Kirby Smart, a former Nick Saban assistant, was hired as head coach of a college football team.

Kirby Smart, a former assistant under the legendary Nick Saban, is one of the most accomplished and respected names in modern college football. As the head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, Smart has built a legacy that has seen immense success both on and off the field. His journey from a defensive assistant under Saban at Alabama to the head coach of Georgia is a remarkable story of hard work, opportunity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to be a winner in college football.

Early Life and Education

Born on December 23, 1975, in Montgomery, Alabama, Kirby Smart’s football journey began at a young age. Raised in a football-loving household, Smart was exposed to the game from an early age. His father, who was involved in coaching at the high school level, likely played a key role in shaping his interest in football. Smart attended Bainbridge High School in Bainbridge, Georgia, where he played quarterback and defensive back, setting the foundation for his versatile football IQ.

Following high school, Smart attended the University of Georgia, where he played for the Bulldogs as a defensive back. While Smart was not a standout player in terms of national recognition, he had a solid career and gained valuable experience that would shape his coaching philosophy. His playing career was not marked by stardom, but it gave him a perspective on the game that would later be valuable as a coach.

Coaching Beginnings

Smart’s coaching career began soon after his playing days at Georgia. He started as a graduate assistant at Florida State University in 2002, where he worked under Bobby Bowden. This experience exposed him to a winning culture and gave him insight into the strategies and structures of top-tier programs. After his stint at Florida State, Smart moved on to work at a few different schools, including Louisiana-Lafayette, before taking a key position at the University of Alabama.

In 2004, Smart joined Nick Saban’s staff at LSU as an assistant coach, specifically working with the defensive backs. This period would prove to be transformative for Smart, as Saban’s emphasis on discipline, preparation, and attention to detail would serve as the blueprint for Smart’s coaching philosophy. Saban’s reputation for developing successful programs and his obsessive approach to football management had a profound effect on Smart.

Under Nick Saban at Alabama

Smart’s time at Alabama was pivotal in shaping his career. In 2007, when Nick Saban took over as head coach of the Crimson Tide, Smart followed Saban to Alabama. Saban had already made his mark on college football, and his reputation as a defensive mastermind was second to none. Smart quickly became an integral part of Saban’s coaching staff, working primarily with Alabama’s defense. His responsibilities evolved over the years, and by 2009, Smart was promoted to defensive coordinator.

Under Smart’s guidance, Alabama’s defense became one of the most feared units in the nation. From 2009 to 2015, Alabama’s defense consistently ranked among the top defenses in college football, earning Smart national recognition for his ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent. Smart’s defenses were built on a foundation of discipline, toughness, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

One of the key moments in Smart’s development under Saban came in 2009 when Alabama won the national championship. This was a major breakthrough, as it was the beginning of Alabama’s dynasty under Saban. Smart was instrumental in the defensive game plan that helped Alabama defeat Texas in the BCS National Championship Game. This victory solidified Alabama as a national powerhouse and placed Smart on the radar of other college football programs looking for a defensive-minded coach.

Head Coaching Opportunity at Georgia

In December 2015, the University of Georgia fired head coach Mark Richt after a successful, but ultimately underwhelming, tenure that saw Georgia consistently rank in the top 10 but fall short of the ultimate goal: a national championship. Georgia had long been a storied program, but it had not won a national title since 1980. With the hiring of Kirby Smart, Georgia was looking to reignite its championship aspirations.

The move to Georgia was a natural one for Smart, who had deep roots in the state. His playing days at Georgia gave him a strong connection to the program, and he was seen as a perfect fit for the head coaching role. His experience under Nick Saban was seen as a major asset, as Saban had established a blueprint for success that Smart could follow.

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity wasted no time in hiring Smart, offering him a seven-year contract worth $3.75 million annually. Smart’s hiring was widely seen as a home run. He was bringing with him an elite defensive mind, a strong recruiting background, and a passion for the game that would resonate with Georgia’s fanbase.

Building the Georgia Bulldogs into a Contender

Kirby Smart’s tenure as head coach of Georgia began in 2016. In his first season, the Bulldogs finished with a respectable 8-5 record, but it was clear that Smart was building something special. His defensive acumen was evident, and he immediately began to instill his philosophy of toughness, discipline, and attention to detail. Smart’s first year was a sign of things to come, as he quickly changed the culture in Athens.

The defining moment of Smart’s early tenure came in 2017. The Bulldogs had a breakout year, going 13-2 and advancing to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. In only his second season as head coach, Smart had Georgia on the brink of a national title. The Bulldogs’ defense, led by standout players like Roquan Smith and Minkah Fitzpatrick, was one of the best in the country. Georgia faced off against Alabama in the national title game, but they fell short in a heartbreaking 26-23 loss in overtime.

Despite the loss, the 2017 season marked a clear turning point for Georgia. Smart had transformed the program into a legitimate national contender. The Bulldogs had arrived as a force in college football, and it was clear that Smart’s methods were paying off.

Recruiting and Player Development

One of Smart’s most significant strengths as a coach has been his ability to recruit and develop talent. As a former defensive coordinator under Saban, Smart understood the importance of having elite talent on both sides of the ball. His recruiting classes at Georgia have consistently ranked among the top in the nation. Smart’s ability to develop relationships with high school coaches and recruits has allowed Georgia to land some of the best players in the country.

The Bulldogs have had success in developing both offensive and defensive players. Under Smart, Georgia has seen the development of future NFL stars like Roquan Smith, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, and Jake Fromm. Smart’s ability to recruit at such a high level has allowed Georgia to consistently compete for SEC titles and national championships.

Smart’s emphasis on physicality and discipline has translated well into player development. He places a heavy emphasis on fundamentals, teaching his players to be mentally tough and prepared for the challenges of college football. His ability to balance player development with elite recruiting has been one of the keys to his success at Georgia.

2021 National Championship

In 2021, after several near-misses, Kirby Smart finally achieved the pinnacle of college football success. Georgia won its first national championship in 41 years, defeating Alabama 33-18 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. This victory was a crowning achievement for Smart, as it validated his vision and his ability to build a championship-winning program.

The 2021 national championship was especially sweet for Smart, as it came against the very team (Alabama) and coach (Nick Saban) that had helped shape his career. The victory solidified Smart’s place among the elite coaches in college football and proved that his formula for success—strong recruiting, player development, and a disciplined, hard-nosed approach to football—could lead to a national title.

Legacy and the Future

As of 2025, Kirby Smart has firmly established himself as one of the top coaches in college football. His achievements at Georgia have cemented his legacy as one of the most successful head coaches in the modern era. The Bulldogs are consistently among the top teams in the nation, and Smart has shown no signs of slowing down.

Smart’s success has not only come from his ability to recruit and develop talent but also from his ability to adapt. The college football landscape is constantly changing, and Smart has been able to adjust to new trends in the game, particularly with the increasing emphasis on the passing game and the growing role of the transfer portal. His ability to adapt while maintaining a strong foundation in defense has kept Georgia at the top of the college football hierarchy.

Looking ahead, Smart’s future is bright. He has established Georgia as one of the premier programs in college football, and with his continued success in recruiting and player development, the Bulldogs are poised to remain a national contender for years to come.