Smart explains decision to reject UGA (updated)
Athens — Kirby Smart won’t be coming to Georgia as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator, deciding after two days of deliberation to remain in the same job at Alabama.
Smart, a former Georgia player, explained his decision in written comments provided by Alabama:
“I think it was pretty well known that there was an opportunity to return to my alma mater as defensive coordinator,” Smart said. ”I wouldn’t even have considered discussing the position with any other school, but when it is a place I’ve spent some of my best years and had some great memories, I thought it was something I should discuss with my family and figure out what was best.
“After thinking about all the factors over the last couple days, we are going to stay at the University of Alabama. We love it in Tuscaloosa, have made some great friends here and I think we are building something special here at Alabama with Coach [Nick] Saban. I have learned so much in the time I’ve spent with Coach Saban, and every year I feel like a become a better coach.
“I’ve got a great deal of respect for Coach [Mark] Richt and the job he has done there, and the University of Georgia will also have a special place in my heart. Not only did I play there, but my wife played basketball there and we have a lot of friends at UGA.”
Smart had been considering a lucrative multi-year offer — reportedly for three or four years at around $700,000 per year — to return to his alma mater as defensive coordinator. His pending decision had been the subject of intense speculation among UGA fans over the weekend. Saban previously had expressed his disapproval of assistant coaches making lateral career moves.
“We’re very pleased and happy that Kirby is going to be staying here at the University of Alabama with us,” Saban said in a statement this afternoon. ”He’s done a fabulous job for us. He’s one of the finest assistant coaches in the country.
“You expect guys like Kirby to get lots of opportunities to do things, and we want to continue to help him continue to develop his career here so that when he leaves here, it’s going to be to be a head coach and probably in a very good situation. So we’re excited about that. We’re happy for him and his family. It’s very pleasing to us.”
Alabama is believed to have aggressively countered Georgia’s financial offer, but said it would not reveal Smart’s new salary until it is approved by trustees in the spring. Smart’s salary was around $360,000 in 2009.
Richt has been trying to hire a new defensive coordinator since the Dec. 2 firing of Willie Martinez and two other defensive coaches.
Georgia previously pursued two veteran defensive coordinators for the job, Virginia Tech’s Bud Foster and LSU’s John Chavis. Both opted to remain in their current jobs after having their contracts considerably sweetened.
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1,397 comments Add your comment
Alabama Jack
January 11th, 2010
7:08 pm
I smell Chuck Amato…….
TJ Vol
January 11th, 2010
7:09 pm
Sid….are realistic UGA fan….you get it buddy….
RGB
January 11th, 2010
7:12 pm
New rumors:
1. Nick Saban is coming to UGA as defensive coordinator.
2. Lane Kiffin will replace Capt. Herb as a traffic reporter.
Techie
January 11th, 2010
7:13 pm
AcworthDawg, Same thing that made all those bulldawgs leave, the money. That has nothing to do with KS and the dawgs. You guys are really good at changing the subject. HA HA HA
Hairy's Balls
January 11th, 2010
7:14 pm
And BTW,
Once a Dawg, Always a Dawg for most of us…
For Kirby Smart, by turning down the position, he still a Dawg. By using this opportunity to get a raise with no intention of taking the UGA job…a backstabbing traitor who is no longer a Dawg.
Scott B
January 11th, 2010
7:15 pm
The TIDE ROLLS! The only ROLLING a BULLDOG does is when he ROLLS OVER! Good try, though, BULLDOG! ROLL TIDE!!!
Wildmanhoya
January 11th, 2010
7:15 pm
I hate to tell you Dawg fans but your program isn’t all you think it is. Why would Smart leave Alabama for the Dawgs? Why go 8 – 4 or 9 -3 when you can play for the big title?
Bama Tears
January 11th, 2010
7:16 pm
Saban is negotiating a contract to become to the new coach at USC!!!!!
It’s okay Bama fans, LSU fans will comfort you!!!!!!
MW
January 11th, 2010
7:16 pm
Bring in Withers and be done with it.He is the man we need!
Techer
January 11th, 2010
7:16 pm
Koenning–rejected
Bud Foster–rejected
Chavis–rejected
Kirby Smart–rejected
Who’s next? I heard Richt’s offering the job to one of the grad assistants who worked the weedeater bowl—he wants $300,000 to take the job.
Vince Dooley
January 11th, 2010
7:17 pm
I hate to say this…….Tech’s always been superior to UGA…..regardless of that silly one-on-one record…..look that Their history compared to ours…..its like comparing an encyclopedia to a childrens book……its dead gum said I tell ya !!!
DogGoneGaDawg
January 11th, 2010
7:17 pm
I find it fascinating that Bama has chosen Wal Mart to be the place to display the national championship trophy. I guess you need to go where most of your constituency is. So apropos.
The Boss
January 11th, 2010
7:17 pm
LMAO…looks like your DC job and the program is NOT as attractive as some of you yahoos think!
Now go join the ACC so you can win more and get into a better bowl game! HAHAHAHAHA!
AcworthDawg
January 11th, 2010
7:18 pm
Haha the practical decision would have been to never go to GT in the first place….unless they are happy with beating UGA in football once every 7 years….
Coach Tim DeRuyter
January 11th, 2010
7:18 pm
Anyone think I would be a good DC candidate?
I’m your man Georgia fans…
Vince Dooley
January 11th, 2010
7:18 pm
I hate to say this…….Tech’s always been superior to UGA…..regardless of that silly one-on-one record…..look that Their history compared to ours…..its like comparing an encyclopedia to a childrens book……its dead gum sad I tell ya !!
Gators Have 5 Coaches Quit Since SEC CHamp
January 11th, 2010
7:18 pm
Wow, this guys are dropping like flies. No one thinks Meyer is coming back in 2010, not even his own coaches. 5 caches have quit in the last few weeks, including Meyer himself.
Buzz
January 11th, 2010
7:19 pm
Money talks…if you want loyalty, get a dog!
Vince Dooley
January 11th, 2010
7:19 pm
since Tech wouldn’t hire me I’ve had to go to a school with no football program….KSU
Bartkowski had a great arm!
January 11th, 2010
7:19 pm
Larry, I’d agree but CMR’s situation is much different now than it was a couple of years ago. He really can’t afford another mistake hire. That’s why he’s trying for proven DC’s. That’s obvious. But now he might as well go back to trusting his gut with a guy that’s never had an opportunity to coach the great players that we enjoy here in Athens. That’s what he did with BVG. That’s what he needs to do now! Within the next couple of days, I expect CMR to announce his next DC and I expect it to be either DeRuyter from AF or Diaz from MTSU. Both are fine coaches that will get our D back where it belongs. It will be fun watching UGA beat the teams with guys that we offered the position to as their DC. Then we can pay this guy mega-bucks to stay here, like all those schools are doing. GO DAWGS!
DogGoneGaDawg
January 11th, 2010
7:21 pm
The Boss: The last time UGA played in the Sugar Bowl we cleaned Hawaii’s clock. The last time Bama played in the Sugar Bowl, well . . .Go Utes!
Urban Liar
January 11th, 2010
7:21 pm
Urban has been caught in dozens of lies. It could be worse folks, we could be cheering for Urban Liar, thank your lucky stars.
Here are a nice selection of Urban’s Lies:
http://www.utefans.net/lies.php
John
January 11th, 2010
7:22 pm
Did you mutts really think a DC from a national power would downgrade to a cesspool like Georgia?? I LOVE IT!!!
tim
January 11th, 2010
7:22 pm
We sipport EL Capitan Richt.
Sid
January 11th, 2010
7:23 pm
I don’t believe that Kirby approached UGA. They went after him and he turned us down. AGAIN, who does this reflect upon? I love UGA and there is NO reason we cannot win a NC with all the talent in this state and neighboring states. However, if you don’t have the right captain the ship ain’t gonna sail.
Don't Worry, Be Happy Guy
January 11th, 2010
7:24 pm
Georgia will be better in 2010, we’ll have a strong D in 2010 folks, no worries.
Don’t worry, be happy.
Jesup
January 11th, 2010
7:24 pm
I for one am glad Kirby is not comming , Feel good hire wont win games. Tim Deruyter of Air Force has done more with less…….folks, that is what it is about. I CAN see Alabama winning the NC WITHOUT Smart………i CANNOT see Air Force shutting down high powered houston cougars without DERUYTER…….HERE IS Keenum NUMBERS 24/41 222yds 1 td 6 int…..that is impressive considering Houston killed OKst. a week after they beat us………think about it…..
Billy Bob
January 11th, 2010
7:28 pm
I guess you could get on your knees and ask Martinez back! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr. Blue Sky
January 11th, 2010
7:28 pm
Hey now, Richt ALWAYS follows an 8 win season with a Natl Champ, like 2002 & 2007. Get ready, blue skies ahead folks.
Varsity Burger in Paradise
January 11th, 2010
7:29 pm
The next coach will get free Varsity burgers for life!
JUNKYARD
January 11th, 2010
7:30 pm
Kirby Smart is a bright, energetic young coach. Accepting the Defensive Coordinator job at Georgia would have been great for Georgia. He did what was best for himself and his family. I wish him the best as he continues to improve and show that he deserves to be a leading candidate for a Head Coaching job in the future. Hopefully the Dawgnation can also move forward and hire the best candidate to lead the defense back to Junkyard Dawg status. Now if everyone can show a little class and continue to support a former Dawg in his future success, maybe one day he will come back. No need to be bitter and childish over Coach Smart’s decision. We will bring in someone that will be great for the University of Georgia. GO DAWGS!!
Bammer Boy
January 11th, 2010
7:32 pm
With all these DCs taking a look at UGA and turning down the offer, somethin’ smells like turds. I am afraid it’s the UGA football program itself that’s doing the stinkin’.
Good News
January 11th, 2010
7:35 pm
I never like the idea of Smart coming to Georgia as the DC. He seems like a nice guy like Richt. We need a mean SOB as a DC. We need a guy like Saban who will get in your face and demand excellence. I just don’t think Smart is running Alabama’s defense. Saban is runnig the defense and Smart is Saban’s assistant. Smart knows he is not ready to take over a defense on his own. He wants to stick around and learn more from Saban. I think Grantham would be a much better choice at this point.
Richt is the Man
January 11th, 2010
7:36 pm
The Boss – Really? I mean we haven’t had a head coach leave us to go TAMU or had an Offensive coordinaotor leave us to be aposition coach somewhere else. If we are 2nd rate, what does that say about a school who HAS had both happen? And if we are “2nd rate”, then why did Saban feel it necessary to comment on coaches making latteral moves only when we were courting one of his assitants, and not when he lost a coach to Tenn in a latteral move and lost his offensive coordinator to Texas in downward move the last 2 years? Is he scared of what might happen at UGA if they do get a the right guy to coach their defense?
GATA
January 11th, 2010
7:36 pm
I’m disappointed in Kirby Smart, I thought this was a perfect situation for him (and us). There is definitely something going on behind the scenes, whether Kirby is vying to take over when Satan Nick leaves, or he sees more turmoil to come @ UGA, or possibly a third, he does not feel ready to take the reigns of DC at a top-tier program. I commend Richt on going after the big-time DC’s like Foster and Smart (there was never a formal offer to Chavis, just talking), but I would have liked for there to be more interest before throwing us under the bus (kinda like the Techie who couldn’t get a prom-date, asking every girl in school, once word gets out, the girls figure out they weren’t asked first). You need to throw some hints out there and KNOW if you got this guy or not before you offer, I doubt Grantham comes now. Expect us to get a no-name @ a no-name school, but even that is better than CWM
Van Gorder
January 11th, 2010
7:37 pm
Van gorder didn’t have a very good season with the falcons, and they would be glad to see him go. Ga should offer him a million and he may come back to athens.
WhatupDawg
January 11th, 2010
7:38 pm
Yall are probably still paying off Ray Goff. Give him a call.
the voice of reason
January 11th, 2010
7:40 pm
everyone needs to chill the F out. yea it hurts that kirby is staying at bama but we all knew he would most likely stay there. we’ve taken a few shots a big names that havent panned out while UF took an NFL assistant under the radar. we’ll probably go that route now and hopefully get travis jones and everything will be just fine. take a deep breath, the sun will still come up tomorrow……
Reality Train
January 11th, 2010
7:40 pm
Now, just why would Kirby Smart leave the National Champion and the staff for one of the 1 or 2 most significant college coaches in America to take a backwards/sideways step to a team/program that is not even the best in its won division? There are actually plenty of qualified people who could do a good job as the DC at Georgia, but the so-called “Bulldog Nation” (stretching all the way from just south of Chattanooga to just north of Jacksonville) will have to swallow hard to accept an NFL assistant or the DC from a lesser school (like the revered Van Gorder was prior to joining CMR’s staff). UGA will be alright in the end and will have a much-improved defense in 2010. These guys who think its still 1980 and that UGA is the crown jewel of college football kill me.
tidechampionsagain!
January 11th, 2010
7:41 pm
UF and UT are way ahead of the poodles. Go ahead and fight it out with KY and USCe for the bottom…maybe you will be ahead of Vandy. So funny….A puppie alum wants to stay at Bama. Roll Tide!
dandydawg
January 11th, 2010
7:41 pm
Now UGA fans, don’t worry. I think that since the relationship is now over with Kirby, we can move on to get a real DC. Never mind that Mr. Smart is a UGA grad. He is now, more than ever, a Nick Saban man. He only has two years as a DC and I think with time, he will learn more and more and become a great leader. I honestly think as long as Michael Adams is the prez. at UGA, Kirby Smart will never be the head coach at UGA nor Alabama. Mark my words, ‘Bama will never hire a Georgia Grad to coach it’s football team!
01HAWK
January 11th, 2010
7:41 pm
HEY UGA HOUND DOGS,,,,,,,,,,,,WHOOF, WHOOF. Mike Sherman at Texas A&M just forced Joe Kines out as DC. He is only 66 years old and ready for Social Security.
You have gone from a preseason NO.1 to a sinking SEPTIC TANK in less than 2 years.
That is some funny stuff.
They call ALABAMA THE CRIMSON TIDE……………….THEY CALL UGA A SEPTIC TANK
clemsonorange
January 11th, 2010
7:42 pm
How embarrassing it must be at Ga today. Turned down 3 times now….even by one of your own. Ouch!
dandydawg
January 11th, 2010
7:44 pm
Strange to see a “bama fan talking about UT being a head of Georgia. Yes, you did win a championship this year, but after the season starts, it a whole new ball game. Just wait til they get Saban and crew d\for cheating… and UT… well, maybe the NCAA can keep just a close watch on them.
bama babies
January 11th, 2010
7:45 pm
BAMA babies: You had a good season, but your coach is a mercenary, he will be gone w/in a few years, if not next year. He has no loyalty to the program, he is a gun for hire. Your lucky McCoy went down in first QT, it would have been a much better game. You allowed a true FRESHMAN QB to pull w/in 3 in the 4th QT. Congrats on the championship, but do not talk down to our program like we are second rate. I still remember the tough seasons you guys were having pre-SABAN, and recall many beatdowns we put on you during that span.
Richt is the Man
January 11th, 2010
7:45 pm
GATA – Actually, Foster was never offered the job either. And as far as Chavis, his “turn down” came across more of way to squash rumors with the players at LSU than someone who had even been approached with the job. And Koening was never aggressively pursued either. Smart, I do believe is the only who has turned down an offer. And that’s ok. Would have liked to have had him and would have thought he would have done a great job, but Saban is the one who really runs that defense. So he could have also turned out not to be so great either.
dandydawg
January 11th, 2010
7:46 pm
01Hawk… I bet if you can count.. you guys still stink…. Septic tanks that is… Y’all will hope that Kirby had accepted UGA’s offer after next season. We know how you Bama fans are.
Brian
January 11th, 2010
7:47 pm
Thought it was pitiful that Kirby Smart did not have a big enough set to inform everyone he was staying at Alabama. Thought it was very unprofessional on Saban’s part to be the one to break the news. What do you expect from SATAN!! Knowing Satan, It is his Defense and not Kirby’s..
Bammer Boy
January 11th, 2010
7:47 pm
We just don’t wanna get any of that doggie poo on our cleats as we run over you clowns in Athens like the last throttlin’ we gave y’all.
HAHAHA
January 11th, 2010
7:49 pm
Two words for UGAers: SEPTIC TANK!