As fans entered Georgia’s baseball game on an April afternoon, they were greeted with the amplified voice of Coach Kirby Smart booming over Rutherford Street. Drawing on his experience as a former Georgia defensive back and Alabama defensive coordinator under Saban, Smart peppers his players with aggressive feedback and has led the Bulldogs to success on the field.
However, Smart’s approach has been questioned following a tragic street-racing crash in 2023 that led to the death of two on-campus members and subsequent driving-related arrests among the team. ESPN analyst, Paul Finebaum, has suggested that this tarnishes Georgia’s storied program.
This weekend, Smart’s Bulldogs are visiting Alabama. This long-year rivalry was usually overshadowed by Saban’s leadership, but Kalen DeBoer is now leading the Crimson Tide, and for the first time, Georgia is favorited to win. President Jere Morehead notes that Smart’s success has exceeded expectations.
Despite Smart’s achievements, his national reputation has been fairly reserved. He has limited commercial appearances, but his record rivals that of Saban. However, his management skills and attention to detail have been commended among his colleagues.
One significant concern remains the number of player arrests under Smart’s leadership. Numerous driving incidents and friction within the team have given critics ammunition. However, Richt has defended Smart, saying the coach has been unfairly criticized.
Despite this, Smart is keen to build a legacy similar to Saban’s powerhouse at Alabama. He has stated his desire to create a dominant team. But with continued off-field issues, some have compared Smart more to Urban Meyer than Saban. Smart, however, has changed his stance, calling the recent incidents “terribly disappointing.” Despite the challenges, players respect Smart’s fierce discipline and dedication to always improving. His legacy will always be linked to Saban’s legacy, and the upcoming game at Saban’s former stadium will be a significant first step.
