Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is grieving the loss of his father, Sonny Smart, who tragically passed away on Saturday after suffering complications from a hip surgery. Sonny, a former high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia, fell while walking on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, fracturing his hip. He underwent surgery at Ochsner Medical Center but died surrounded by his loved ones.
The Smart family was in New Orleans to support Georgia during the Sugar Bowl, but a devastating tragedy on New Year’s Eve in the French Quarter overshadowed their visit. A man drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers, leaving 14 people dead and about 30 others injured.
Sonny Smart’s Fall and Surgery
Sonny Smart, who was beloved in the football community for his dedication as a coach in Alabama and Georgia, had been an integral part of his son Kirby’s life. His sudden fall while in New Orleans left the Smart family reeling. On New Year’s Eve, while walking in the city, Sonny slipped and fractured his hip, prompting his immediate hospitalization.
Following the fall, Sonny underwent surgery at Ochsner Medical Center. However, complications arose after the procedure, leading to his death just days before the Sugar Bowl. The family confirmed his passing, noting that he died surrounded by loved ones, though the exact age of Sonny Smart was not disclosed in the official statement.
The heartbreaking news came just hours before Kirby’s team, the Georgia Bulldogs, would face off against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal. While the game was a crucial moment for the team, Kirby and his family were dealing with an unimaginable loss.
The Tragic Events Surrounding the Sugar Bowl
The Smart family’s trip to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl took a dark turn on New Year’s Eve when a horrifying incident unfolded in the French Quarter. A pickup truck was driven into a crowd of revelers, killing 14 people and injuring around 30 others. Authorities were quick to respond, but the tragic event cast a shadow over the festive atmosphere that the Smart family had traveled to experience.
While Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs were preparing for the big game, the entire Smart family was affected by the tragic events around them. Although the team had trained for the matchup, Kirby’s mind was undoubtedly with his father during these emotionally charged days.
The Sugar Bowl itself was scheduled for New Year’s Day but was pushed back a day in the aftermath of the tragedy. This delay, however, could not erase the heavy hearts of those in the city. In the wake of Sonny Smart’s death, Kirby and his family’s focus shifted away from the football game, as the loss of a loved one weighs heavy on even the strongest of individuals.
A Legacy in Football
Sonny Smart’s life was rooted in football. A respected high school coach, he spent many years teaching and mentoring young athletes in Alabama and Georgia. His passion for the game was infectious, and his contributions to the sport left a lasting legacy in the communities where he worked. As a father, he was also a constant presence at his son Kirby’s games, cheering him on from the stands ever since Kirby became the head coach at Georgia in 2016.
Even during times of health struggles, Sonny made it a point to support his son’s career. In 2023, when Georgia won the national championship in a dominant 65-7 victory over TCU, Sonny was unable to attend due to health reasons. Despite that, he remained one of the most vocal and supportive figures in Kirby’s life, both as a coach and a father.
This close bond between father and son was evident in every interaction. Kirby Smart often credited his father for helping shape his career, and Sonny was known to be proud of his son’s achievements. Whether it was high school football or national championships, Sonny Smart was a key figure in Kirby’s journey, offering advice, encouragement, and unwavering support.
The Aftermath of a Devastating Loss
Sonny Smart’s passing has left a gaping hole in the Smart family and the football community at large. Kirby Smart, who was undoubtedly focused on leading his team in the Sugar Bowl, now faces the painful task of grieving his father’s death. The loss comes at a time when emotions are already running high, as the Georgia Bulldogs faced their College Football Playoff semifinal with aspirations of advancing to another national championship.
The loss of Sonny Smart has also affected the football world, as those who knew him reflect on his contribution to the game. Coaches, players, and fans who interacted with Sonny during his long career have shared their condolences, remembering him not just as a father to a prominent coach but also as a mentor, leader, and friend.
The Bulldogs’ loss to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl on January 2, 2025, was a difficult blow for the team, but the real defeat for Kirby Smart and his family was the loss of a father, a coach, and a mentor.
