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
Gilda the Gatorette Gatorade Drinker
January 10th, 2010
1:15 am
Oh my, Florida is in so much troubles now. All these players graduating and underclassmans leaving early, Coach Meyer leaving, those 5 coaches who all quit on Gators Nation after the SEC Championship.
If this Smart coach comes to Georgia, it’s going to crush Gators Nation. And with that high school head coach guy coaching Gators in 2010 Addazios, it’s not looking good folks. Oh well, it was a good run. Gators nation going to need a lot of Gatorade in 2010.
RED DOG 77
January 10th, 2010
1:15 am
Gatorland, I too enjoyed your post, talking football is what I am here to do. I certainly see the points you made on both the east and west ,particularly that of South Carolina, but funny thing is ,I have found no matter how much I think I know about the SEC ,at least two to three teams always seem to surprise me every year. Good luck to you and the Gators, as for me? my heart and soul is with my GEORGIA BULLDOGS, never count us out anytime ,anygame, anyyear .
Vickers
January 10th, 2010
1:20 am
U.G.A., are you kidding me? I’m a dawg fan but I have to admit that Bama had a heck of a complete team with some outstanding defensive players and big O linemen.
Ed
January 10th, 2010
1:21 am
I’d like to see:
1) Gardner Defensive Ends
2) Kirby DC/ Linebackers
3) Grantham D-Line
4) Willie Martinez Secondary
Pay them all big bucks like Tennessee.
DirtyDawg
January 10th, 2010
1:21 am
The world is full of examples of people going from one company, or team, or whatever, to another to do virtually the same job, just for more money…that ain’t considered a lateral move ‘Brother’ Saban…and for you to even use the term ‘ego’ in reference to somebody else – particularly in a negative, or mocking, way – is perhaps the most asinine comment of your life. I mean your entire existence has been one ego trip after another, so lay off the man. You’ll get you chance to show him up soon enough – then again, so will he. And furthermore, for somebody that grew up in West Virginia. and has spent the past few years in Tuscaloosa, you ought to know that the only time the grass is greener over the septic tank, is when the lid is busted. Besides, that line came from a lady that never had to rely on one – Erma Bombeck – not yo’ daddy.
BuLLdawg
January 10th, 2010
1:24 am
Trent Richardson
actually
looks every bit as good and he is a freshman.
Dream on.
4-Time All-SEC Academic Honor Roll student, Kirby graduated UGA.
Also got his Masters degree at FSU when working with Bobby Bowden.
His 13 Interceptions at UGA are 4th All-Time for UGA.
Played High School Football at Bainbridge.
Kirby Smart started the current run of 13 Consecutive Years and Counting of 8 plus wins a season, which is 1st place among all college football programs ahead of tied for second behind UGA both Virgnia Tech and Texas.
1997 Kirby Smart AP All-SEC Safety, 2nd team.
1998 Kirby Smart AP All-SEC Free Safety 1st Team, and Coaches’ All-SEC 2nd team.
Anyone who remembers Kirby Smart recalls he is a genius who played the game very fast, hit the opponents hard, and was a first class player with a head for the football back there.
If you watch the way he has handled this entire process, you see just how brilliant he is, garnering himself a million a year. His wife was a top UGA Women’s Basketball Player who can really shoot the ball well, playing for Coach Andy Landers. I don’t think she is happy in Alabama.
Who would be ?
BamaInGa
January 10th, 2010
1:27 am
U.G.A. I’m assuming that you are new to this recruiting or college football thing. Alabama will not miss a beat with Kirby Smart gone. He is a very good coach and very good recruiter but so are all the other coaches on staff. Thats why coach Saban can take a team and win in three years at two different places. Mark Ingram is a great running back but Trent Richardson will probably end up being better in the long run and look out next year for Eddie Lacey who the coaches say has the best feet of the three and killed out first team defense all year while he redshirted on the scout team. Before you say yeah hes so good he redshirted. Thats because he didnt get into school until August so he didnt get the offense fast enough to play in the beginning so they redshirted him. One of the biggest recruiting gurus told me last summer that if they thought he was going to have the grades to get in then he would have had him the #1 running back in the nation over Trent Richardson and Bryce Brown.
Ed
January 10th, 2010
1:29 am
From what I understand, Alabama cannot match Georgia’s offer because they would have to double the pay of every assistant coach whihc they are not willing to do. Nick Saban doesn’t believe in pay fluctuation among staff.
Glad to see Georgia FINALLY paying their staff and assistant BIG salaries like Tenn. Coach Richt has earned that, he makes UGA about $360,000,000 profit since he’s been there. Forbes says Coach Richts football program earned a profit of about $40 mill a year x 9 = $360,000,000.
U.G.A.
January 10th, 2010
1:29 am
Vickers: When Mcleroy was in that slump the only way they scored was Ingram and the defense. Who is going to replace Ingram? NOBODY!!!
Jesup
January 10th, 2010
1:33 am
If it were ALL about coaching you wouldnt see Urban calling 20 kids a day on the phone, or Kiffen staff flying to san antonio to the Army game just to be seen, as they could not talk to recruits…..Recruiting is a big part of coaching, Teams like Iowa and Boise And others find them kids that are flying under the radar and then develop them well, everytime st. thomas aquinas highschool plays on tv Urban is on the sidelines.
Vickers
January 10th, 2010
1:34 am
U.G.A., they did score 21 off the defense but they have been recruiting well. I’ll refer to BamaInGa and his post above.
Not Exactly..
January 10th, 2010
1:36 am
But no, it’s not a lateral move to go from the NFL to an average Bama program (at the time), that would be a step down. So you did get one thing right.
Where did I say it was a lateral move?? I said he was NOT the “king of lateral moves” in response to some moron on here and I used LSU to Miami to Bama as examples to prove the point. Meaning…those moves were NOT lateral. Is this shade of crayon bright enough for you to see?
Anyway, I don’t see the appeal for KS to come to UGA from the reigning national championship team, a STACKED national championship team. UGA is a long way from even a top 10 finish, much less a national championship. If I were him I’d use that contract offer to get a raise at Bama and stay there and continue to raise my stock with Saban’s recruits and then one day take the head coaching job that will surely be offered to him if Bama continues to roll. Or…he can come be UGA’s DC, coach a mediocre team to a mediocre season with a mediocre coaching staff and be regarded as … well….mediocre.
Glenn
January 10th, 2010
1:40 am
Come on Kirby your the man.
Sgt Foley
January 10th, 2010
1:43 am
Kirby who?????
U.G.A.
January 10th, 2010
1:44 am
Alabama will lose some of it’s star defensive recruits, but they won’t lose offensive recruits and they need to find a QB Mcelroy did ok but i heard Star Jackson might transfer and the top QB recruit decommited from them. It seems the QB position is shaky at best. Other RB’s may have better feet, but Ingram just runs people over.
LevelOne
January 10th, 2010
1:46 am
What would Saban say if it was 900K and coach in waiting offer from Georgia?
NASH
January 10th, 2010
1:47 am
GREAT!!!!! I was a litle worried there for a while then i heard the rumors about the texis tech job to until I leared that tommy tuberville had that locked down but this is big for the bulldog nation we now have a dc that can be respected and loved by everyone so HUNKER DOWN DOGS!!!!!!! see you at the dome sabin
Jesup
January 10th, 2010
1:50 am
I am a HUGE Bulldawg fan and i can tell yall, Alabama will be just fine with Saban even if Smart comes here. He builds defensive cordinators. the only thing that will hurt Bama is if saban goes after that greener grass over the Septic tank that is USC, and i dont think that will happen.
Capt Price
January 10th, 2010
1:52 am
It’s not even a lateral move to go from DC at a program that just went undefeated and won a NC to become DC at a program that had a 4-4 conference record, celebrated the season end in beautiful Shreveport, LA and was unranked in the final polls……
If he takes the bait, maybe he’s really Kirby Not-So-Smart?!?!
savanadawg
January 10th, 2010
1:57 am
O.K. guys and girls, I mean…….. Oh well. I believe Coarch Saban said UGA was a septic tank. Go back and read it again folks. He may be a good coach but he is not a great coach. Coach Richt has beaten him, and will do so again. He may have won a Natl Champ… for you Bama folks: but Paul Bear Bryant he is NOT. And don’t be surprised if he jumps ship once again for a higher paying “lateral move” job. Uhhhh University of Southern Californication where he will really need his trojans. You see. What you really got Bama is a guy who cannot stand to stay in one place very long. I truely believe this. And hense forth a very good reason for coach Smart to come home.
Hairy Dawg
January 10th, 2010
1:58 am
Its is great news to hear that Kirby is goning to come home. Finally we have the talent coaches with Dawg knowleges to win champs and beat everyone in hunting for MNC.
Haha! Those petsky nerdies bugs is hiring an old gramps whos is chopped liver by Smart. Dawgs is getting Smart while bugs program don’t know how to Groh up.
Crimson Crush
January 10th, 2010
1:59 am
LOL at all the Dawgs yelling it may be Smart’s only chance to “come home” .
Hell … the man LEFT Richt’s staff in 2005 to go coach with “that A-hole” Saban . IF Smart wants to return to Georgia all he needs to do is wait two , three years tops and you clowns will have run Richt out of town on a rail by then .(if not sooner)
At that point (and after a few more championships at Bama ) he could come back as the Georgia HEAD COACH and clock several million a year instead of 600k , 750k , 800k (or the best one in these threads) a million a year . I expect by early Monday morning Dawgs will be posting Smart will be making 4 million a year as a defensive coordinator;-)
savanadawg
January 10th, 2010
2:04 am
Not Exactly.. Are you on crack, OR meth? UGAs Def needs leadership from a good coach. the talent is there to turn 180 degrees. Don’t have to wait till next year. i promise.
savanadawg
January 10th, 2010
2:08 am
I also promise you Bama fans, USC will talk to NIcky boy. Watch!
Matt the Brave
January 10th, 2010
2:25 am
I know Nick Satan has a lot of power in the SEC, but does it really matter if he’s making a ‘pointed comment’ to Smart for wanting to return to his alma mater? I doubt it’s because Satan thinks that Smart’s going to wait around for another decade (or more) for his opportunity to come open to take the head coaching reins from him. Smart has a better chance at becoming the head coach of UGA than he does at Bama. I don’t think that it’s because CMR is going to get fired, but rather I see him retiring sometime within the next five-six years, perhaps less.
KaliDogg
January 10th, 2010
2:31 am
Knock, knock.
Hey, Nick.
UGA is Kirby Smart’s ALMA MATER.
What about that do you not understand?
Coach Satan needs a dictionary
January 10th, 2010
2:36 am
Doesn’t matter if you go from CEO to streetsweeper, if someone is willing to give you a mammoth pay raise, it’s not exactly what you’d call a lateral move.
Sounds like a lot of desperation, considering the guy just won a national title.
Robert
January 10th, 2010
3:10 am
@The Lone Trumpeter (and all of you other morons who know nothing about football):
Georgia Techs offense isn’t some high school offense that can simply be stopped. It is just like any other offense. Take UGA’s offense. It can work, or be completly shut down. Thats how football is. One team tries to score, and the other team tries to stop them, and vice versa. Some win, some lose. And it depends on factors such as who out schemes who, who has better athletes, and who wants it more. Use your head, and if you don’t know a dam thing about football, then don’t act like you do.
BuLLdawg
January 10th, 2010
3:34 am
LIFELONG UGA BULLDOG.
That, then, is not a lateral move is it ?
All-SEC Academic Honor Roll, who scored over 2,000 points in Morrow GA in high school, Mary Beth Lycett SMART.
1999 Miss Georgia Basketball, Mary Beth Lycett SMART.
Kelly and Coco Miller and Tweety Nolan were all there in Coach Andy Landers’ backcourt already.
6’ tall and a shooting guard.
Mary Beth Lycett SMART started 51 of her final 61 games at UGA.
Very good rebounder. Very good shooter.
Tenacious Defensive Player who earned her starting role by playing defense.
LIFELONG UGA BULLDOG.
2001 All-SEC Academic Honor Roll
2002 All-SEC Academic Honor Roll
2003 All-SEC Academic Honor Roll
Mary Beth’s Junior and Senior Seasons she played 1815 minutes, 30 minutes per game, averaged nearly 10 points a game, had 235 rebounds, 167 assists, and 74 steals.
She went 27-6, SEC Tournament Champions, went undefeated at Home at Stegeman Coliseum, 25-10 another season, Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament, Sweet 16, 21-10 and were ranked 7th in the nation.
UGA Lady Bulldogs have been SNUBBED on TV this season at 15-0. Andy Landers has 11 SEC Championships, NCAA Runner-Up 85 & 96, five Final-4, ten Elite 8, 16 Sweet 16, is the 4th best in AP Poll Rankings ever, and Averages 25 Wins a Season since Vincent J. Dooley as AD then hired Coach Andy Landers. 26 NCAA Tournaments for now 4-Time Coach of the Year Andy Landers, and if this LIFELONG UGA BULLDOG Mary Beth Lycett SMART is saying anything, it’s that she MISSES UGA.
429 weeks ranked in the AP Poll is 3rd best in the nation.
19 former Lady Bulldogs in the WNBA including 8 last year.
26 NCAA Tournaments is 2nd best in the nation.
And, we can’t get the games on TV this season. Uh, I believe she wants to go to the games, NOW.
Here is a photo :
http://www.secsports.com/new/sports/bkc/tipoff03/uga_lycett.jpg
Saban has never been loyal
January 10th, 2010
3:57 am
First He could have said “other side” just as easy as “septic tank”. I have always liked Saban until now.
Lateral move? Is it Nick? When was the last time someone at ESPN praised Bama’s “D” without mentioning your name? Sounds like a move in the right direction.
It is better at UGA Nick. I never had to think about it. Kirby you know that doesn’t take a lot of thought. If we are just talking about the history of football then yes Bama has their gazillion national championships, so does Yale(17) and that was before we could favor the athletes GPA’s. UGA has the best of everything as a whole. Follow your heart CKS! Any man that makes comments like these made by Coach Saban you don’t want to be a part of for too long. Great football mind, but will pollute the mind with his lack of not knowing anything else.
Last thing, Kirby if you really believe UGA is that “septic Tank”, if it even crosses your mind, stay in Bama. Please do not come just to have your mind made up to leave one day. We will get ours either way. You know whats best for you. Are you ready to not be on Saban’s tit? If so then make a decision based on that.
To my UGA family/friends and fellow ventors I would like to say that I do not want a guy if he even hesitates because of these comments by Saban. If you hesitate that means you are definitely not ready(mentally) or mature enough for THIS job. Do I think CKS is ready as a DC? Without a doubt! But if I guy does not believe in himself I do not want him coaching our defense. If coach Smart if not completely fired up from those comments he’s not confident enough in himself to move forward.
I love UGA and those comments were uncalled for. I don’t want a guy who this would not bother to no end.
Just as a reminder: These comments come from the same guy that went from MSU to LSU to Dolphins to Bama(sold his sole). Before each move the man makes one liners explaining he would not leave. Go ahead and be that man inside that septic tank Saban.
Duke
January 10th, 2010
4:27 am
The grass over my septic tank always turns brown from the sewer gas,
WillDawg
January 10th, 2010
4:40 am
Kirby to UGA…$750,000 3 years…done deal!!!! Welcome home Kirby!!
Sally
January 10th, 2010
5:24 am
Kirby is waaaaay too SMART to move to Athens and coach the illiterate thugs there. Alabama will simply match any UGA offer, and he’ll stay.
UGA can greatly improve its defense by issueing handguns to those few players who don’t already have them. Showdown at high noon.
Señora Weeb
January 10th, 2010
5:34 am
Kirby who?????
Señora Weeb
January 10th, 2010
5:38 am
“Or…he can come be UGA’s DC, coach a mediocre team to a mediocre season with a mediocre coaching staff and be regarded as … well….mediocre.”
That’s right. And no way is KS dumb enough to do that. In the football world, UGA is now the financial equivalent of toxic assets.
Kirby Smart in Athens? Ha ha, dream on, you morons. Dream on.
NikkiFree
January 10th, 2010
6:18 am
Saban is an egomaniac. How does he expect his comments to go over with his staff?! It was like he was publicly scolding his kid for even THINKING of leaving him. Those comments alone would have made me REALLY consider other options even if I had not before.
ga tech sucks
January 10th, 2010
6:18 am
They say our new DC is the QB nesbitt from GA TECH, They seem to think his enormous lips can stop any offense from running the ball. stay tuned..
WillDawg
January 10th, 2010
6:42 am
I hear Travis Jones is part of the deal, he was the recruiting coordinator at LSU with Saban, now he’s with the Saints. Played at UGA in the 90’s. Anybody else hearing this?
Smart to UGA!
January 10th, 2010
7:17 am
This deal is already done—mark it down. Smart’s moving to UGA, getting a huge raise, and will build the Dawg D to the best in the SEC. Look for the dawgs to shut down florida in November with this defense, like Alabama did in the SEC title game. Georgia beats fla, wins the SEC east!!!! Gators–off to a minor bowl. Their run is over.
reality bites
January 10th, 2010
7:31 am
AL talent level is so much higher than UGA, Smart would be an improvement over Martinez, but will not be able to solve UGA’s defensive problems…better recruits could. UGA will still be doomed to the 4th or 5th best team in the SEC East.
waiting moderation
January 10th, 2010
7:36 am
Smart is not the answer. He is a good choice. We need to stop recruiting these Florida State University Thugs with no direction and no field manners. People wake up CMR is not going to win a NC if he sticks to his Reidsville Prison line up and Bozo offense. Lets look at the last 30 years and look at who has won NC’s and Who has not. Georgia will only remain a pretty school with to much in fighting to win a NC. We only won 1980 because of Hershel and a little luck. Georgia has the money and the fan base that is not the problem, the problem is internal. Somebody kick that dog and tell him to wake up. Wake up, Georgia. If Georgia does not wake up it will become the overrated laughing stock of the SEC>
a
January 10th, 2010
7:44 am
willdawg: yes, hearing the same thing.
Erasmus
January 10th, 2010
7:48 am
Fire CMR, hire Kirby as both Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. Saves money and gets rid of the limp-phallused cause of our current wimpiness.
Odd
January 10th, 2010
7:50 am
With all the money that uga has, you would think they would get an established defenseive coordinator. Clemson did exactly what uga is doing last year with Steele and their defense declined. Maybe he is the real deal, maybe not. All I know is Paul Johnson’s offsense played well against Steele’s defense and will do the same against Smart’s. If Tech land Groh, then we might even make uga and clemson put their punterss on the field next season. Also, I hope it is Smart as the Air Force defensive coordinator is much more proven and knows option football.
vOL mAN
January 10th, 2010
7:50 am
When are you delusional dawg fans gonna realize your a second tier sec program? Seriously, when?
Saint Augustine
January 10th, 2010
7:51 am
“Florida received commitments from three top prospects on Saturday”
Just a reminder
((((( 41-17 & 49-10 )))))
The BEATDOWNS continue!
SIGNED LETTER OF INTENT
Neiron Ball
DE 6-4 210 4.5 5.8 Jackson, GA
Trey Burton
QB 6-2 203 4.62 5.7 Venice, FL
Robert Clark
WR 5-9 170 - 5.5 West Palm Beach, FL
Jordan Haden
DB 6-0 198 4.41 5.8 Fort Washington, MD
Leon Orr
DT 6-4 300 - 5.9 New Port Richey, FL
Solomon Patton
WR 5-10 175 - 5.7 Mobile, AL
Joshua Shaw
DB 6-1 195 - 6.0 Palmdale, CA
Ian Silberman
OL 6-4 257 5.13 5.9 Fleming Island, FL
COMMITTED/UNSIGNED
Gideon Ajagbe
LB 6-2 197 4.6 5.7 Coconut Grove, FL
Mack Brown
RB 5-11 185 4.4 5.9 Lithonia, GA
Gerald Christian
TE 6-3 220 4.65 5.9 West Palm Beach, FL
Demar Dorsey
DB 6-1 175 - 5.8 Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Jonathan Dowling
ATH 6-3 178 4.52 5.7 Bradenton, FL
Quinton Dunbar
WR 6-3 170 - 5.8 Miami, FL
Chris Dunkley
WR 5-10 164 4.4 5.9 Pahokee, FL
Dominique Easley
DE 6-3 258 4.7 5.9 Staten Island, NY
Matt Elam
DB 6-0 205 - 6.1 West Palm Beach, FL
Sharrif Floyd
DT 6-3 310 - 6.1 Philadelphia, PA
Michael McFarland
TE 6-6 230 - 5.7 Tampa, FL
Ronald Powell
DE 6-4 230 4.52 6.1 Moreno Valley, CA
Cody Riggs
DB 5-8 156 - 5.9 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Lynden Trail
DE 6-7 220 - 5.8 Miami, FL
Travon Van
ATH 5-11 200 - 5.8 New Berlin, NY
Jaylen Watkins
DB 6-1 172 4.44 5.9 Cape Coral, FL
FLA DAWG
January 10th, 2010
7:51 am
If Smart comes home to Athens I have confidence the Defensive knowledge and experience he learned from Saban would be just what The Dawgs need. Saban is a great winner because he is a Master at Defense. Defense has always been the game winner in college ball and will continue to be.
If Saban goes to USC (a lateral move) I wonder how many Bama Fans will wish him well. The guy has done this a few times and left many disgruntled fans who were die hard supporters of the guy. It would be his style to jump ship right after a great NC win and USC is a High Profile College Football place to be. Maybe the guy would like being a West Coastie. Time will tell.
Despite what many may feel about the guy personally he is truly a great college football coach – proven more than once – and in short order.
Now, what are we going to do about Bobo!?
Odd
January 10th, 2010
8:02 am
I haven’t even thought of the Saban to US deal. That would be interesting as USC is a very unethical program that would hire an established cheater. USC is even better at getting away with it than Bama. It would hurt Bama as they don’t seem to be able to make sound hiring decisions until this one.
Saint Augustine
January 10th, 2010
8:03 am
Get Smart. It won’t matter at all.
Kincade Knows All
January 10th, 2010
8:03 am
It can’t be Kirby Smart because Kincade said there is no way! You know it is true, he has a ESPN radio show on Sunday morning!!