Kirby Smart
Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesUniversity of Georgia football coach Kirby Smartto his father, Sonny Smartis dead He was 76 years old.
Sonny had suffered a fall in New Orleans, where he had traveled to watch the UGA Bulldogs play Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. (The championship game was postponed from New Year’s Day to Thursday, January 2, after a Texas man intentionally drove a rental truck through a Bourbon Street crowd, killing 14 individuals. The driver was later killed in a exchange of fire with the police.)
“(Sonny) was hospitalized and underwent hip surgery; unfortunately, complications arose,” read a statement Saturday, Jan. 4, released by UGA to ESPN. “He fought valiantly, but was unable to overcome his injuries. The Smart family expresses their gratitude Heartfelt thanks to Ochsner Hospital and the medical staff for the outstanding care provided to Sonny.”
The statement continued: “In addition, they ask for your continued prayers for those affected by the tragic events that occurred in the early hours of the New Year. The Smart family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers and now prays for God’s comfort, strength and guidance.”
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Sonny is survived by his wife, Sharonand their three children: Karl, Kirby and Kendall. Kirby, 49, spent part of New Year’s at his father’s bedside before returning to game day duties. The UGA football team eventually lost to Notre Dame 23-10.
Sonny was a former football star, previously playing for Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, before becoming the head coach for the local Holtville High School. He also coached for Bainbridge High, where son Kirby played safety, and Rabun County High.
Kirby has been candid about their father-son relationship.
“He’s taught me so much just about how to handle things, the right way, the wrong way,” Kirby previously told reporters in January 2023. “Check the controllables. The moment is never too great if you are prepared. And I always looked at the way he prepared our teams and our staff in high school.”
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The college coach added at the time, “He was a very wise man, a man of few words. I tried to follow his mantra as a coach. I’ve certainly evolved from coaching other people, but a lot of my core beliefs came from the way he ran our high school programs.”
The college football community has expressed their condolences via social media.
“Marty, the girls and I are heartbroken to learn of Sonny Smart’s passing.” Brian Kempthe Georgia governor wrote via X on Saturday. “An outstanding father and husband and a great coach in his own right, he was a constant presence at Georgia football games along with his wife Sharon. Sonny embodied the values and strength we should all aspire to have. We are praying for Sharon, Karl, Kirby, Kendall and all their loved ones during this difficult time.”
