As the 2024 college football season draws to a close, one name stands out among the best and brightest in coaching: Kirby Smart, head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Smart has long been regarded as one of the brightest minds in college football, but this year, he has taken his program to even greater heights, earning recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Coach of the Year Award.
The Coach of the Year Award is a reflection of not just the wins and losses but also the leadership, vision, and ability to navigate the many challenges that come with running a top-tier football program. Smart’s journey to this point is a testament to his relentless work ethic, keen football mind, and the culture of excellence he has fostered at Georgia. His rise as a coach, his success on the field, and his impact off the field have made him a deserving candidate for this honor.
The Rise of Kirby Smart: A Legacy in the Making
Before diving into why Kirby Smart has earned his spot as a finalist for Coach of the Year, it’s important to understand how he reached this point in his career. Smart’s path to coaching greatness has been both unique and inspiring.
A former standout defensive back at the University of Georgia, Smart played under legendary head coach Mark Richt from 1995 to 1998. His passion for the game and deep understanding of defensive football earned him a spot in the NFL as a player with the Indianapolis Colts, though his playing career was relatively short-lived. It wasn’t long before Smart transitioned to coaching, where he would spend years honing his skills and learning from some of the best in the business.
Smart’s most influential coaching stint came as a defensive coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama. During his time with the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2015, Smart helped build one of the most dominant defenses in college football history. Under Saban’s tutelage, Smart learned the ins and outs of building a championship program, including recruiting, player development, and, perhaps most importantly, how to instill a winning culture.
In 2016, Smart returned to Georgia as head coach, inheriting a program with potential but also facing the challenge of rebuilding after the departure of Richt. It didn’t take long for Smart to put his stamp on the Bulldogs, and by 2017, Georgia was competing for a national championship in just his second year at the helm.
Since then, Smart has turned Georgia into a perennial powerhouse in college football. With national titles in 2022 and 2023, his ability to recruit elite talent, develop players, and maintain consistent success has earned him a reputation as one of the best coaches in the country. But this season, Smart has taken his program to an even higher level, and it’s clear why he’s a finalist for Coach of the Year.
The 2024 Season: A Masterclass in Coaching
The 2024 season has been one for the books for Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs. While much of the attention in college football has focused on the usual suspects—teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan—Smart and Georgia have quietly and steadily put together one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory.
1. Dominating Performance on the Field:
One of the most significant factors in Smart’s candidacy for Coach of the Year is Georgia’s continued dominance on the field. The Bulldogs have rolled through their competition, winning games with a combination of explosive offense and suffocating defense. This season, Georgia has showcased its balance and depth, dismantling top-ranked opponents with precision and poise.
Georgia’s defense, long a hallmark of Smart’s teams, has once again been elite, stifling offenses with an aggressive, disciplined style that bears the mark of Smart’s defensive acumen. The Bulldogs’ defensive line has been dominant, while the secondary has been opportunistic and disruptive. Even with some key players graduating or entering the NFL draft, Smart has seamlessly integrated new talent into the defensive scheme, maintaining Georgia’s status as one of the most fearsome units in college football.
Offensively, Smart has been able to adapt and innovate, ensuring that his team is equipped to handle a variety of challenges. Under offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Georgia has maintained a balanced attack, with a strong running game complementing a more explosive passing game. The development of quarterback Carson Beck, who has matured into a reliable leader, has been a key storyline this season. Smart’s ability to guide Beck through the ups and downs of the season and develop his confidence has been critical to the team’s success.
2. Player Development:
Kirby Smart’s prowess as a recruiter is well known, but his ability to develop talent once it arrives on campus is just as impressive. In 2024, the Georgia Bulldogs have once again demonstrated that Smart’s coaching staff can take raw potential and mold it into championship-caliber talent.
Take, for instance, the development of the defensive line, which has produced some of the best pass rushers and run-stoppers in the country. Players who were not heavily recruited out of high school have blossomed under Smart’s tutelage, earning All-SEC and All-American honors. The same can be said for Georgia’s offensive line, which has been a key component of their balanced offensive attack.
Perhaps the most significant example of Smart’s ability to develop players is the play of Carson Beck, the Bulldogs’ quarterback. After the departure of former starter Stetson Bennett, there were questions about whether Georgia could maintain its offensive success. Smart’s development of Beck, along with his ability to adjust the offense around the quarterback’s strengths, has been a masterstroke. Beck has proven to be more than capable of leading the Bulldogs to victories against top-tier opponents.
3. Navigating Adversity:
No season is without its challenges, and the 2024 campaign has been no exception for Georgia. Whether it’s dealing with injuries, suspensions, or the inevitable pressure of being the defending national champion, Smart has shown an incredible ability to manage adversity and keep his team focused on the ultimate goal.
In particular, Smart’s handling of injuries has been a testament to his depth as a coach. When key players went down at critical positions, Smart’s next-man-up mentality kicked in, and Georgia’s talent pool stepped up to fill the gaps. His ability to motivate players and get the best out of them when faced with adversity is a clear indication of his leadership and coaching acumen.
4. Recruiting Excellence:
While much of the focus in 2024 has been on the current team, it’s important to acknowledge Smart’s continued success on the recruiting trail. Georgia consistently ranks among the top schools in terms of recruiting classes, and Smart’s ability to identify and develop talent has allowed Georgia to reload year after year rather than rebuild.
The infusion of top-tier recruits into the program ensures that Georgia’s success is sustainable, and it’s a testament to Smart’s vision and commitment to maintaining excellence. His ability to adapt to changes in the recruiting landscape, including the rise of NIL and the transfer portal, has positioned Georgia for continued success in the coming years.
Why Kirby Smart Deserves to Win Coach of the Year
Kirby Smart’s candidacy for Coach of the Year is based on a combination of factors. His ability to maintain Georgia’s elite status year in and year out, his player development, his adaptability in the face of challenges, and his recruitment prowess all contribute to his deserving recognition.
Smart has taken Georgia to new heights in 2024, demonstrating that he is not only a championship-winning coach but one who continues to innovate, adapt, and lead with excellence. As Georgia continues to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff and another national title, Kirby Smart’s leadership has been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ success.
Whether or not he wins the Coach of the Year Award, Smart’s legacy is already firmly cemented as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. But if he does claim the award, it will be a fitting recognition of a coach who has proven time and time again that his vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence are second to none.