Kirby Smart was ranked CBS Sports’ No. 5 college football coaching hire of the century, as the Georgia Bulldogs transformed their program nearly a decade ago under his leadership.

The landscape of college football is constantly evolving, shaped by coaching hires that redefine programs and set new standards of excellence. Among these, few have had as profound an impact as Kirby Smart’s arrival at Georgia. Recognized by CBS Sports as the No. 5 coaching hire of the century, Smart’s journey underscores a story of vision, perseverance, and transformative leadership that has reshaped the Georgia Bulldogs into a national powerhouse.

This accolade is not given lightly, especially considering the intense competition among coaching hires over the past two decades. To understand why Smart ranks so highly, it’s essential to examine his background, his strategic vision, the state of Georgia football before his arrival, and the remarkable changes he’s driven over nearly a decade.

The Context Before Kirby Smart: Georgia Football’s State of Affairs

Before Kirby Smart’s tenure began in 2016, Georgia football was a program with a storied history but one that struggled to reach its full potential in the modern era. Despite being a perennial SEC powerhouse with a passionate fan base and a roster brimming with talent, the Bulldogs had faced challenges in translating regular-season success into sustained national dominance.

Under previous coaches, Georgia experienced several notable seasons, including SEC championships and New Year’s Six bowl appearances. However, the program often fell short in the postseason, particularly in the College Football Playoff (CFP) era. The Bulldogs’ inability to consistently compete at the highest level in the CFP landscape highlighted the need for a transformative coaching figure—someone who could elevate Georgia’s status, develop elite talent, and build a culture of sustained excellence.

The hiring of Kirby Smart in December 2015 by Georgia’s athletic director, Greg McGarity, was a calculated move rooted in Smart’s impressive tenure as Alabama’s defensive coordinator. Recognized for his football IQ, recruiting prowess, and leadership qualities, Smart was viewed as a coach capable of taking Georgia to the next level.

Kirby Smart’s Background: Building a Foundation of Excellence

Kirby Smart’s journey in football began long before he became the head coach at Georgia. Born in 1975 in Bainbridge, Georgia, he played college football at Georgia Tech as a safety before beginning his coaching career. His coaching odyssey took him through various programs, but his tenure as Alabama’s defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2015 was pivotal.

At Alabama, Smart was instrumental in crafting one of the most dominant defenses in college football history. Under his guidance, Alabama’s defense was consistently elite, helping the Crimson Tide secure multiple national championships. His ability to analyze offenses, develop defensive schemes, and recruit top-tier talent made him a highly sought-after coaching candidate.

Smart’s hiring by Georgia was about more than just defensive expertise; it was about installing a culture of discipline, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His familiarity with SEC competition, combined with his reputation as a players’ coach and recruiter, made him an ideal fit for Georgia’s ambitions.

The Strategic Vision: Building a Championship Culture

From day one, Kirby Smart emphasized establishing a strong defensive identity, recruiting top-tier athletes across the country, and cultivating a culture of accountability. His coaching philosophy centers on disciplined, aggressive defense paired with a balanced offense. This approach was evident in Georgia’s immediate improvements on the field and recruiting trail.

Smart’s staff prioritized recruiting the best high school talent nationwide, emphasizing speed, physicality, and intelligence. Georgia’s recruiting classes under Smart consistently ranked among the best in the country, reflecting his ability to attract top prospects and close on high-profile recruits.

Moreover, Smart’s emphasis on player development and culture-building fostered a sense of unity and resilience within the program. His teams became known for their toughness, discipline, and ability to perform under pressure—traits that translated into tangible success on the field.

The Turning Point: SEC Championships and National Relevance

While Smart’s early years at Georgia saw promise, the true transformation became evident in the 2017 season. Georgia’s defense was among the best in the nation, and the team made a significant leap in competitiveness. The real breakthrough came in 2017 when Georgia won the SEC Championship in a commanding performance against Auburn, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Despite a heartbreaking loss to Alabama in the national championship that season, the message was clear: Georgia was a program on the rise, poised for sustained success.

The 2018 and 2019 seasons reinforced this trajectory. Georgia remained a playoff contender, consistently finishing with top-ranked recruiting classes and a roster filled with NFL-ready talent. However, it was in the 2020 and 2021 seasons that Smart’s vision truly materialized.

In 2020, amid a challenging COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia delivered a 8-2 record and finished No. 4 in the final CFP rankings. The defense remained stout, and the team showed resilience despite unprecedented obstacles.

The pinnacle of Smart’s leadership came in the 2021 season when Georgia claimed its first national championship since 1980. Beating Alabama 33-18 in the CFP National Championship Game was a testament to the program’s evolution—an achievement that validated Smart’s strategic vision and leadership.

This victory marked a historic milestone, not only because it ended a 41-year title drought but also because it signaled Georgia’s arrival as a perennial national contender. Smart’s ability to develop talent, adapt game plans, and motivate his team under immense pressure was a defining factor in this success.

The Impact on Georgia: Culture, Talent, and Consistency

Smart’s influence on Georgia’s program has been transformative in several key areas:

1. Recruiting Powerhouse:
Under Smart, Georgia has secured nationally ranked recruiting classes, consistently landing top-5 national recruits. The influx of elite talent across all positions has elevated the team’s overall competitiveness.

2. Player Development:
Smart’s coaching staff has excelled at developing NFL-caliber talent. Players like Roquan Smith, Javon Wims, and most notably, the 2021 quarterback Stetson Bennett, have flourished under his guidance, transforming into reliable, high-performing athletes.

3. Defensive Identity:
Georgia’s defense has become one of the best in college football, known for its physicality, speed, and strategic brilliance. Smart’s defensive schemes have stymied even the most potent offenses, earning him a reputation as one of the top defensive minds in the sport.

4. Culture of Resilience:
Smart instilled a resilient mindset, emphasizing mental toughness, discipline, and accountability. These values have helped Georgia navigate adversity and maintain consistency at the highest levels.

5. Championship Pedigree:
The 2021 national title has cemented Georgia’s status as a powerhouse. The program now regularly competes for championships, with Smart as its architect.

Why CBS Sports Ranked Smart Among the Top Coaching Hires of the Century

CBS Sports’ ranking of Kirby Smart as the No. 5 coaching hire of the century underscores his exceptional impact on college football. Several factors contribute to this recognition:

• Transformational Impact:
  Smart inherited a program with potential but lacked consistent national dominance. His leadership transformed Georgia into a consistent CFP participant and national champion.
• Strategic Vision and Execution:
  His ability to develop a comprehensive plan—focusing on recruiting, player development, and culture—has paid dividends over nearly a decade.
• Sustained Success:
  Unlike some coaching hires that deliver fleeting success, Smart has maintained a high standard of excellence, making Georgia a perennial contender.
• Player Development and NFL Success:
  Many players developed under Smart have gone on to successful NFL careers, reflecting his talent for grooming future professionals.
• Elevating the Program’s Prestige:
  Georgia’s national profile has risen sharply under his leadership, attracting high-profile recruits and media attention.

This combination of strategic brilliance, cultural transformation, and sustained success makes Smart a standout coaching hire in college football history.

Future Outlook: Continued Excellence and Legacy

As Kirby Smart enters his second decade at Georgia, the future looks promising. With a strong recruiting pipeline, a culture of resilience, and a proven winning formula, Georgia can expect continued success. The program’s recent national championship victory has set a new standard, and Smart’s leadership will likely guide the Bulldogs to more titles.

Moreover, his reputation as one of college football’s elite coaches will attract top coaching talent and players, further solidifying Georgia’s dominance.

Smart’s journey also serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring coaches and programs. His emphasis on building a sustainable culture, investing in player development, and maintaining high standards exemplifies what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of college football.

A Coaching Hire that Changed the Game

Kirby Smart’s ranking as CBS Sports’ No. 5 coaching hire of the century is a testament to his transformative influence on Georgia football and college football as a whole. Nearly a decade ago, he arrived with a vision and a blueprint for success. Today, that vision has materialized into a national championship, multiple SEC titles, and a program that stands among the elite.

His journey underscores the importance of strategic leadership, meticulous player development, and cultural integrity. Smart’s impact goes beyond wins and losses—it’s about elevating a program’s identity and legacy.

As the Georgia Bulldogs continue to compete at the highest level, Kirby Smart’s leadership remains central to their ongoing success. His story exemplifies how a visionary coaching hire can redefine a program’s trajectory for generations to come.