Kirby Smart is entering his 10th season as Georgia\u2019s head coach, and the numbers speak for themselves. He has a 105-19 record, has won two national titles, three SEC championships and turned Georgia into one of college football\u2019s most consistent winners. Since taking over in 2016, Smart has raised the bar in Athens, and now anything short of a playoff run feels like a letdown. With expectations higher than ever, here\u2019s a look back at five of the biggest moments from Smart’s time leading the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n
Kirby\u2019s championship moments:<\/p>\n
Kirby Smart delivered Georgia\u2019s first national championship in 41 years when the Bulldogs beat Alabama 33-18 in the 2022 College Football Playoff title game. The victory ended decades of frustration and near misses for a program loaded with talent but starved for a title. It was a milestone that defined Smart\u2019s tenure and raised expectations for what Georgia could achieve. Going on to repeat the next year with a 65-7 victory over TCU, Smart doubled down on what this program is all about. These moments changed everything for the Bulldogs and their fans.<\/p>\n
Postgame interview after beating Texas in Austin:<\/p>\n
Georgia went into Austin and knocked off No. 1 Texas 30-15, despite being doubted by many in the media, and Smart didn\u2019t hold back in his postgame interview with ABC\u2019s Katie George. He pointed out the media doubting his team, questioned a few calls and said, \u201cOur intent was to eat.\u201d It was his 100th win at Georgia and one of his most fired-up moments as head coach. The \u201cEvil Kirby\u201d photo that followed made it even more memorable.<\/p>\n
Kelee Ringo\u2019s pick-six and Kirby\u2019s leap:<\/p>\n
When Ringo sealed the Bulldogs’ first title with Smart against Alabama with a pick-six, Smart jumped straight into the air, headset in hand, caught in the moment. The play ended four decades of frustration for the program. His reaction said more than any quote could. It was the kind of spontaneous release that only comes once. His pure excitement encompassed how every Georgia fan was feeling in that moment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kirby\u2019s \u2018get back\u2019 coach:<\/p>\n
Smart\u2019s intensity on the sideline has become its own visual. During close games, a staffer is often seen holding him back by his belt to keep him off the field. The coach has become known as the \u201cget back\u201d coach, and his job during the game is to ensure Smart stays on the sideline. Smart\u2019s pure passion, which now requires a coach to keep him in check, is why a ton of Bulldog fans love their head coach.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Timeout before Ohio State\u2019s fake punt:<\/p>\n
Down 11 points late in the fourth quarter of the 2022 CFP, Georgia\u2019s defense had forced Ohio State into a fourth and one. The Buckeyes lined up in punt formation but faked it and ran it for a first down. However, the play had been whistled dead before the snap. Smart had sniffed out the fake and called a timeout to save his team. Smart and the Bulldog ended up coming back and winning the game 42-41 at the stroke of midnight.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now entering his 10th season, Smart has set a new standard for Georgia football. These moments show how he has changed the program and what lies ahead.<\/p>\n
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