University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart is mourning the loss of his father Sonny, who spent a couple of decades coaching high school football in Georgia and Alabama. Sonny Smart passed away from complications from surgery for a broken hip from a fall on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans prior to the Sugar Bowl game between Georgia and Notre Dame.
The elder Smart’s high school coaching career began at Holtville High School in Alabama. He also coached baseball at Holtville, leading the school to a state championship in 1982.
Smart moved on to Bainbridge High School in Georgia where he coached his son. He coached Bainbridge for seven seasons. The 1993 team, which featured Kirby, as an all-state defensive back, advanced to Class 4A state semifinals, finishing with a 10-3 record.
In 1995, Sonny Smart became the head coach at Rabun Gap in northern Georgia. In three years, Smart led the school to its first-ever playoff victory. The Class A school advanced to the state quarterfinals, finishing with an 11-2 record.
UGA released a statement on Smart’s dath, “The Smart family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Ocshner hospital and medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny. 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.”
Smart’s career record as a head coach was 90-78-1.
Coach Smart was 76-years old.
