In a powerful and emotional tribute to one of college football’s most transformative leaders, the University of Georgia has officially unveiled a statue of head coach Kirby Smart at Sanford Stadium in Athens. The ceremony, held in front of hundreds of fans, alumni, and current players, celebrated Smart’s profound impact on the Georgia Bulldogs football program and the legacy he continues to build.
The bronze statue, placed prominently near the stadium entrance, captures Smart in his signature sideline stance—intense, focused, and commanding. It stands not only as a symbol of his coaching prowess but as a testament to the culture of excellence he has instilled at UGA since taking over the program in 2016.
Under Smart’s leadership, Georgia has returned to national prominence, securing multiple SEC titles and, most notably, back-to-back national championships in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His teams have been defined by discipline, resilience, and elite recruiting, helping to establish the Bulldogs as perennial contenders in the College Football Playoff era.
University President Jere Morehead and Athletic Director Josh Brooks both spoke at the unveiling, praising Smart not just for his success on the field, but for his leadership off of it. “Coach Smart has not only brought championships to Athens, he has brought pride and integrity to everything this program stands for,” Morehead said.
For Smart, the honor was humbling. “This statue doesn’t just represent me,” he said during the ceremony. “It represents every player, coach, fan, and family member who has believed in Georgia football. It’s about the legacy we are building together.”
As the sun set over Sanford Stadium, the statue gleamed—a lasting tribute to a coach who has forever changed the face of Georgia football and left an indelible mark on college athletics.
