Kirby Smart was born on December 23, 1975, in Montgomery, Alabama, but grew up in Bainbridge, Georgia, where his passion for football started early. His father, Sonny Smart, was a respected high school football coach, and young Kirby didn’t take long to follow in his father’s footsteps. Smart always seemed destined for a football career, from playing in the backyard to suiting up for Bainbridge High School.
At Bainbridge High, Smart played defensive back and earned a reputation as a smart, hardworking player with a nose for the ball. His leadership qualities and sharp football mind were evident even in high school, laying the groundwork for his future coaching success. His playing career at Bainbridge High caught the attention of recruiters, and soon, the University of Georgia came calling.
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Playing Career at the University of Georgia
Arriving in Athens in 1994, Kirby Smart played for the Georgia Bulldogs, where he excelled as a defensive back. Despite standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 88 kg, Smart relied more on his intelligence and instincts than pure athleticism. Over his four-year career, Smart tallied 13 interceptions, a mark that still ranks among the top 10 in Georgia Bulldogs history.
| Key Facts About Kirby Smart | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 23, 1975 |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 88 kg |
| Wife | Mary Beth Smart |
| Children | Weston, Julia, Andrew |
| Playing Career | Defensive Back, Georgia Bulldogs |
| Coaching Career Highlights | Back-to-back national titles (2021, 2022), 3 SEC titles, 6 SEC East titles |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$45 million |
| Salary | $11+ million per year |
Smart’s standout seasons came in 1997 and 1998, where he led the SEC in interceptions and earned First-Team All-SEC honors. His ability to read opposing quarterbacks and anticipate passes made him a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ defense. Off the field, Smart excelled in the classroom as well, making the SEC Academic Honor Roll four times. He graduated in 1998 with a degree in Finance from the Terry College of Business.
Early Coaching Career and Mentorship Under Nick Saban
After his playing days ended, Smart’s transition to coaching began almost immediately. He took a job as an administrative assistant at Georgia in 1999, followed by coaching stops at Valdosta State, where he worked as a defensive backs coach and later defensive coordinator. Smart also had stints as a graduate assistant at Florida State and safeties coach for the Miami Dolphins, working under Nick Saban.
Smart’s coaching career took off when Nick Saban hired him at LSU in 2004, and later at Alabama in 2007, where he became the defensive coordinator. Under Smart’s guidance, Alabama’s defense became one of the most feared in college football. From 2007 to 2015, Smart helped the Crimson Tide win three BCS National Championships and one College Football Playoff National Championship. His success earned him the Broyles Award in 2009, recognizing him as the top assistant coach in the nation.
Return to Georgia as Head Coach
In December 2015, Kirby Smart came home to Athens, accepting the role of head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs. His first season in 2016 ended with an 8-5 record, including a thrilling comeback victory over Auburn. The groundwork was laid, and the following years saw Georgia football rise to unprecedented heights.
Kirby Smart’s Historic Run at Georgia
2017: SEC Championship and CFP Run
Smart’s second season was a breakthrough year. The Bulldogs won the SEC Championship, defeating Auburn to claim their first conference title since 2005. Georgia advanced to the College Football Playoff, where they defeated Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl, one of the most thrilling games in CFP history. Although Georgia lost to Alabama in the national championship game, Smart had established Georgia as an SEC powerhouse.
2021-2022: Back-to-Back National Champions
The 2021 season was historic for Smart and Georgia. The Bulldogs finished 12-0 in the regular season, claimed the SEC Eastern Division title, and went on to beat Michigan in the Orange Bowl, before avenging their previous loss to Alabama in the national championship game. Smart led Georgia to its first national title since 1980.
In 2022, Georgia did the unthinkable—back-to-back national championships. They steamrolled through the SEC, clinching the SEC Championship with a dominant win over LSU, and then crushed TCU 65-7 in the national title game, setting a bowl game record for margin of victory. These back-to-back championships cemented Kirby Smart’s legacy.
2023-2025: Continued SEC Dominance
In 2023, Smart guided Georgia to a 13-1 record, including an Orange Bowl blowout victory over Florida State (63-3). The Bulldogs’ defense ranked first in the SEC and top ten nationally, while the offense ranked among the nation’s best.
In 2024, Smart led Georgia to another SEC Championship, defeating Texas twice, once in the regular season and again in the conference title game. With multiple SEC titles and consistent appearances in the College Football Playoff, Smart’s Bulldogs have become the dominant force in college football.
Coaching Style and Philosophy
Smart’s coaching style blends the discipline and defensive prowess learned under Nick Saban with his fiery personality. He emphasizes toughness, execution, and smart situational football. His ability to recruit and develop NFL talent has been a key to Georgia’s success. Under Smart, Georgia has produced 63 NFL draft picks, including 17 first-rounders.
Personal Life and Family
Kirby Smart married Mary Beth Lycett, a former Georgia Bulldogs basketball player, in 2006. Together, they have three children: twins Weston and Julia, born in 2008, and son Andrew, born in 2012. The Smart family plays an active role in the community, overseeing the Kirby Smart Family Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and families facing adversity.
Kirby Smart’s Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Kirby Smart is one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, with a salary exceeding $11 million per year after a contract extension following the 2021 national championship. His estimated net worth is around $45 million, thanks to his coaching salary, performance bonuses, and endorsements.
Legacy and Future
Kirby Smart’s legacy at Georgia is already historic, but the story is far from over. With Georgia Bulldogs football consistently among the nation’s elite, Smart’s coaching record, recruiting prowess, and championship pedigree make him a future College Football Hall of Fame candidate. As long as Smart leads the Bulldogs, expect more SEC Championships, College Football Playoff appearances, and potentially more national championships.
Whether reflecting on his defensive back days, his time with Nick Saban, or his current reign in Athens, Kirby Smart’s journey is a testament to hard work, family values, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence.
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