History of Kirby Smart in Timeline
Kirby Smart, a former football player, is the head coach at the University of Georgia, his alma mater. He achieved significant success by leading the Bulldogs to consecutive national championship victories in 2021 and 2022. Smart's coaching career has been marked by these recent triumphs at the collegiate level.
December 23, 1975: Birth of Kirby Smart
Kirby Paul Smart was born on December 23, 1975.
1980: First National Championship Since 1980
Georgia's 2021 national championship was their first since 1980.
1980: First 12-Win Season since 1980
The 2017 season marked Georgia's fourth 12-win season, with the previous ones occuring in 1980, 2002, and 2012
1980: UGA's Undefeated SEC Play
This entry references the University of Georgia's three consecutive seasons of undefeated in-conference SEC play from 1980-1982, used for comparison to Smart's achievement with the 2021-2023 teams.
1982: First 9-0 Start Since 1982
In 2017, Georgia started the season 9-0 for the first time since 1982 under Kirby Smart's leadership.
1997: All-SEC Selection and Impressive Interceptions
In 1997, Kirby Smart led the Georgia Bulldogs with six interceptions, contributing to his career total of 13, the fourth highest in the school's history. He also earned first-team All-SEC honors.
1998: Strong Finish to College Career
In his senior year, 1998, Kirby Smart made five interceptions, further solidifying his position as a key player for the Georgia Bulldogs.
1999: Graduation and NFL Attempt
Kirby Smart graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in finance and briefly signed with the Indianapolis Colts, though he didn't make the regular season roster.
1999: Begins Coaching Career
Kirby Smart started his coaching career in 1999 as an administrative assistant at the University of Georgia.
2001: Defensive Coordinator at Valdosta State
In 2001, Kirby Smart was promoted to defensive coordinator at Valdosta State after a year as defensive backs coach.
2002: Graduate Assistant at Florida State
Kirby Smart worked as a graduate assistant at Florida State University under Bobby Bowden in 2002.
2002: First 12-Win Season since 2002
The 2017 season marked Georgia's fourth 12-win season, with the previous ones occuring in 1980, 2002, and 2012
2003: Completes Master's Degree
Kirby Smart completed his master's degree from Florida State University in 2003.
2003: Graduate Studies at Florida State University
Kirby Smart pursued graduate studies at Florida State University in 2003.
2004: Defensive Backs Coach at LSU
In 2004, Kirby Smart coached defensive backs at LSU under Nick Saban.
2005: Running Backs Coach at Georgia
Kirby Smart returned to the University of Georgia as running backs coach in 2005.
2005: First SEC Title Since 2005
The 2017 SEC Championship win was Georgia's first since 2005.
2006: NFL Coaching Stint
Kirby Smart's only NFL coaching experience was with the Miami Dolphins as safeties coach in 2006 under Nick Saban.
2007: Joins Alabama Coaching Staff
Kirby Smart joined Nick Saban's coaching staff at the University of Alabama in 2007.
February 27, 2008: Promoted to Defensive Coordinator at Alabama
Kirby Smart was promoted to defensive coordinator at the University of Alabama on February 27, 2008.
December 8, 2009: Wins Broyles Award
On December 8, 2009, Kirby Smart received the Broyles Award, recognizing him as the nation's top assistant coach.
January 2010: Stays with Alabama
Kirby Smart chose to remain at Alabama in January 2010, declining an offer to become defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia.
2011: Alabama Wins National Championship
Kirby Smart's defense contributed to Alabama's national championship victory in 2011.
2011: Nick Saban's Back-to-Back Championships
This entry references Nick Saban's consecutive national championship wins with Alabama in 2011 and 2012, used for comparison to Kirby Smart's achievement.
March 27, 2012: Contract Extension and Salary Increase at Alabama
On March 27, 2012, the University of Alabama extended Kirby Smart's contract and increased his salary.
November 20, 2012: AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year
Kirby Smart was named the AFCA FBS Assistant Coach of the Year on November 20, 2012.
2012: First 12-Win Season since 2012
The 2017 season marked Georgia's fourth 12-win season, with the previous ones occuring in 1980, 2002, and 2012
2012: Nick Saban's Back-to-Back Championships
This entry references Nick Saban's consecutive national championship wins with Alabama in 2011 and 2012, used for comparison to Kirby Smart's achievement.
April 16, 2013: Highest-Paid Defensive Coordinator
Kirby Smart received a salary increase on April 16, 2013, making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football.
December 6, 2015: Named Head Coach at Georgia
On December 6, 2015, Kirby Smart was announced as the head football coach of the University of Georgia.
2015: Another National Championship with Alabama
Kirby Smart was part of the Alabama coaching staff that won the national championship in 2015.
2016: First Season as Georgia's Head Coach
In 2016, Kirby Smart's first season as Georgia's head coach, the team finished 8-5 and won the Liberty Bowl.
December 2, 2017: SEC Championship Victory
On December 2, 2017, Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, won the SEC Championship for the first time since 2005.
2018: SEC Championship Appearance and Sugar Bowl Berth
In 2018, Georgia reached the SEC Championship game but lost to Alabama. They also played in the Sugar Bowl, losing to Texas.
2019: SEC East Champions and Sugar Bowl Victory
Georgia won the SEC East in 2019 but lost to LSU in the SEC Championship. They went on to win the Sugar Bowl against Baylor.
2020: Peach Bowl Victory in a Shortened Season
During the shortened 2020 season, Georgia finished 7-2 and won the Peach Bowl against Cincinnati.
2021: National Championship Victory
Georgia completed an undefeated regular season in 2021, then lost to Alabama in the SEC championship before going on to defeat Michigan and Alabama to win the national championship.
2021: First National Championship as Head Coach
In 2021, Kirby Smart led the Georgia Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season and their first national championship since 1980, defeating Alabama in the title game.
July 2022: Contract Extension and Season Start
In July 2022, Kirby Smart signed a lucrative 10-year contract extension with Georgia, making him the highest-paid coach in college football. The team began the season ranked #3 and started strong with a dominant win against Oregon.
2022: Second National Championship as Head Coach
Kirby Smart led the Georgia Bulldogs to their second consecutive national championship in 2022.
2023: Record-Breaking Season and Orange Bowl Victory
In 2023, Georgia started the year ranked #1. Smart achieved a record-breaking 85 wins as Georgia's coach in his first 100 games. He also led the team to an SEC-record 29-game win streak, ending with a loss against Alabama in the SEC Championship. The Bulldogs finished the season strong with a record-breaking win against Florida State in the Orange Bowl.
May 2024: Another Contract Extension and 100th Win
In May 2024, Smart signed another ten-year contract extension, again making him the highest-paid coach. He also reached his 100th career win as head coach with a victory against Texas.