Kirby Smart’s height might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this college football coaching legend, but it’s a detail that often piques fans’ curiosity. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), Smart’s physical stature is just one small part of the larger-than-life presence he brings to the sidelines of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. But there’s so much more to this coaching powerhouse than meets the eye. Let’s dive into the life, career, and achievements of Kirby Smart, exploring how his Kirby Smart Height fits into the bigger picture of his success story.
Who is Kirby Smart?
Kirby Smart is a name that’s become synonymous with college football excellence. Born on December 23, 1975, in Montgomery, Alabama, Smart has risen through the ranks to become one of the most respected and successful coaches in the game. As the current head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, he’s led his team to back-to-back national championships and multiple SEC titles.
But Smart’s journey to the top wasn’t an overnight success. It’s a story of dedication, hard work, and a deep love for the game that started long before he became a household name in college football circles.
Kirby Smart’s Height and Physical Attributes
When it comes to Kirby Smart’s height, he stands at a solid 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). This puts him right around average height for American men, but in the world of football, where players can tower over 6 feet, Smart’s stature might seem modest. However, it’s clear that his impact on the game far exceeds his physical measurements.
Here’s a quick rundown of Smart’s physical attributes:
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
Body Type | Athletic |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Brown |
Despite not being the tallest figure on the sidelines, Smart’s presence is undeniable. His athletic build, a testament to his days as a player, combined with his energetic coaching style, makes him a commanding figure on the field. It’s a reminder that in coaching, as in life, it’s not about how tall you stand, but how big you play.
Early Life and Education
Kirby Smart’s roots in football run deep. Born in Alabama but raised in Bainbridge, Georgia, he grew up with the game in his blood. His father, Sonny Smart, was a high school football coach, planting the seeds of Smart’s future career early on.
Smart’s playing career kicked off at Bainbridge High School, where he likely first started to understand the game from a strategic standpoint. But it was at the University of Georgia where Smart truly began to shine. From 1995 to 1998, he played as a defensive back for the Bulldogs, proving that his understanding of the game went far beyond just physical ability.
During his time at Georgia, Smart wasn’t just focused on the field. He hit the books hard too, earning a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1998. This combination of athletic prowess and academic achievement would later serve him well in his coaching career, where strategy and management skills are just as important as understanding the X’s and O’s of the game.
Playing Career
While Kirby Smart’s height of 5’11” might not have made him the tallest player on the field, his skills as a defensive back were undeniable. During his college career at the University of Georgia, Smart proved that size isn’t everything when it comes to football intelligence and skill.
As a four-year letterman, Smart’s college playing career was nothing short of impressive. He was named a first-team All-SEC selection as a senior, a testament to his skill and leadership on the field. But perhaps most notably, Smart recorded 13 career interceptions, ranking sixth in Georgia program history. In 1998, he even led the SEC in interceptions with five picks, showing a knack for reading the game that would serve him well in his future coaching career.
After college, Smart signed as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Though he was cut before the regular season, this brief brush with the NFL would add another layer of experience to his football resume.
Coaching Career Timeline
Kirby Smart’s transition from player to coach was swift and impressive. His coaching career is a testament to his dedication, skill, and deep understanding of the game. Here’s a look at his journey:
- 1999: Smart kicked off his coaching career as an administrative assistant at his alma mater, Georgia.
- 2000-2001: He moved to Valdosta State, serving as defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator.
- 2002-2003: Smart gained valuable experience as a graduate assistant at Florida State.
- 2004: A brief stint as defensive backs coach at LSU added to his growing resume.
- 2005: He returned to Georgia, this time as running backs coach.
- 2006: Smart got a taste of the NFL as safeties coach for the Miami Dolphins.
- 2007-2015: This period marked Smart’s significant tenure at Alabama, where he held various coaching positions, including defensive coordinator.
- 2016-present: Smart returned to his roots, taking on the role of head coach at the University of Georgia.
This timeline shows Smart’s steady climb up the coaching ladder, gaining diverse experience at multiple programs before landing the top job at Georgia. His time at Alabama, working under the legendary Nick Saban, was particularly crucial in shaping his coaching philosophy and preparing him for the head coaching role.
Achievements as Head Coach
Since taking the reins at Georgia in 2016, Kirby Smart has transformed the program into a powerhouse of college football. His achievements speak volumes about his coaching ability:
- Back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, cementing Georgia’s place at the top of college football.
- Multiple SEC titles, showcasing Georgia’s dominance in one of the toughest conferences in college football.
- An impressive career record of 105-19, giving him a win percentage of .847 over 9 years.
- Three-time SEC Coach of the Year, recognizing his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.
These accomplishments highlight that while Kirby Smart’s height might be 5’11”, his coaching stature towers in the world of college football. Under his leadership, Georgia has become a dream destination for top recruits and a nightmare for opposing teams.
Personal Life
Away from the football field, Kirby Smart’s life is grounded in family. He’s been married to Mary Beth Lycett Smart since 2006, creating a strong partnership that has supported his coaching career. Mary Beth, a former basketball player at the University of Georgia, shares Smart’s athletic background and understanding of the demands of college sports.
The couple has three children: twins Weston and Julia, born in 2008, and their younger son Andrew, born in 2012. Despite the intense pressures of leading a top college football program, Smart prioritizes family time, often seen with his kids on the sidelines after games.
This balance between his professional and personal life offers a glimpse into the man behind the coach. It shows that while Kirby Smart’s height in the coaching world is significant, his role as a husband and father is equally important to him.
Kirby Smart’s Net Worth and Salary
Kirby Smart’s success in the field has translated into financial success. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at an impressive $50 million. This figure reflects not just his coaching salary, but also endorsements and other business ventures.
Speaking of salary, Smart’s annual compensation as of May 2024 is reported to be $13 million. This puts him among the highest-paid coaches in college football, a testament to his value to the University of Georgia and his status in the sport.
These figures represent a significant jump from earlier in his career. In 2023, his net worth was estimated at $25 million with an annual salary of $10.25 million. The increase shows the rapid rise in Smart’s stock as a coach, paralleling his on-field success with the Bulldogs.
Conclusion
Kirby Smart height of 5’11” might be just a number, but his stature in college football is immeasurable. From his playing days at Georgia to his current role as one of the most successful coaches in the game, Smart has shown that true greatness isn’t about physical size, but about the size of one’s impact.
His journey from a small-town Georgia boy to a national championship-winning coach is a testament to his dedication, strategic mind, and leadership skills. Smart has not only elevated the Georgia Bulldogs program but has also left an indelible mark on college football as a whole.
As we’ve seen, there’s so much more to Kirby Smart than his height. His achievements, both on and off the field, paint a picture of a man who’s truly larger than life in the world of college football. Whether you’re a die-hard Bulldogs fan or just a casual observer of the sport, there’s no denying the outsized influence of this not-so-tall coach.
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