In the passing of Sonny Smart, father of head coach Kirby Smart, who also died after a fall in New Orleans, the Georgia football family lost one of its cherished members. Sonny was an esteemed member of Georgia high school football, and he was 78 years old at the time of his death.
The accident took place when the Smart family was in New Orleans to celebrate Georgia’s successful season and prepare for the college football playoff. The close-knit Bulldogs community is mourning the loss of Sonny.
A Life Dedicated to Football and Family
More than being Kirby’s father, he was a mentor, a coach, and the pillar of a close-knit community. Sonny Smart was long-time high school football coach of Georgia, loved the game but also dedicated all his time towards the players which had left permanent imprints in numerous lives.
Sonny had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued,” said one former player. “He was a coach who cared about the game but cared even more about the people playing it.
That passion for football was passed down to Kirby, who credited much of his success to his father. The influence of Sonny was felt in Kirby’s ascension up the coaching ladder and in his leading the Georgia Bulldogs to two straight national championships.
An Outpouring of Support
Right after Sonny’s death, condolences have poured in from all corners of the college football world. Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks released a statement on behalf of the program stating, “Sonny Smart was a beloved member of the Bulldog family, whose legacies extend far beyond the football field. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Kirby, Mary Beth, and the entire Smart family during this very difficult time.
On the sidelines, Kirby Smart keeps his composure, talks about his parents, and how they helped him reach where he is today. Fatherly lessons with respect to discipline, hard work, and integrity are values he is instilling in his team. Sonny Smart leaves a legacy-a coach, a loving father, husband, and friend. In rallying for Kirby during the playoff push, the team and fans will all come together in honoring Sonny by embracing the values for which he stood.
