In a stunning and unexpected turn of events, Kirby Smart, the head coach who led the Georgia Bulldogs to multiple national championships and restored the program to powerhouse status, has officially submitted his resignation to the University of Georgia president, Jere Morehead, early this morning.
Sources close to the athletic department confirm that Smart delivered the letter in person just before 7 a.m., citing “personal priorities, professional reflection, and the evolving landscape of college football” as key reasons behind the decision.
The resignation, which is expected to be effective immediately following Georgia’s spring practices, has left the Bulldogs community — and the entire SEC — in absolute shock.
In a brief official statement released by the university, Smart said:
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to lead the Georgia Bulldogs. This decision did not come easily. After conversations with my family and deep personal reflection, I believe it’s time to step away and focus on what matters most off the field. I’ll always be a Dawg.”
Smart, who took over the program in 2016, compiled a remarkable record including back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, and multiple SEC titles. His tenure reshaped Georgia’s football identity and redefined what it meant to be a contender in the College Football Playoff era.
Players, alumni, and fans are already reacting across social media with a mix of heartbreak, gratitude, and disbelief. Athletic Director Josh Brooks is reportedly holding emergency meetings to discuss interim options and the national search for Smart’s replacement — a task that will no doubt command attention across the sport.
College football insiders are already speculating whether Smart’s resignation may be connected to recent changes in NIL regulations, the transfer portal, or potential opportunities at the NFL level.
One thing is certain: Kirby Smart’s departure marks the end of an era in Athens — and the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter for Georgia football.
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