Kirby Smart, the head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, has been a central figure in college football for nearly a decade. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including multiple SEC championships and national titles. However, recent events have sparked discussions and raised questions about his future with the program.
1. Is Kirby Smart Fired?
As of September 28, 2025, Kirby Smart has not been fired from his position as head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite facing criticism following a 24–21 loss to Alabama, which ended Georgia’s 33-game home win streak, the university has not made any public statements indicating plans to part ways with Smart. In fact, Smart’s overall record remains impressive, with a 107–13 record outside of games against Alabama.
The loss to Alabama has intensified scrutiny on Smart’s performance, especially considering his 1–7 record against the Crimson Tide. However, it’s important to note that Smart has led Georgia to multiple championships and has consistently kept the team competitive on a national level.
2. Kirby Smart’s Daughter: Julia Smart
Kirby Smart is a family man, married to Mary Beth Smart, with whom he has three children: twins Weston and Julia, born on February 8, 2008, and their youngest son, Andrew, born on May 25, 2012. Julia Smart, like her twin brother, maintains a private life. She has a modest social media presence, with just under 3,000 followers on Instagram and limited posts.
While Julia has not publicly commented on her father’s coaching career, her presence underscores the importance of family in Kirby Smart’s life. The support of his family has been a consistent theme throughout his tenure at Georgia.
3. Kirby Smart Crying in Press Conference
There have been no widely reported instances of Kirby Smart crying during a press conference. However, like many coaches, Smart has shown deep emotion following significant losses or challenges. For instance, after Georgia’s loss to Alabama in the 2023 SEC Championship Game, Smart appeared visibly upset during the post-game press conference, reflecting the weight of the defeat.
Such moments highlight Smart’s passion for the game and his commitment to his players and the Georgia program. While he may not have cried in every emotional moment, his reactions demonstrate the deep connection he feels toward his team and the sport.
4. Press Conference After Loss to Alabama
Following the recent loss to Alabama, Kirby Smart addressed the media, discussing the game’s pivotal moments and his team’s performance. One of the most talked-about decisions was his choice to go for it on fourth-and-1 at the Alabama 10-yard line in the fourth quarter, rather than attempting a field goal. The attempt was unsuccessful, leading to criticism from fans and analysts alike.
In the post-game press conference, Smart defended his decision, stating, “I’d do that 10 out of 10 times.” He emphasized that the play had been successful earlier in the game and that the failure was due to a missed block.
While some questioned the call, Smart’s unwavering confidence in his decision reflects his aggressive coaching philosophy and belief in his team’s abilities.
5. Kirby Smart’s Record Against Alabama
Kirby Smart’s record against Alabama has been a topic of much discussion. Despite Georgia’s overall success under his leadership, the Bulldogs have struggled against the Crimson Tide, with Smart holding a 1–7 record in these matchups.
This disparity is particularly notable given Smart’s history with Alabama. Before becoming Georgia’s head coach, Smart served as an assistant coach under Nick Saban at Alabama, contributing to the team’s national championships. His familiarity with Saban’s strategies has made the head-to-head battles between the two coaches particularly compelling.
The most significant victory for Smart over Alabama came in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship, where Georgia defeated the Crimson Tide 33–18. This win not only secured Georgia’s first national title in over four decades but also marked Smart’s first victory over his former mentor, Nick Saban.
Conclusion
Kirby Smart remains a pivotal figure in college football, leading the Georgia Bulldogs with passion and determination. While recent losses, particularly to Alabama, have sparked debate about his future, his overall record and contributions to the program continue to speak volumes. The support of his family, including his daughter Julia, and his steadfast commitment to his team, underscore the depth of his dedication to the sport.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Smart and the Bulldogs to see how they respond to the challenges ahead. Regardless of the outcomes, Kirby Smart’s legacy in college football is firmly established, and his journey is far from over.
