New Georgia coach Sensible nonetheless with Alabama by way of playoff

Speaking to reporters, and via AL.com, Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Smart will begin working at Georgia for the next seven-to-10 days before returning to the Crimson Tide for postseason practices.

Mere hours after crunching the offense of the Dawgs’ chief rival Florida Gators, Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart came out publicly as the next head football coach of the Georgia Bulldogs. Smart was a four-year letterman as defensive back at UGA from 1995 to 1998. He will work with Alabama through at least New Year’s Eve, and potentially through the national championship game on January 11th.

If Alabama plays in national championship game on January 11 that could keep Smart from devoting his full attention on Georgia for more than a month. “I am pleased to welcome Kirby, his wife, Mary Beth, and their three children back home to the University of Georgia, and I look forward to supporting him in his new role as our head football coach”. The new coach turns 40 on December 23 and was widely regarded as one of the top assistants in the country.

When Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity chose to make a change, it was clear that Smart was his top choice.

Since he took over the reigns of the defense in 2008, Smart’s unit has ranked first in the FBS in points per game, yards per game, yards per play and total QBR, according to ESPN.

“It was definitely something I didn’t realize”, said Georgia quarterback Greyson Lambert, who attended the news conference.

Smart reunited with Saban a year later as safeties coach with the Miami Dolphins before following him to Tuscaloosa, where he has remained since.

Beyond his on-field success in the brutal SEC, Richt is also noted for the deep affection he inspires in his players. He could earn performance bonuses of up to $1.6 million if the Bulldogs win a national championship. In addition, the deal includes such perks as $1,800 a month to purchase or lease up to two cars and up to $5,000 a year to cover insurance on the vehicles. He led the Bulldogs with six picks in 1997 and five in 1998.

Sonny Smart said it was important that his son was with Saban “every step of the way” as Saban built the Alabama program.

“I interviewed Coach Smart on Sunday morning, and, following that interview, I accepted the athletic director¹s recommendation to hire Kirby”, said UGA President Jere W. Morehead.