Alabama DC Kirby Smart to be named Georgia’s new coach

As one of five finalists for this year’s Broyles Award, he has a chance to be the first two-time victor, as does North Carolina defensive coordinator Gene Chizik.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart is set to become the new head coach at Georgia.

Kirby Smart: The Alabama defensive coordinator is an obvious candidate given his connections, and there is considerable sentiment among those close to McGarity to pursue Smart.

Smart will reportedly bring in his own staff, but a few now with Georgia will remain.

He will take over for Mark Richt, who parted ways with Georgia after 15 seasons. He’s a known SEC commodity, and comes from an Alabama program that wins national championships about as often as the Bulldogs beat Georgia Tech.

You can read the entire AJC article here.

The Bulldogs are expected to make a major play for Alabama DC Kirby Smart with Richt’s departure. Since 2008, he served as Alabama’s defensive coordinator.

The lone difference is Smart would come in with a great deal of understanding of Georgia’s culture.

More when we know more…

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s name has also been thrown around as a potential moving part. Mullen offers head coaching experience and a dynamic offense, although it may not be a fit for pro-style QB recruit Jacob Eason. It was the hire that probably ended up costing him his job.

“Oh, he’ll be a great head coach”, Florida’s Jim McElwain said Sunday. Assuming Smart wants the job, he’ll get the job, and it’s as simple as that.

Smart has been one of the nation’s most successful assistants in his eight years with the Crimson Tide. In addition, his wife played basketball at Georgia.