short of expectations, failing to advance beyond the semifinals. The defeat was a tough pill to swallow for a team and a coach used to winning on the biggest stages.

While the CFP loss was certainly a setback, it’s essential to put this flop into perspective. College football is an unpredictable game, and even the best teams can have off days. Injuries, unexpected turnovers, and simply facing a team that is firing on all cylinders can derail even the most well-prepared programs. Smart and his staff did not expect to lose, but they found themselves in a tough matchup that did not go in their favor. For many, this loss does not diminish the tremendous body of work that Smart has amassed over the years.

Even with the defeat, Smart’s program is still in elite company. His roster remains stocked with NFL talent, and Georgia is still one of the most formidable teams in college football. As the Bulldogs prepare for the next season, Smart is undoubtedly looking for ways to improve and bounce back from this disappointing result. A loss in the CFP, while tough, does not change the fact that Smart has built one of the most successful programs in college football, and he will likely continue to do so for years to come.

The Bigger Picture: Kirby Smart’s Legacy

One loss, even in the most high-profile tournament in the sport, does not define a coach’s legacy. For Kirby Smart, the body of work he has accumulated far outweighs any single defeat. The ultimate measure of a coach’s success lies in their ability to sustain excellence, to adapt to challenges, and to continue building a program that competes year after year. In this regard, Smart has proven himself to be one of the best.

Smart’s legacy is defined by more than just his victories in big games; it’s also about the players he’s developed, the culture he’s built, and the long-term success of the Georgia program. Under his leadership, Georgia has become synonymous with toughness, discipline, and talent. The Bulldogs have been at the forefront of college football’s elite teams, consistently competing for championships and developing players who go on to make an impact in the NFL.

The fact that Georgia remains a force in college football is a testament to Smart’s ability to build a lasting program. While the most recent CFP flop may sting, it’s important to remember that Smart has already proven himself capable of taking Georgia to the pinnacle of the sport. He has done so multiple times and has made Georgia a perennial contender.

Smart’s influence extends beyond just wins and losses; it’s about shaping the next generation of athletes. His ability to inspire his players, to push them to their limits, and to teach them valuable life lessons that transcend the football field is a key part of what makes him great. His players know that they are not only being coached to win on the field but also being prepared for success in life beyond football.

The Road Ahead: Still the Best?

Despite the setback in the CFP, Kirby Smart remains one of the best coaches in college football. His track record of success, his ability to recruit elite talent, and his strategic brilliance on the field place him in rarefied air. The 2024 CFP may have been a disappointing moment in an otherwise stellar career, but it is unlikely to diminish Smart’s reputation in the long term. If anything, it provides additional motivation for him and his players to come back even stronger in the future.

Smart has proven time and again that he is capable of leading Georgia to the highest levels of success. His teams are built to withstand adversity, and his coaching philosophy is one that has stood the test of time. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, there’s little doubt that Smart will remain one of its foremost leaders.

The 2024 College Football Playoff loss may have been a blemish, but it is just one chapter in what will be remembered as one of the most impressive coaching careers in the history of the sport. As Kirby Smart continues to lead Georgia, the future remains incredibly bright, and his legacy as one of the best in college football is assured.