Sonny Smart, the father of Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, tragically passed away early on Saturday morning due to complications following hip surgery. The 76-year-old Smart had fallen in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve, fracturing his hip, which led to a series of medical procedures. Despite a valiant fight, he was unable to overcome the injuries. The University of Georgia announced his death in a statement, expressing deep sympathy for the loss and thanking the medical team at Ochsner Medical Center for their care during his hospitalization.
A Life in Coaching and Family
Sonny Smart was a beloved figure in the coaching community, particularly in Alabama and Georgia, where he spent decades molding young athletes. His career spanned high school football and baseball, most notably as the coach of Holtville High School in Alabama. In 1982, he led the school’s baseball team to a state title, marking one of the many high points of his career.
Born in Alabama, Sonny also played college football at Samford University in Birmingham. His love for the sport and commitment to coaching was evident throughout his life, and his influence extended beyond his professional achievements to shape the careers of his children. He coached Kirby during his high school years, and the lessons learned from his father are ones that Kirby continues to cherish as he leads the University of Georgia’s football program.
A Family Loss Amid Tragedy
The elder Smart passed away surrounded by his wife, Sharon, and their three children—Kirby, Karl, and Kendall. Kirby Smart had been able to visit his father multiple times before and after Georgia’s 23-10 loss to the University of Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, which was rescheduled to Thursday after the tragic terrorist attack on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day. That attack resulted in the deaths of 14 people and left dozens more injured, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebratory occasion for college football.
In the statement issued by the University of Georgia, the Smart family expressed their gratitude to the medical staff at Ochsner Medical Center and requested that prayers be directed toward the victims of the New Year’s Day attack. “The Smart family treasures everyone’s thoughts and prayers and now prays for God’s comfort, strength, and guidance,” the statement said.
Lasting Lessons From a Wise Father
In a 2023 interview with ESPN, Kirby Smart shared how his father had influenced his coaching philosophy and personal life. “He’s taught me so much just about the way you handle things, the right way, the wrong way,” said the younger Smart. “Control the controllables. The moment’s never too big if you’re prepared. And I always watched the way he prepared our teams and our staff in high school.”
Kirby Smart, now one of the most successful coaches in college football, often credited his father’s wisdom and discipline for shaping his approach to coaching. “He was a very wise man, a man of few words,” Kirby said. “I tried to follow his mantra as a coach. I’ve certainly evolved from going to coach for other people, but a lot of my core beliefs came from the way he ran our programs in high school.”
Sonny Smart’s legacy lives on through his son, Kirby, and the countless athletes he mentored throughout his storied coaching career. His impact was felt not only on the football field but in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of learning from him. As the Smart family mourns this deep loss, they carry with them the lessons, love, and wisdom of a man who truly made a difference.
