Sonny Smart, father of the University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, has died following complications from surgery after a fall. He was 76 years old.
Smart suffered a fall in New Orleans where the family had congregated for the Sugar Bowl, which Kirby’s Bulldogs ended up losing. He was hospitalized and underwent surgery but ultimately did not survive.
The Smart family released a statement via Georgia in the wake of the tragedy, expressing “…their heartfelt gratitude to the Ochsner hospital and medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny,”
The statement continued: “Additionally, they ask for your continued prayers for those affected by the tragic events that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
“The Smart family treasures everyone’s thoughts and prayers and now prays for God’s comfort, strength, and guidance.”
Sonny Smart, a legendary high school coach in Georgia himself, is survived by his wife Sharon, and their three children, Karl, Kirby and Kendall.
Sonny Smart Wikipedia
Early Life and Education
Sonny Smart was born in 1948 in Columbia, Alabama. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, developing a passion for football at an early age. He attended Houston County High School before pursuing collegiate football at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where he played as a center. After graduating from Samford, Sonny Smart embarked on a coaching journey that spanned over 15 years, primarily at the high school level.
Career
His coaching career began at Holtsville High School in Alabama, where he served as both an offensive and defensive line coach and even took on the role of head baseball coach. In 10 seasons at Holtville High School, he led them to regional titles in 1980 and 81. As baseball coach, they won a state title in 1982.
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In 1982, he became the defensive coordinator for Bainbridge High School in Georgia. Bainbridge won the first state championship in its history that year on the back of a mean defense orchestrated by Smart. Bainbridge allowed only 8.3 points per game, defeating Gainesville in the Class 3A championship game.
In 1988, he became head football coach at Bainbridge, where he coached his son, Kirby Smart, who was a player on the team. Sonny spent over six years at Bainbridge, building a cohesive and talented team that nurtured many future NFL stars. In 1993, his team, featuring his talented son – all-state defensive back Kirby Smart – finished 10-3 and reached the semi-finals of Class 4A.
Following his tenure at Bainbridge, Sonny Smart coached at Rabun County High School from 1995 to 2003. Rabun had never won a state playoff game in its history but Smart took them two rounds deep into playoff in 1998 after a regular season 11-2 record. The 1998 team won the first region championship in school history.
Smart’s longevity, dedication, and talent built a stellar reputation for him as a legendary high school coach. He finished his tenure in Georgia with an overall record of 90 wins and 78 losses.
Personal Life
Sonny Smart was married to Sharon Smart, and together they had three children: Kirby, Karl, and Kendall. Family played a central role in Sonny’s life; he often emphasized the importance of strong family values both on and off the field. His relationship with Kirby was particularly influential; Kirby often credited his father for shaping his approach to coaching and life.
Smart’s coaching philosophy emphasizes preparation and resilience – principles he taught his son who later adopted them in his own coaching career.
Death
Sonny Smart passed away on January 4, 2025, due to complications following hip surgery after a fall in New Orleans.
Smart fell while walking on New Year’s Eve and fractured his hip. He was hospitalized and had hip surgery at Ochsner Medical Center, where he died surrounded by his family.
Sonny Smart not only had a successful career of his own but his training and tutelage influenced his son, Kirby Smart, who has become one of the most successful coaches in college football as the head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Kirby often reflects on the lessons learned from his father, emphasizing values such as hard work, preparation, and integrity.
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