Kirby Smart, a former Bulldogs player, was introduced Monday as Georgia's 26th head football coach.
Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity, who introduced Smart as the next Bulldogs coach, explained that he met with Smart in Atlanta, following the SEC Championship Game, to discuss the vacancy. McGarity said the university had "vetted" a number of candidates and he only made his recommendation to hire Smart after that meeting Saturday night.
Smart, Alabama’s defensive coordinator for the past eight years, has agreed to a six-year contract that will pay him approximately $3.75 million per season, according to a memorandum of understanding released by the university Sunday.
Smart, 39, was emotional when he took to the podium. He thanked his father, a high school coach, and his mother, a teacher. He thanked his wife. He thanked his former coaches at Georgia: Vince Dooley, Ray Goff and Jim Donnan. He thanked his former boss at Georgia, Mark Richt. And then he thanked Alabama head coach Nick Saban, whom he called his mentor.
Smart's voice broke when he spoke about the "five best years of his life" as a Georgia Bulldogs player.
» Full transcript of Kirby Smart press conference
Smart said he passed countless opportunities to become a head coach over the years, waiting for a "great opportunity" and Georgia fit the bill.
Strength returned to his voice when he spoke about his vision for the program and the priority of assembling a staff, and the need to recruit during the dead period, which begins Dec. 14. Smart said he was "ready" to hit the recruiting trail and officially represent Georgia.
Smart has already begun recruiting for the Bulldogs. On Sunday, he spent time with Ben Cleveland, an AJC Super 11 honoree and Georgia commit, from Stephens County.
On what his offensive philosophy at Georgia will be, Smart said he would "go get good players, get them the ball."
Smart wouldn't comment on a potential staff, but reports suggest Smart has begun making decisions, hiring at least on coach from Alabama. Smart said he had no timetable to fill nine assistant coaching spots at Georgia.
Kirby, who will remain at Alabama through the college football playoffs, said it was important for him "to finish it the right way" and fulfill his duties with the Crimson Tide and the players he recruited there.
Smart will return to bowl preparation with Alabama after Dec. 14. The recruiting period opens again two days after the national championship game.
» Schultz: Smart's task it to make UGA believe
He finished his remarks asking the Georgia faithful to have faith and support the university as it moves forward.
Smart follows Richt, who was fired last week following 15 seasons in Athens. Richt went 140-48 and won two SEC titles. He is now the head coach at Miami.
