Georgia head coach Kirby Smart’s father, Sonny Smart, passed away early Saturday due to complications following hip surgery. This tragic news comes just days before the Sugar Bowl, as announced by the university.
Sonny Smart, a respected figure in high school football coaching across Alabama and Georgia, suffered a fall while walking on New Year’s Eve, resulting in a fractured hip. After being hospitalized, he underwent surgery at Ochsner Medical Center, where he ultimately died, surrounded by his loving family. The university’s statement did not disclose his age.
The Smart family was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, an event that was delayed by a day due to a tragic incident in the French Quarter, where a pickup truck was driven into a crowd celebrating New Year’s, leading to 14 fatalities and numerous injuries.
In the Sugar Bowl matchup, Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs faced off against Notre Dame, suffering a 23-10 defeat in this College Football Playoff semifinal held on Thursday.
Sonny Smart was unable to attend the national championship game in 2023, where Georgia triumphed over TCU with a score of 65-7, due to health issues. Prior to these challenges, he was a familiar presence at his son’s games since Kirby took the helm at the University of Georgia in 2016.
Having coached Kirby during his high school years, Sonny Smart is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon, and their three children: Karl, Kirby, and Kendall.
In a heartfelt statement released by the university, the Smart family expressed their sincere gratitude to the medical staff at Ochsner for the exceptional care provided to Sonny during his time there.
They also requested continued prayers for those impacted by the tragic events that unfolded during the New Year’s celebrations, emphasizing their appreciation for the support and kindness shown to them during this difficult time. The Smart family is now focused on seeking comfort and strength as they navigate this profound loss.
