As Kirby Smart takes over at Georgia, his alma mater, it begs the question: Does having an alumnus coach matter?

Former Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen coached the Terrapins after being away for many years. For Friedgen, who no longer coaches at Maryland, the experience was mized.

Here's a look at the alma maters of the head coaches around the SEC and the country.

SEC

* Malzahn spent his first two seasons at Arkansas

ACC

* Johnson did not play football at Western Carolina
** Fuente started playing career at Oklahoma before transferring

Other notable coaches

* Leach did not play football at BYU

About the Author

Keep Reading

The Atlanta Dream logo is seen on display on the center court at the Gateway Center Arena before the first-round playoff game between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com