Kirby Smart Breaks Down in Tears During Conference When Asked About His Father’s Impact
In an emotional moment that captured the hearts of many, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart broke down in tears during a press conference earlier today when asked about the influence of his father, Sonny Smart, on his life and career. Known for his stoic demeanor and laser focus on the football field, Smart displayed a rare vulnerability as he opened up about the profound role his father played in shaping him as both a coach and a person.
The moment occurred during a routine press conference, where Smart was discussing Georgia’s offseason plans and the state of the program. When a reporter asked him to reflect on the role his father had played in his success, the question struck an emotional chord. After pausing to collect himself, Smart began to speak about his father, but his voice cracked, and tears welled up in his eyes.
“My dad means everything to me,” Smart said. “He’s the reason I’m here today, doing what I love. He taught me the values of hard work, discipline, and humility. He wasn’t just my father; he was my first coach and my greatest mentor.”
Sonny Smart, a longtime high school football coach in Georgia, is widely credited with instilling the love of football in his son at a young age. Growing up in Bainbridge, Georgia, Kirby spent countless hours on the sidelines of his father’s practices, soaking in lessons that would later become the foundation of his coaching philosophy.
“He wasn’t the kind of coach who yelled or screamed,” Smart recalled. “He led by example. He showed me that being a coach isn’t just about winning games; it’s about teaching life lessons, building relationships, and helping young people become the best version of themselves.”
Sonny’s influence extended beyond the football field. Kirby shared that his father always emphasized the importance of education, integrity, and treating others with respect. Those values have remained central to Smart’s approach to coaching and leadership.
During the press conference, Smart also reflected on the challenges of balancing his high-profile coaching career with his responsibilities as a son, husband, and father. He admitted that the demands of being a college football head coach often make it difficult to spend as much time with family as he would like.
“I’ve missed so many moments because of this job,” Smart said, his voice filled with regret. “But my dad has always been my biggest supporter. He understands what this life requires because he lived it himself.”
Smart revealed that he tries to honor his father’s legacy by being present for his own children whenever possible, even if it means making sacrifices in other areas.
For those in attendance, the moment was a powerful reminder that even the most successful figures in sports are shaped by the people who support and guide them behind the scenes. Smart’s emotional tribute to his father resonated deeply, not just because of the words he spoke, but because of the raw sincerity with which he delivered them.
“I owe everything to him,” Smart said, his voice steadying as he regained composure. “Every time I step on that field, I think about what he taught me. I try to make him proud every day.”
Kirby Smart is best known for his tactical brilliance and relentless drive, traits that have propelled Georgia to unprecedented success under his leadership. But today, fans and reporters alike got a glimpse of the man behind the coach—a son who remains deeply grateful for the lessons and love he received from his father.
As the press conference ended, the room was filled with a sense of admiration, not just for Smart’s achievements on the field, but for his humility and heartfelt acknowledgment of the role his father played in his journey. For Kirby Smart, success is not measured solely in championships and accolades; it’s also about honoring the values instilled in him by the man he called his first and greatest coach.