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Kirby Smart
Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesUniversity of Georgia football coach Kirby Smartdad, Sonny Smart, he died He was 76.
Sonny suffered a fall in New Orleans, where he was traveling to watch 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 rented truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14. The driver was later killed in a police shootout.)
“(Sonny) was hospitalized and had hip surgery; unfortunately, there have been complications,” said a statement issued by UGA on Saturday, Jan. 4, per ESPN. “He fought bravely but could not overcome his injuries. The Smart family extends their sincere thanks to the Ochsner Hospital and medical staff for the exceptional 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 is now praying 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 the New Year at his father’s bedside before returning to his duties. Finally, the UGA football team lost to Notre Dame 23-10.
Sonny was a former football star, previously playing for Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama before becoming the coach for the local Holtville High School. He also coached at Bainbridge High, where son Kirby played safety, and Rabun County High.
Kirby was candid about their father-son relationship.
“He taught me so much about how you handle things, the right way, the wrong way,” Kirby previously told reporters in January 2023. “Control the controllable.” A moment is never too big if you are prepared. And I always watched him prepare our teams and our staff in high school.”
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The collegiate 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 definitely evolved from going to coach other people, but a lot of my core beliefs came from how he ran our high school programs.”
The college football community expressed their condolences via social media.
“Marty, the girls and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Sonny Smart,” Brian Kempgovernor of Georgia, wrote via X on Saturday. “An incredible father and husband and a great coach in his own right, he and his wife, Sharon, were a constant presence at Georgia football games. 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 at this difficult time.”
