Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart was announced as Georgia's new head coach on Sunday, just a day after his defense led the Crimson Tide to an SEC Championship Game win over Florida.
The former Bulldogs defensive back, after nine seasons as an assistant at Alabama (seven of them as defensive coordinator), will return to his former school in replacing head coach Mark Richt, who held the job for 15 seasons. Smart's deal is for six years and calls for an annual salary of $3.75 million, according to the Athens Banner-Herald's Marc Weiszer.
"It's an honor and privilege to return home to the University of Georgia and my home state," Smart said in a statement. "... I have been fortunate to spend 11 seasons with (Alabama head coach Nick Saban) as my mentor and have learned a tremendous amount from him as a coach and teacher. I'm honored and excited for the opportunity at Georgia and promise high energy, effort every day, and hard work every minute on the part of all our coaches, staff and student-athletes."
Smart will continue coaching at Alabama through the College Football Playoff. UA was named the No. 2 seed in the four-team field by the CFP selection committee on Sunday morning. Smart could begin his duties at Georgia as early as New Year's Day, if the Crimson Tide loses its semifinal against Michigan State on Dec. 31. If Alabama beats MSU, Smart won't be in Athens until after Jan. 11, when the championship game is played.
Interim coach Bryan McClendon will coach the Bulldogs for their bowl game, which is expected to be the TaxSlayer Bowl against Penn State in Jacksonville, Fla.
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