Sonny Smart, a revered football coach at two high schools in Georgia and the father of current Georgia football coach Kirby Smart, passed away early Saturday morning, as confirmed by the university. He died at 12:15 a.m. following complications from hip surgery after a fall on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans. He was there to support the Georgia Bulldogs during their Sugar Bowl game against Notre Dame.
Sonny Smart’s coaching career spanned several years, with a notable tenure as head coach at Bainbridge High School from 1988 to 1994, where he coached his son Kirby. He later led the Rabun County team from 1995 to 2003. His legacy as a coach is remembered for instilling values and preparing young athletes both mentally and physically for the game.
Kirby Smart expressed his gratitude for his father’s guidance, sharing how he shaped his approach to coaching. Kirby remarked on his father’s wisdom, saying he learned valuable lessons about preparation, handling challenges, and cultivating a resilient mindset. These principles have remained central to Kirby’s own coaching philosophy.
Sonny Smart was born in Columbia, Alabama, and played football at Samford University. After retiring, he settled in Clayton, Georgia, where he enjoyed running a golf league for seniors. He often reflected on the special bond he had with his son while coaching him, as noted in a column from 2017.
Tributes have poured in, including a heartfelt statement from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who praised Sonny as an exemplary father, husband, and coach while offering condolences to the Smart family during this sorrowful time.
In this difficult moment, the Smart family and those who knew Sonny are encouraged to remember the positive impact he made on countless lives through his coaching and family values. His legacy will live on in the principles he instilled in his students and in the love shared between him and his family.