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
Taco
January 9th, 2010
11:40 pm
Scott we are mediocre at Tech and I realize that… the sooner Dawg fans realize this also the pain will ease. Step off the ledge baby! Second tier can be fun! Love ya Bro!
SWDawg
January 9th, 2010
11:41 pm
“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” Saban really!!! You have been with 3 different head coaching positions in the last five years!
just the facts
January 9th, 2010
11:42 pm
I do hope Kirby does well…he is a fine person first, and has learned from the best in the business.
HOWEVER…if UGA continues to lose and allow points, you will see the end of the MARK RICHT era at UGA……when you go out and pay a coach that much money …WINS are the only thing that will save a head coach….ask Tuberville, Fulmer, …..Georgia has a fine coach in Kirby..but the Defensive Talent is BARE……
sc dawg
January 9th, 2010
11:42 pm
Stinger, now that we have your opinion, which is welcome, can we at least ask that you spell correctly, particularly proper nouns, and, as well, that you improve your grammar. There are some on this board who have a hard time with your sentence construction. I’ll thank you in advance.
sc dawg
January 9th, 2010
11:43 pm
Agreed Special K! Thanks for your input!
Stinger
January 9th, 2010
11:45 pm
It’s official. Saw it on 11 o’clock news, Martinez is coming back to UGA as DC.
You Can Never Go Home
January 9th, 2010
11:48 pm
Even though I’m a Dawg fan, don’t do it, Kirby. But in any case, I worked in Alabama for 2 years, and to hell with “over the septic tank”, being IN the dam septic tank is better than being in Alabama.
the truth
January 9th, 2010
11:51 pm
The truth is that Smart is being offered a ton of money to come to UGA. However, all of the comments about Saban and Smart are bogus. Saban and Smart have a great relationship. Alabama will not pay Smart the kind of money UGA will. UGA is desperate. Look at Saban’s disciples…Muschamp, Smart,Steele, Jimbo Fisher, etc. The man is one hell of a coach and he teaches the game. I realize UGA fans are jealous of the success of Bama, however, if Smart leaves, Saban will just train another DC and help him promote his career. If I was a college coach with ambition, I would want to be on Saban’s staff. Maybe Saban will hire Richt as his OC after he gets fired. UGA is a sinking ship.
Gatorland
January 9th, 2010
11:52 pm
Just the Facts,
Well Said, and Very True…….
Special K
January 9th, 2010
11:52 pm
Thanks SC Dawg! I’m all for a little friendly ribbing but this crap is crazy. The more I hear a person spit venom the more I realize it’s jealousy. If my team plays like crap, I don’t blame the officials, the weather or anything else. Great teams overcome adversity. I make no excuses nor do I accept them. Bad calls (by the officials or coaches) or bad plays (players) happen. Injuries happen. BCS game is a good case. The great teams overcome.
CurrentUGA11'
January 9th, 2010
11:52 pm
Stepping out here, class of 2011, scholarship player on the defensive 2nd squad. Word is out an spreading that Coach Smart will meet with the players at 7:30 on Monday morning. That’s what I heard this afternoon at weight drills, just keeping it low, it might have some play on a couple of players decisons coming up, just saying.
bugsquacher
January 9th, 2010
11:53 pm
I saw where someone said CMR was a “fake bake”. Anyone know what that means?
hind tit
January 9th, 2010
11:55 pm
grass grows greener over the line instead of the tank. kirby needs to get out of sabans tank.
bigdawg88
January 9th, 2010
11:58 pm
I’m not really sure about the whole Smart thing. Freshman qb almost brought ut back. Made the kid look like an all-american. Sort of like our defense did the last few years. But i have to give Mack Brown some credit on that, and the fact that bama played the 2nd half like tn did against them and fl; don’t try to score, just play not to lose. Until they got the ball so close they couldn’t help but score. But that was because of the bama defense, so I don’t really know exactly where I stand on the Smart thing. He has to be pretty good if Saban kept hiring him, but I wonder how good he really is on his own. I’d hate for him to not be good and lose an alma mater, like Ray Goff. What the heck, he couldn’t be worse than martinez!
A few things
January 9th, 2010
11:59 pm
A few things. Tech fans: SHUT UP! You own no one. Keep talking about our record and our non ranking, but we still beat you with both of those. Keep talking about our poor talent, but compare the two recruiting classes. You have lost 8 of 9, your first major bowl game in 50 years, and of course you lost to us. Anyway, Kirby will be a great hire. Yes, he might not have ran the defense totally, but I am sure he has learned plenty from Saban, and will be fine.
Scott
January 10th, 2010
12:03 am
alright Taco. they’re mistaking your for a BAMA fan now. Thought i made it clear who your team was. Be back in a minute. have to go to restroom and take a BAMA
Mark Mangino
January 10th, 2010
12:03 am
Relax Guys, the job is mine. They are paying me by the pound and I get a weekly $100 gift card to Golden Corral. I beat out Marion Campbell and Jerry Glanville for the job.
GaGator
January 10th, 2010
12:05 am
the truth
These people can’t handle the truth. Florida out coaches and out recruits UGA consistantly.
Florida just replaced 4 quality coaches that moved up, not laterally, one to a head coaching position. What’s Richt doing, I know he hasn’t gotten a DC but he also hasn’t replaced those two defensive position coaches.
You people said Florida was in disarray just two week ago and today they became the #1 recruiting class in the country. The Gators got 3 FIVE STAR players today, who did Richt get——that’s what I thought.
Big L
January 10th, 2010
12:06 am
Please let it be true. Dawg Nation needs it.
cattle dawg
January 10th, 2010
12:06 am
Hellooooo! Is there anyone out there that wants to discuss some football? Not whose momma is the biggest ho.
Gatorland
January 10th, 2010
12:07 am
Question?
How many players on UGA’S Current 2009-2010 could start for Florida or Alabama or LSU?
Zero! Not One! How many Current Offensive Players on UGA’S Current Squat could start for Florida, Alabama or LSU? 1- A.J. Green.
I think that sums up the talent level in Athens..
GaGator
January 10th, 2010
12:11 am
What is Richt doing, doesn’t he know any defensive coaches? I just read that Tech is about hire Al Groh as their DC. You are in denial, Richt is over his head as a head coach.
the truth
January 10th, 2010
12:12 am
There are a lot comments about Alabama’s defense giving up points to Texas in the second half. Here are the facts: Alabama won the national championship. Bama was undefeated. UGA hasn’t felt what it was like to win a national championship since 1980. Stop all of the jealousy. What will UGA try next year? How about black jerseys? Wait a minute, you’ve already exhausted that idea. Why don’t you hire a DC from someone who knows how to win. Stop hating and start working.
sc dawg
January 10th, 2010
12:12 am
IF we get him, Kirby will be a great hire. 1)If he moves to Athens we know it says alot about where he and his family want to be (and that is not a knock on Bama–I did a graduate degree at Samford–both Samford and Bama have great campuses and are fine universities 2) If he takes the job we know he has been trained by the best in the business (Nick Saban, his record speaks for itself) 3) If we get him, we will improve. If we don’t, we tried. Regarding the poster, “the truth”, we’re not jealous of Bama, we do need defensive help and we are willing to pay for it. While I respect Alabama’s storied history, and its EARNED place in College Football history, I would rather consistently win ten over a decade than have two great seasons (I’m not trying to be a smarta$$, just stating my preferences). REgarding the poster just trashing Alaabama, you might want to go visit the state, try the Robert Trent Jones trail, see the campuses at Samford and Tuscaloosa, go to Dave’s Pizza and Dreamland Barbeque, hell, Johnny Ray’s isn’t to be laughed at . . . and, there are some darn good looking women in Bama too. Guys, all UGA fans know and recognize we need defensive help, that’s why we’ve gone after the best. This board would be comical if it didn’t appear how personally some of the folks on here are taking things . . .
Flo-Ri-Duh!
January 10th, 2010
12:12 am
Cowboys handled the Eagles with ease and the defense was a major factor. The only team to dominate the Falcons this year was the Cowboys. Grantham would be the best DC though Smart would also be a good choice.
bull dykes
January 10th, 2010
12:15 am
Kirby is a great hire because he too like willie likes to wear strapons!
bull dykes unite!
Special K
January 10th, 2010
12:16 am
SC Dawg! Good post. Thanks.
sc dawg
January 10th, 2010
12:17 am
I will reply to the gator who claims uga has not one player that could start at UF . . . I think AJ Green starts anywhere. And either running back would start at UF. We’ve got two highly sought after qb’s, actually we’ve got too many highly sought after qb’s but that’s another story and our class is top five year in and year out. We do lack defensive depth right now, another reason to go after a guy like Smart. I’m not saying he can’t win, he’s a great coach, but Meyer, if he comes back, will have to work a bit harder without Tebow who is an incredible winner!
sc dawg
January 10th, 2010
12:20 am
I’ve got good friends who are Bama grads Special K, you guys love your program and your school like we do. Its one thing to disagree, and debate, another to insult. Insults are usually brought into argument when people run out of content . . .
Cmill
January 10th, 2010
12:22 am
please, give him anything he wants, I will donate my whole savings account ( and I’m a student! haha)!
Gatorland
January 10th, 2010
12:25 am
Football time:
Gators lose alot, we all know that, we have Urban not on campus after this week…however we still have the talent to beat UGA…..
South Carolina will be the up and comer in 2010…Ole Ball Coach Redshirted a ton of players who will turn it on in 2010.
Tennessee will take a major step backwards in 2010….lost too many quality players…but daddy kiffin coaches up the defense and Lance Thompson brings in some talented Frosh.
Kentucky will surprise many next year….they are loaded with Georgia grown talent…
Vandy will be better in 10
Alabama just reloads..and reloads for at least 4 more years…..they played 59 players in the championship game…38 on defense alone……studs replacing studs.
LSU will need to step it up to be a contender
Miss State will get a whole lot better…they will own Ole Miss in 10
Auburn will get somewhat better,,,,,but how far can the offense carry a team that is very shallow on defense…Malzohn will be gone after 10 to take a head coaching job ..somewhere..
Arkansa will be the question mark….they can make a run for Alabama..but the talent level needs one more year to be competitive
Ole Miss…loses a quarterback who is NOT ready for the NFL..and all world McCluster..the heart and soul of the team…
Yeah the loss of Tebow will be felt by GATOR NATION….but we still win 9 games…
Special K
January 10th, 2010
12:26 am
SC Dawg, agreed. I know there is intelligent conversation in every state. You sometimes have to look real hard. Kind of like intelligent life. LOL!
DFWTX Dawg
January 10th, 2010
12:26 am
Saban is usually pretty calculated but his selection of words was pretty poor during his press conference the other night when he stated that he, and the Alabama Atheletic Association, frowned upon Bama assistant coaches making lateral moves to the “Top of the Sewer Tank.” I think Mal Moore probably wanted Saban to make such a speech in an attempt to reduce/prevent turnover. Smart might be a little insulted be the “Top of the Sewer Tank” comment. This comment made me wonder if Saban was basically calling UGA a pyle of crap. This might not have gone over to well with Kirby.
the truth
January 10th, 2010
12:26 am
Alabama will continue to be the best defense in the SEC, with or without Smart. Saban is the DC. Coaches will be lining up to have a chance to learn from Nick.
coach smith
January 10th, 2010
12:32 am
with all of the TECH, Gator, and Bama fans on here shouting insults it seems obvious that they are doing so JUST TO MASK THEIR DISAPPOINTMEN and FEAR that Smart is coming to Georgia!!!!!!!!!!
Read it and weep haters!
GT3O
January 10th, 2010
12:33 am
You all do know that Nick Saban is the DC/HC at Bama correct? Kirby holds the clip board and counts push ups at practice.
Same thing with Kevin Steele and Clemson. When Steele went to Clemson it was supposed to be the end all be all of DC’s for Clemson. Same exact story except more experience than Kirby Smart and they both come from Saban.
Only CPJ beat Steele 3 times already. I don’t expect Smart is the Smartest coach. I wouldn’t let ESPN jack you up too much. You want Grantham not Smart. Grantham is proven, Smart is young and learning. Do Dawg fan’s really want that?
I am not trying to be a jerk or anything, but Grantham is the better choce, much more experience and much more proven. Not some young gun winning under Saban’s shadow. See Kevin Steele at Clemson for a reference.
Nick Saban
January 10th, 2010
12:35 am
You guys are morons…relative to the way we define morons…aight. Kirby bought in to the Bama system relative to the way I buy gas at QuikTrip…aight. As far as Pete Carrol goes, I made his a$$ quit….aight. So all you guys continue shooting spitballs… I got a dynasty to build…aight…dynasty relative to the Ming…aight.
Could he be on the plane?
January 10th, 2010
12:38 am
Check this plane out…..
http://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N200EA
Athens to Tuscaloosa and back in a day. Now before people start yelling,” THAT ISN’T THE UGA PLANE.” I am aware. however, it is a plane that UGA has used in the past (even this year) when it’s main plane was occupied. From what I understand it is owned by a UGA booster member, and considering that the plane with GGA1 sign was in Kentucky today for the basketball game, i find it too much of a coincidence. I say Kirby will be in Athens before the night is over.
Jesup
January 10th, 2010
12:42 am
Dawgs couldnt start for gaytors.??????…hmmm…….the gators offered almost every player on the team a scholly, Aaron Murray–AJ Green—Orson Charles—–Marlon Brown——Branden Smith——-DeAngelo Tyson——–Caleb King——–Israel Troupe———Logan Gray——–Trinton Sturdivant——–Chris Little——and many more alot from Florida, so i guess Urban dont agree with you. probly even more were offered by Alabama.
Dawg Fud
January 10th, 2010
12:47 am
Saban commenting on “ego”…hmmm?
Well, I suppose he speaks from experience.
the truth
January 10th, 2010
12:51 am
It will be several years before Saban will face Smart on the playing field. The only chance will be at the SEC Championship after Bama wins the WEST. I seriously doubt UGA will make the Dome anytime soon. Maybe UGA should try to change the color of their shoes. They’ve already tried changing jerseys, helmets, and pants. Maybe UGA needs a fashion designer instead of a DC. Bama’s not worried about losing Smart. Saban could Martinez and still win the SEC.
Vickers
January 10th, 2010
12:53 am
Where is Agent 99? We need her to get Smart.
Vickers
January 10th, 2010
12:56 am
UGA has reportedly offer Smart a lot of money, there’s a lot of speculation on this thread. But Alabama has the resources to match whatever UGA offers if that’s what Saban wants to do.
BamaInGa
January 10th, 2010
12:58 am
Man i thought the stuff i read on here earlier was funny. The last 50 or so comments i read is just way out there. Well from my source, which is pretty dang good, KS is sleeping on a decision tonight. Well he probably cant sleep cause he is really torn. I have not heard what the money amount is that CNS presented him with. I dont think it is as much as what CMR has offered. Earlier today i thought he was leaning to going to GA. From my conversation just a little while ago i think he is leaning to staying at Bama. I dont think even KS knows for sure what his decision is 100% right now. We will get leaks tomorrow for sure. As far as the talk about Saban to USC goes that is hilarious. They are about to get his by the NCAA. Probably a slap on the wrist but still. If he was about to go there for some crazy reason then GA fans you should then give up on KS because he would probably get the Bama job then so think before you make up stupid stuff. Everybody get some sleep and tomorrow afternoon you should start hearing the leaks that will come out. Thanks to the few GA fans that made remarks towards my post earlier. I always love talking football with fans that want to be realistic about the situations. Roll Tide
sc dawg
January 10th, 2010
12:59 am
Gatorland, I agree with much of what you said. SC will be tough. I think UF wins 10, or, loses no more than two. Too much defensive talent and a talented qb to take over and try to fill in Tebow’s shoes. You might be surprised with UGa, depending on what,if any, defensive improvement there is. UF is still the favorite, but, UGA or SC could win the EAst. DEad on on BAMA, they will be a force to be reckoned with for at least three more years. Ky, with all that potential and a new coach could be interesting as well, they are a real wild card in what could be a wide open east . . . no one is east will go undefeated, only Bama has that opportunity. Nice to see someone actually talking football . . .
RED DOG 77
January 10th, 2010
1:00 am
DFWTX Dawg12;26am 1/10……Yer Dern Tootin my friend! Smart cant be happy with the words Coach Saban used, I dont know alot, but if I were him, my butt would be on the way to Athens about now, leaving that miserable sourpuss far behind. I would never argue the fact that Nick Saban is a brilliant coach, but personally I can do without people like him in my life……besides Kirby Smart has probubly learned about as much as he ever will under Saban….Time for him to man up ,take flight , and get back to being a GEORGIA BULLDOG. I sure hope he does!
sc dawg
January 10th, 2010
1:02 am
enjoyed the exchange bama in ga and special K. Like I said, I’ll believe it when I hear it from Smart, Saban, or Richt. Until then, its all just rumors . . . . curious to see what the news is when I wake up tomorrow! Turning in . . .
TheItalianDawg
January 10th, 2010
1:05 am
Gatorland,
all the starters for Georgia were offered by Florida! check it out! your coach cried blood when Murry committed to Georgia! but on the other hand all this recruiting ranking is totally stupid. its all about coaching, thats how Boise state beat Oklahoma or Utah beat Alabama and Wake Forest beat FSU and Duke hangout with Miami and Kentucky beat Georgia at home!
TheItalianDawg
January 10th, 2010
1:09 am
beside like Georgia recruits 2 stars, all are blue chips, mostly 4 and 5 stars, top 5 recruiting class
U.G.A.
January 10th, 2010
1:13 am
I would like to see what happens when kirby smart isnt there and Mark Ingram is gone. Lets face the facts Alabama wouldn’t be anything if they didnt have Mark Ingram to run the ball.