Smart weighs return to UGA
(Updated 9:30 p.m.)
Kirby Smart, the defensive coordinator of newly crowned national champion Alabama, apparently is considering a return to Georgia, his alma mater, for the same job but considerably more money.
Smart, seen as a leading candidate for the UGA position since the Dec. 2 firing of Willie Martinez, was weighing a formal offer on Saturday but “has neither signed it nor made a decision regarding the opening,” according to the Tuscaloosa News, which cited “multiple sources.”
Smart has been publicly coy about his interest in the job but left the door open during a press conference in California two days before the national-championship game. He could not be reached for comment Saturday.
Georgia had no comment on the matter other than to say that no announcement of a hire was scheduled. Associate athletics director Claude Felton said he had not heard from coach Mark Richt all day and that no announcement was expected through Saturday night. Felton said Richt had been on the road recruiting.
Smart would be a popular hire in Bulldog Nation. Former UGA defensive great David Pollack posted on his Twitter account Saturday: “From what I am getting guys I think Georgia has made a very SMART choice on their next DC, nothing 100% but def looks good.”
Smart makes about $360,000 in base salary at Alabama. Georgia is believed willing to pay much, much more than that.
All indications are that UGA will make a hire within the next few days. Richt would like to have the new defensive coordinator named before the final recruiting contact period starts Friday. Also, junior linebacker Rennie Curran -– expected by most around the Georgia program to enter the NFL draft –- has been trying to withhold a final decision until he has a chance to talk with the new coordinator.
Smart played defensive back for Georgia from 1995-98, making All-SEC as a senior, and began his coaching career as an administrative assistant at Georgia in 1999. He also coached running backs at UGA in 2005.
For most of his coaching career, Smart has worked under Nick Saban -– at LSU (2004), the Miami Dolphins (2006) and Alabama (since 2007). He has been the Tide’s defensive coordinator the past two seasons.
Saban seemed to be sending a pointed message to Smart on Friday when he said at a news conference that assistant coaches should not make lateral career moves.
“I’m not pleased when guys make lateral moves because it’s a little bit human nature to think, like my dad used to say, the grass is always greener on top of the septic tank,” Saban said. “You always think it’s better someplace else. You kind of let your ego get involved, and you make moves that you shouldn’t make and really aren’t in your best interests for a career standpoint.”
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949 comments Add your comment
WE RUIN THIS STATE
January 9th, 2010
10:36 pm
Kirby: This is same “come home” crap they were laying on Ray Goff 15 years ago.
Nerd Central @ North Ave
January 9th, 2010
10:37 pm
I know I’m doing a great job for Nerd Nation when people steal my call sign and post under my name. There is only one real Nerd Central @ North Ave. And I am King Shiz-nit!
Scott
January 9th, 2010
10:37 pm
Kirby’s back. Deal is 4 years just over $3mill. just to end the speculation
i'm telling u
January 9th, 2010
10:38 pm
haywood
i may not know how to spell a kids first name…but i know why jones came to uga…Kirby Smart..he spent many hours on his grandmothers couch back in ‘05 when kirby was at uga
Hairy's Balls
January 9th, 2010
10:39 pm
Kirby to UGA…Saban to USC.
You Bama fans are stupid to listen to anything that comes out of “Satan’s” mouth. He is a backstabbin’ b1tch…just ask the entire LSU Nation.
just the facts
January 9th, 2010
10:42 pm
For Those Georgia Bulldog Redneck, no class barking, getting arrested in the parking lot of Samford Stadium, Wishing Larry Munson was still behind the microphone, wishing Hershal still had a few years of eligibility left, flunking out athlete fools……NOT TO ALL UGA Fans, just those listed above:
You can make unrealistic comments about Saban, Meyer, Spurrier, Miles, all being classless, however….those 4 gentlemen have won National Championships, and poor poor Georgia is still sucking on that hind teat…
Norman Cowans
January 9th, 2010
10:43 pm
Go DOGs = walmart fan = never went to college = jiffy lube empl. of the month
Dawg26
January 9th, 2010
10:45 pm
AHAHAHAHA Again, Miss T! You are bringing some seriously wonderful jokes to the table! haha. A TECH FAN calling a UGA student a Pu$$y… man.. that is funny! Must be because Tech fans can’t get no pu$$y huh? HAHA You and your hand have fun tonight with your little asian roommate!
We won’t tell! Who gives a Sh*t what the polls say about Tech?! 30-24! 60-39-5! 8-1! Who are you kidding?! UGA OWNS TECH IN EVERY ASPECT!!! EVERY SINGLE ONE!
Kirby Smart, Its a done deal
January 9th, 2010
10:46 pm
its done people he’s coming to uga, he’s going to be responsible for assistant head coach and will get payed 1.2 mil a year.
http://ga-dawgsspot.blogspot.com/
DC
January 9th, 2010
10:47 pm
Bama fan’s can never say anything about Ga fans being rednecks/whitetrash
As many of you have doubtlessly heard, the BCS crystal football Alabama just won will be on display at Wal-Marts in Tuscaloosa and Gardendale (a suburb on the outskirts of Birmingham) over the weekend. It’ll be in the Tuscaloosa location on Saturday and the Gardendale location on Sunday.
http://www.rollbamaroll.com/
Just scroll down a little and the story is there!
GT IS STILL A 4TH RATE HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
January 9th, 2010
10:48 pm
SMART UGA MOVE MAY LOOK AND SOUND LIKE A LATERAL MOVE, BUT THIS IS ONLY THE WAY HE CAN ACTUALLY SHOW HIS POTENTIAL FOR BECOMING A GREAT FUTURE HEAD COACH IF HE GETS AWAY FROM THE DEFENSIVE SHADOW OF HIS MENTOR AND DEFENSIVE ORIENTED HEAD COACH SABAN. I HOPE HE CAN GIVE THE DAWGS ONE NC BEFORE MOVING ON IN A COUPLE OF YEARS OR SO.
bob
January 9th, 2010
10:49 pm
footballcoachscoop.com
Georgia:
Sources tell FootballCoachScoop that former Defensive Coordinator, Willie Martinez, has met with Head Coach Mark Richt about rejoining the staff.
According to our sources, Martinez would NOT be the Defensive Coordinator.
haha.
bugsquacher
January 9th, 2010
10:50 pm
Saban’s going to USC and Smart will be named NEW BAMA HEAD COACH — It’s a Done Deal!!
Fools Gold
January 9th, 2010
10:51 pm
Very interesting if Kirby Smart will be announced as the DC Monday. Hopefully he will bring some other competent coaches with him if he comes which looks like he is.. The glaring problems that still exists are UGA’s strength and conditioning program along with Boo Boos play calling at times particularly in 3rd and long situations. Maybe Kirby can offer insight to his college roommate in that matter. The spring game will give some indications in the next few months if UGA will see any improvements for the upcoming season. CMR must really improve in recruiting particularly in areas of need which have been mentioned or discussed already.
if it is done when will we know?
January 9th, 2010
10:52 pm
so when will we know? i just hate the RUMOR MILL lets get it finished and move onto spring.
If KS comes to town I personally know 2 Trees from Newnan that are as intense as tehy come and will thrive with his style of play
Colt McCoy
January 9th, 2010
10:53 pm
Anyone see KS adjusted to a true freshman with a bad O line. Not that he acually makes the calls but still.
bob
January 9th, 2010
10:56 pm
Could Smart interview at USC now that Carrol is going to the NFL??? HC > DC
DOUG
January 9th, 2010
11:01 pm
If this happens nobody really knows if this guy can coach or not. Saban is the architect of the Alabama D. However Smart has learned Im sure a great deal about how Saban builds success.
Hopefully he can help Richt understand where he has gone terribly wrong.
DOG Brad
January 9th, 2010
11:01 pm
Scott is correct, I have heard a similar deal. Done deal. One arrogant, ignorant, never even seen the campus in Tuscaloosa Tide fan told me when I told him we got your DC: “What, you got Saban?” Well, we all know he was the driving force behind that great “D”, but we also know that he will be gone to a higher bidder within 2 years, and you will have another Mike. DuBose or Shula
Tom
January 9th, 2010
11:02 pm
How would Kirby “spite” Saban? Yes it would be a lateral move, but if its more $ I don’t see a problem. Anyone is any profession would do the same thing somewhere else for more money. But especially since Kirby is from Georgia, played at Georgia, and Georgia needs a DC this would be a GREAT move for Kirby to make a name for himself. Instead of being a Saban assistant.
I hope Kirby comes back home.
just the facts
January 9th, 2010
11:04 pm
Many Many Great Men have been called Redneck and White Trash and are fine men. The problem with UGA Rednecks are they do not know that when you are getting your fannies kicked year in and year out by Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky that keep your mouth shut until you are competitive again…..
Urban Meyer
January 9th, 2010
11:13 pm
You Georgia fans go ahead and hire Smart. I’m not going anywhere. I OWN YOU!
bugsquacher
January 9th, 2010
11:14 pm
Willie Martinez is coming back to the coaching staff —– Is this the friggin nightmare that will never end? WTH is CMR thinking?
i'm telling u
January 9th, 2010
11:17 pm
urban meyer
urban called kirby and kirby turned him down…by the way urban ended up hiring a former uga coach…george edwards
Urban Meyer
January 9th, 2010
11:21 pm
You blame global warming on Willie Martinez. I will let Willie call the defense for the Gators and still outscore you. I OWN YOU!
Stinger
January 9th, 2010
11:21 pm
Did you know that UGA was not even ranked this year? What a pathetic football program. Chan Gailey was better than Mark Richt. LMFAO !!!!
Special K
January 9th, 2010
11:23 pm
My wife’s family are big UGA people. Got a building on campus named after them. I myself am a BAMA fan. I’ve always tried to give UGA fans the benefit of the doubt becuase of the in-laws. The venom you people post on this board is pathetic. If KS leaves for UGA, good luck to him. He is a great guy with a fantastic future. Saban will get a new dc to replace and BAMA will move on. The world will not come to an end. Please grow up folks.
Taco
January 9th, 2010
11:23 pm
Kirby is getting $800K per year for 4. Nice money now beat Florida one time and shut the F up! Next one fired will be SUNTAN himself! Second tier program will not jump to the top with one coach…..sorry but it just don’t work that way. Dawgs are not top tier and may have good year every now and then, but don’t bet the house. MEDIOCRE is the term to burn into memory.
Stinger
January 9th, 2010
11:25 pm
Hell, Buddy Ryan couldn’t win as DC at UGA with that sorry talent.
CT in AL
January 9th, 2010
11:25 pm
First off, I’m a Bama fan and thrilled that the Tide brought back the National Championship to the SEC for the 4th straight year. There is no doubt which conference has been the best in the land the past decade and I hope that dominance continues into the new decade. I truly hope that Kirby Smart remains the defensive coordinator at Alabama because he seems to be a great person, an up-and-coming coach, and an outstanding recruiter. Like Coach Saban said, I much rather Kirby leave in a year or two for a head coaching position instead of accepting another coordinator position, but if “Mama called” and KS answered, no one can blame him. That said, if Kirby accepts the UGA job, I wish him the best and Georgia will have gotten them a good one. You may not like Nick Saban, but the fact of the matter is he is one heck of a football coach and a great defensive mind. Kirby has been his protege for quite some time now and I think Coach Smart would be an excellent addition to Richt’s staff. If he does accept the job, at least it will be at Georgia. I’ve always respected the Dawgs, because like the Tide, we both have a rich tradition of beating the Aubarn Tigers. Best of luck to the Dawgs’ in finding their new coordinator ( maybe not CKS
) and Roll Tide!
Taco
January 9th, 2010
11:26 pm
Bugsquacher mom took a lateral move when I gave her more money, a vertical move and horizontal move as well! Go Girl!
Stinger
January 9th, 2010
11:30 pm
Kirby Smart will be called Kirby Dumb if he goes to Athens with that sorry AZZ talent. He will live to regret it if he is foolish enough to coach that bunch. They will be the final nail in his coffin just like Willie. You can not play defense if you have no discipline. Mark Richt has never had a disciplined team and never will.
JR1967
January 9th, 2010
11:31 pm
Saban is certainly a great coach with a championship pedigree, but he would know best about coaching lateral moves:
Michigan State-LSU-Miami Dolphins-Alabama
No matter where he goes, Smart will do what is best.
Scott
January 9th, 2010
11:32 pm
I know who you are Taco. Not nice to call UGA 2nd tier when your team’s lost to them 8 of 9 years!
Big L
January 9th, 2010
11:32 pm
Hey Taco, remember two years ago, Louisiana- Monroe, remember 6-6. You ain’t to far removed from mediocrity yaself. At least we did not lose to a sectional community school from Louisiana. when UGA rebuilds , we win 8 games. Try a little humbleness bubba. You should remember mediocre real well. Bama only two years from it.
Urban Meyer
January 9th, 2010
11:32 pm
Hey Special K, is your wife’s family name Outhouse?
Stinger
January 9th, 2010
11:32 pm
Could someone please tell me where UGA is ranked? I can’t seem to find it.
sc dawg
January 9th, 2010
11:33 pm
Ct in Al, thanks for a classy post, and the potential well wishes . . . intelligent posts are a rare commodity around here. AS for KS, I’ll believe it when I see it, or hear it, from KS, MR, or NS. Saban, btw, is one hell of a coach and that is one hell of a team. Congrats on a great year . . . on another note, someone please assure me this WM stuff is a joke . . .
Scott
January 9th, 2010
11:35 pm
Taco…..lateral, horizontal, vertical……now i know its you. good one
JimR
January 9th, 2010
11:36 pm
Next stop for Saban: USC
Fan Of Larry Bird
January 9th, 2010
11:36 pm
Good luck to Kirby Smart at UGA if in fact reports are accurate. Generally, you can”t go wrong going home. I do have to ask about $750 K per year for a coordinator, any coordinator. Isn’t that absolutely absurd? Something is out of whack.
just the facts
January 9th, 2010
11:36 pm
Alabama could hire Willie Martinez for Defensive Coordinator and still beat Georgia.
The same goes for Florida, and still beat Georgia.
The folks at that WALMART in Alabama even has UGA beat….they will get to see, and have their picture taken with the BCS Crystal Ball….
Those UGA fans wanting to get close to they BCS trophy just drive about 75 miles south of the GA/FL State Line and see a couple, or drive 50 miles west of Birmingham and stop by The Bryant Museum, or take a trip to Baton Rouge and get a glimpse of what it looks like up close and personal.
The Trophy at Tech is a newer and improved one than the one that sits in ATHENS.
BleedRedandBlack
January 9th, 2010
11:37 pm
Thanks and well said CT.
Special K, have you really red the venom and recognized where it comes from on this UGA board?
Stinger
January 9th, 2010
11:37 pm
Kirby Smart against Boo Boo’s offense should do wonders to make both offense and defense very poorly coached team next year.
BleedRedandBlack
January 9th, 2010
11:38 pm
*read
Stinger
January 9th, 2010
11:38 pm
I missed it, what did you say you are ranked?
Big L
January 9th, 2010
11:38 pm
Oh, Taco is a Techie. I thought I detected an overbearing hint of jealous rage. I should have recognized your inherent bitterness. Nobody made you chose Tech. Drop the anger and accept true mediocrity. Ooooh , we WENT, not won , WENT, to the orange, not sold out bowl. But we stil lost to UGA.
Special K
January 9th, 2010
11:38 pm
Urban Meyer! Grow up! Come up with something more original.
Comin' Down The Track
January 9th, 2010
11:38 pm
N.A.T.S.
Grownups are talking about big boy football. It’s past your bedtime, and you have your own defensive problems and inferiority complexes to deal with. Bye bye now. We’ll be along to tuck you in later… say around baseball season?
-CDTT
Special K
January 9th, 2010
11:40 pm
Bleed Red and Black. I have, it’s pretty sad that people can’t talk in an adult manner. Needs to be a forum for trash and one for intelligent conversation.