Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has always been known for his no-nonsense approach to football, and his latest comments highlight his relentless focus on what truly matters to the Bulldogs this season. While Georgia clinched a spot in the SEC Championship Game, Smart was quick to shift the conversation away from that milestone, emphasizing that the program’s bigger goals go beyond winning the conference title.
In a recent press conference, Smart didn’t mince words: “The SEC Championship is important, no doubt, but it’s not the ultimate goal. Our focus is on being the best team we can be every single week. If we handle that, the rest will take care of itself.”
Under Smart’s leadership, Georgia has established itself as one of college football’s premier programs. The Bulldogs have claimed back-to-back national championships and remain undefeated this season, positioning themselves as favorites for another College Football Playoff run. For Smart, the SEC Championship is merely a stepping stone to achieving what he views as the ultimate prize: another national title.
This mindset reflects a shift in Georgia’s program identity. Winning the SEC used to be the pinnacle for the Bulldogs, but Smart has elevated the program to where national championships are the standard. It’s a mentality that mirrors the dominance Alabama displayed under Nick Saban, where conference titles became secondary to competing for the ultimate prize.
Smart has made it clear that keeping his team healthy is currently more important than any single game or accolade. Georgia has dealt with several key injuries throughout the season, including to star tight end Brock Bowers and running back Kendall Milton. Managing the workload of his players and ensuring they are in peak condition for the postseason is a top priority for Smart.
“The health of our team is the most important thing right now,” Smart said. “You can’t win championships if you don’t have your best players available. It’s a balancing act—preparing for the games we have left while also making sure we’re fresh for what comes after.”
This approach may mean some calculated risks, such as limiting snaps for starters in upcoming games or giving more opportunities to younger players to build depth. While this strategy may come with short-term challenges, Smart is confident it will pay dividends when it matters most.
Another key aspect of Smart’s philosophy is keeping his team locked in on the process rather than the results. With the media, fans, and even players often hyping up the significance of the SEC Championship, Smart works tirelessly to ensure his team stays grounded.
“We don’t get caught up in the noise,” Smart said. “What matters is what we do on the practice field, in the film room, and during the game. If we stay disciplined and focus on the details, everything else will fall into place.”
Smart’s ability to shield his players from distractions has been a cornerstone of Georgia’s success. The Bulldogs consistently show up prepared, regardless of the opponent or stakes, and that consistency stems from the culture Smart has built.
While some fans may see Smart’s comments as dismissive of the SEC Championship, they are a testament to his commitment to the program’s long-term success. Georgia has already proven it can dominate the conference; now, the focus is on sustaining excellence at the national level.
The Bulldogs’ remaining regular-season games and the SEC Championship are opportunities to fine-tune their performance, but Smart is looking beyond those matchups. His focus is on ensuring Georgia is battle-tested and ready to defend its crown in the College Football Playoff.
For Smart, the goal isn’t just to win—it’s to build a dynasty. And with Georgia firing on all cylinders, the Bulldogs are well-positioned to continue their reign at the top of college football. While the SEC Championship remains a significant achievement, it’s clear that for Kirby Smart and Georgia, the ultimate goal is far greater.