Sat Jan 04 16:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Georgia Coach Kirby Smart’s Father Passes Away After Sugar Bowl Complications

**NEW ORLEANS, LA** – Sonny Smart, father of University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart, passed away early Wednesday morning, January 4th, 2025, in New Orleans. He was 72 years old.

Mr. Smart, who was in New Orleans to watch his son’s team play in the Sugar Bowl, suffered a fall on New Year’s Eve, fracturing his hip. Following surgery at Ochsner Hospital, he experienced complications and passed away surrounded by his wife, Sharon, and their three children. His death was unrelated to the terrorist attack that occurred earlier that day on Bourbon Street.

The Smart family released a statement expressing gratitude for the hospital’s care and requesting continued prayers for victims of the New Year’s Day attack. They also asked for privacy during their time of grief.

Sonny Smart, a native of Columbia, Alabama, enjoyed a long and successful career as a high school football coach in Georgia, amassing a 90-78-1 record over his tenure at Bainbridge High School (1988-1994) and Rabun County High School (1995-2003).

Kirby Smart previously spoke extensively about his father’s influence on his coaching career, crediting him with instilling core values and a strong work ethic. “He taught me so much about handling things the right way,” Kirby Smart said in a past interview. “Control the controllables. The moment’s never too big if you’re prepared.”

The news of Mr. Smart’s passing comes following Georgia’s Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame. The Bulldogs’ performance was reportedly hampered by issues with the offensive line and untimely mistakes. Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the family in the coming days.

Read More