At Greystone, Kirby Smart, Georgia’s head football coach, sat down for a candid interview on the state of college football, his deep connection to Alabama, and the challenges the sport faces.
Smart’s dedication to the annual event in Greystone reflects his loyalty to both his home state and Georgia. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Smart’s ties to the area are personal, with his parents having attended Samford University. “Being here is special,” he says, noting his friendship with CEO John Turner, a Georgia grad who has been instrumental in supporting the university.
Reflecting on the changes in college football, Smart voiced concerns over recent trends, especially the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies. He notes that players can now transfer twice in a year, which could have long-term effects. “Kids who’ve left often tell us they regret it,” Smart mentions, emphasizing that repeated transfers may impact academic progress and stability. While Smart is supportive of NIL, believing that “players deserve a piece of this,” he encourages them to persevere and grow within a team environment rather than leaving at the first sign of struggle.
Smart’s remarks underline a philosophy of stability. At Georgia, he is determined to build sustainable success rather than leaning too heavily on the transfer portal. This approach has paid off, with two SEC Championships and two national titles under his leadership. However, he highlights the weight of expectations, noting that Georgia fans now expect excellence. Smart warns of the risk in losing the “joy in winning,” a phenomenon he observed at Alabama. For him, each win in the SEC is hard-fought, and maintaining that appreciation is key to a rewarding career.
As the interview concluded, Smart expressed excitement about the upcoming season. With a demanding schedule that includes three top-15 teams on the road, he’s ready to shift the focus back to football, where he feels it belongs. “Let’s go play football,” Smart enthuses, reminding everyone of the real heart of the game.
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