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
Blunder Dawg
January 12th, 2010
7:10 am
CMR has made a real BOO BOO !!
Large Orange
January 12th, 2010
7:14 am
Why would he want to leave a WINNER to move to a LOSER? Mark “Tan in a Can” Richt will have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to get a warm body to move to Athens! Everyone knows UGA sucks!!!
The "Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer
January 12th, 2010
7:19 am
I love reading the fleabags excuses and whining… it truly brings a smile to my face.
The "Hardcore Legend" Sandman
January 12th, 2010
7:23 am
David Pollock is a complete douche! His motor never stops running… errrr that is until he got to the NFL and flamed out.
North Avenue Genius
January 12th, 2010
7:26 am
This is way tooooooo funny. A few days ago all your UGA morons were singing Smart’s praises when you thought he was headed to Athens. Now that he is not….all of a sudden he is not a good DC and you don’t want him anyway! Kirby was “Smart” not to come to a declining program like UGA. GT runs Georgia!
Hairy Dawg
January 12th, 2010
7:28 am
Smart learnt from Nick Satan how to trater and liar. Kirby lies to Dawgs and say he coming and then dont come. Dawgs made look like bums standing in altar. We’s is goning to pays back Bama beating them like crimsen headed step childrens. Dawgs need turn in all cheatin for NCAA on Bama. Dawgs is alright with good DC instead of sorry Smart who would been having to learn to be own man coaching anyways. Now we get real DC coach who make Dawgs into top SEC champs. Cant wait to smash the Bamas mouths on games.
North Avenue Genius
January 12th, 2010
7:35 am
@ Hairy Dawg……you are either drinking early in the day or you are a UGA graduate. Which is it?
fishtales
January 12th, 2010
7:49 am
dawgno1- Do you think we really care if it does come to pass that Saban moves on? Most coaches in America move around eventually. Leaving us in a “lerch” though? Hmm…don’t think so. If he leaves this minute it was still a success with a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP and 5-star recruits committing left and right. Yeah…what a terrible situation to be in. Something tells me you’d trade in Toucan Tan in a hot second to get UGA to the same place.
01HAWK
January 12th, 2010
7:51 am
Honestly…………………………..Which job do you think will advance your career more. Working for SABAN or working for CMR.
Get Real………………………..You know the answer. UGA fans are not realistic. You will come back one day, but not with CMR
Erk Russell
January 12th, 2010
7:54 am
Dog#5 – need to read a little. Tommy T is new HC of TX Tech
Jim
January 12th, 2010
7:55 am
I think Groh is a sure thing
ESPN Losing Credibility?
January 12th, 2010
7:57 am
Yes, 90% of NY Times Union readers say Craig James should be fired for abusing his power to get Mike Leach fired.
Biggest credibility college football hit I’ve seen for ESPN. Tough times for ESPN, not very popular in the blog world.
http://blog.timesunion.com/sportsmedia/poll-should-espn-keep-craig-james-as-an-analyst/3361/
Bigdawg
January 12th, 2010
7:58 am
Smart and Saban will have there hats handed to them in the SEC championship in 2010 by the Dawgs. We are way over due. Smart will regret not coming back to UGA. Onward and upward Dawgs…Sic em!!!!!!!!!
JMc12203
January 12th, 2010
8:01 am
Turned down by one of your own. HOW FUNNY IS THAT !!! Just shows how LITTLE RESPECT THE UGA FOOTBALL PROGRAM HAS.
Jborodawg
January 12th, 2010
8:04 am
Coach Smart has made his decision and I wish him well.
To all you who said it was a done deal….ppppffffttt!!! Same to all you who speculate on who the new DC will be. Coach Richt will make his decision when he makes his decision. I know it’s hard not to be a little anxious about it…but…just chill ’til it happens.
Goooo Dawgs!!
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:06 am
BigDawg, what was in your coffee this morning? LSD? Because you are certainly having delusions of grandeur about the Dawgs making it to the SECCG next year.
Please beat UT first. Thanks.!
RTR! 29 years and counting Dawg fans!
YankeeJacket
January 12th, 2010
8:06 am
Where are the Knowitalls and insiders who KNEW absolutely and positively that Smart was the one??? Now its SOUR GRAPES and Kirby is the worlds worst person. Maybe he realizes how quickly some so-called Georgia Fans become a lynch mob and decided he didn’t need that. Unfortunately these blogs let any one say any complete BS with no accountability and hide behind some half-witted nickname.
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:08 am
HairyDawg, you said “Cant wait to smash the Bamas mouths on games.” That’s a riot. Bama has already become the most physical team in the SEC by far. The Process is moving along nicely in T-town.
Have you guys hired a DC yet? Hey, Crompton just threw for another TD! Nice!
RTR!
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:09 am
ATL 4 Real, just remember this. Bama NCs since 1992 = UGA NCs in their entire history.
RTR!
MUTTS CANT PAY ANY1 ENUF $ 2 COACH THEM
January 12th, 2010
8:10 am
YOU UGAY REDNECKS ARE GETTING WHAT YOU DESERVE,DONT NOBODY WANTS TO COACH AT A 2ND TIER SEC SCHOOL,NOT EVEN SOMEONE WHO WENT THERE LIKE KIRBY SMART!
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:11 am
Dawgfan@1:42, I’m sorry can you repeat your comment. I was busy watching Bama beat Texas again on my DVR. LOL!!
RTR! 29 years and counting Dawg fans! Where is the accountability from Richt??? Is he a truck salesman, dance instructor, or coach responsible for winning NCs???
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:13 am
Dear Coach Richt,
I’d be happy to coach your defense. I’m from UCF just like BVG.
Signed,
George O’Leary
Dawg in Grovetown
January 12th, 2010
8:17 am
Wonder’s if alabama fans will be calling for saban’s and smart’s head the year they don’t win a national title. beside’s will saban leave alabama when michigan offer’s him 6 million to coach their team when they fire rich rod next season?
MUTTS CANT PAY ANY1 ENUF $ 2 COACH THEM
January 12th, 2010
8:17 am
THE MUTTS CANT GET THE INNER CITY KIDS 2 PLAY 4 THEM,NOW THEY CANT EVEN GET A D.C TO COACH THEM! FIRE MARK RICHT!
YankeeJacket
January 12th, 2010
8:17 am
Enter your comments here
MUTTS CANT PAY ANY1 ENUF $ 2 COACH THEM
January 12th, 2010
8:19 am
THANK YOU GOD FOR MAKING THE UGAY REDNECK FOOTBALL PROGRAM GET DOWN ON ITS KNEES AND BEG FOR A D.C!
bulldogmaniac
January 12th, 2010
8:20 am
It is probably for the best. Smart will be a HC within 2 years so we wouldnt have had long and would have to go through all of this again very soon. I want an NFL guy anyways. What is the dream of all young recruits? To play in the NFL. Who better to prepare you for the NFL than a former NFL coach?
Dawg in Grovetown
January 12th, 2010
8:20 am
I think its a complement to a program when we are able to give huge raises to assistants that we want. I think UGA will get the right guy for the job. I really didn’t think Smart was coming to UGA, but I admit I would’ve liked to see him coaching UGA’s defense.
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:21 am
Ahhh, Dawg in Grovetown, the old ‘Saban will leave’ thing again, huh? Not going to happen. Fire Rich Rod and offer CNS 10 million. Bama can match it. He’s too happy in T-town.
Saban can go 6-6 next year and Bama fans will be fine. Hey, come on over to T-town and check out our new crystal football. You’ve seen it on TV but since there will not be one in Athens with Richt at the helm you may never get to see one in person.
I’m in Evans so we can carpool if you would like!
RTR! 29 years and counting Dawg fans!!
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:24 am
bulldogmaniac, CKS will be a head coach in 2 more years…..at UGA! But only if you say please!
ESPN Losing Credibility?
January 12th, 2010
8:27 am
78% of sports fans disagree with ESPN reporters on Craig James issue.
http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/chrono/19314422
dawginduluth
January 12th, 2010
8:30 am
“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.”
Translation: Richt is not building something special at UGA. Smart cannot learn anything from Richt. Richt cannot make Smart a better coach.
Richt is the problem. Until the problem is dealt with, we are doomed to mediocrity. It is now so bad that even a $700K salary for a DC isn’t enough to fix the problem.
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:30 am
Did ESPN ever have credibility?
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:32 am
dawginduluth, finally a Dawg fans with some sense. You understand what CKS is doing by staying at Bama to finish his training to become a head coach. What is there to learn from going to UGA? Dance moves? End zone celebrations? Football fashion?? Please.
BamBam49
January 12th, 2010
8:35 am
Kirby Smart used to be a girl….I’m just sayin!
Jullian
January 12th, 2010
8:38 am
I thought that idiot David Pollack reported that Smart was coming to UGA?
Troof
January 12th, 2010
8:45 am
But Pollack knows a guy! LOL!!
Hello
January 12th, 2010
8:47 am
Although people are dissappointed Kirby’s “roots” are in Alabama His dad won a state baseball title there before moving to GA when Kirby was young. He loves both states and has found a niche, plus he probably is still trying to sell a few houses from all of the moves he has already made. Heck I do not blame him stay settled for a little bit before moving again.
Since 2000-Athens,Valdosta,Tallahassee,Baton Rouge, Miami,Athens again, Miami again, Tuscaloosa.A lot of stops for a young married couple with two kids.
Top Dawg
January 12th, 2010
9:06 am
What about making a run at Mickey Andrews or Chuck Amato? Both from Richt’s FSU days.
suck it nerd
January 12th, 2010
9:14 am
Look, Kirby wouldn’t have been in Athens long anyway. He is going to be a HC pretty soon. Why leave a program that just won a NC and will be in the hunt next year? People, be rational. Bama will be covered nationally from now until they either win the NC next year or crash and burn. Do any of us really expect then to crash and burn??? If you do you need to step back and look at their team. They are loaded. Kirby will continue to get great exposure and set himself up for a HC job.
We need to find another coordinator like BVG. He was relatively unknown and became a commodity while making UGA’s defense a quality product.
Hairy Dawg
January 12th, 2010
9:15 am
I aint worried UGA goning to get our man despite sorry Smarty pants. Bama will be sorry from Nick Satan and keeping Kirby who was just Satan’s boy anyhow. Now we focus on bringing in Muschamps who knows winning and is HC in waiting like he needs to be named for Dawgs. Dawgs run SEC with more champs under Richt than Bama with Satan and Gaytors of Urban Liar for nevous breakdowns. Dawgs will rules SEC.
BIG DAWG
January 12th, 2010
9:16 am
Smart to UGA as Head Coach in 2011 !!!
Shonuff
January 12th, 2010
9:21 am
You Dawg fans can get angry…but Kirby had two reasons big reasons for staying at Alabama…job security is better at Alabama…better defensive talent to work with at Bama…
mrk
January 12th, 2010
9:23 am
Why join a staff that:
1) Leads the country in penalties ( and the coach doesn’t think it’s a problem)
2) Spends more time on gimmicks than plays (uniforms, florida celebration)
3) Has a below average offensive coordinator
4) No returning or proven quarterback for next year (we know it will take two years to develop one)
when you can
1) coach the national champions
2) work for a proven coach who understands how to win
3) have athletes that are bigger, faster, stronger (did you see those alabama lineman, wow!)
4) pad your resume, instead of making new ones.
This is not to bash Ga. This is just the honest truth as to the state of the program. Like it or not, these are the facts. Mark Rict is not Urban or Saben. We have not figured out how to win consistently or how to play like champions consistently.
Silly Willie
January 12th, 2010
9:25 am
Come on…my defenses were great!!…for other offenses that is.
gts9550
January 12th, 2010
9:25 am
Enter your comments here
gts9550
January 12th, 2010
9:29 am
Kirby Smart is not a true DAWG if it runs in your blood you would always want to come back to your school. Kirby I watched you play and you didnt play like the little boy you are for hiding behind coach Saban’s shadow. You could have had your name recognized as your def. not Saban’s D…Good Luck coaching Saban’s Def.
Bdawg
January 12th, 2010
9:30 am
Sick of all you Techies with your absurd comments. I’m not gonna bang on Kirby, he did what he felt was best for his family. Wish him the best of luck. It is disheartening to wait this long and get turned down by your #1 choice, but we will get a quality guy in here. Now back to you Tech guys. 90 wins in 9 seasons is not 2nd tier, nor is handing your sorry butts 8 losses in that same time frame. Congrats on your ACC title this year, but you still aren’t and will never be on the same level as the University of Georgia. Oh yeah, good luck next year without your 4 best players!
Scooter
January 12th, 2010
9:32 am
OMG – UGA fans are the most delusional and idiotic fans in the SEC. I have read on here everything from “Kirby Smart is no longer a UGA grad” to “Kirby Smart cannot speak for himself” to “Saban and Smart’s scheme is overrated”. What idiots. Get a clue, losers.
Smart Flip Floppers?
January 12th, 2010
9:33 am
Funny, Georgia haters were going off when Georgia was about to hire Smart about Smart being “Saban’s Shadow” and untested, unproven, and the like.
Now that Smart said No, they flip flopped.
Must be Gators.
Haaa haaa ahaa ahaaa ahaaaa!