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Kirby Smart Named Finalist for the George Munger Coach of the Year Award

University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart has been named a finalist for the George Munger Coach of the Year Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Tuesday.

Now in his ninth season with a record of 105-18, Smart won this award in 2017. Along with Smart, this year’s finalists include Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State), Spencer Danielson (Boise State), Curt Cignetti (Indiana), Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), Dan Lanning (Oregon), James Franklin (Penn State) and Steve Sarkisian (Texas). 

Smart became the fastest Southeastern Conference coach to win 100 games during the Bulldogs’ 30-15 victory in Austin over then No. 1 Texas this season.  Earlier this month, he guided Georgia to the 2024 SEC title with another win over then No. 2 Texas, marking the third conference championship in his tenure.  Smart has led the second-ranked Bulldogs (11-2) to wins over four top 15 opponents this season while playing the nation’s toughest schedule.

Up next, the Bulldogs face fifth-ranked Notre Dame (12-1) in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal round at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 1, 2025.  Kickoff is at 8:45 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN. 

The award is presented yearly by the Maxwell Football Club. The winner of the 2024 George Munger Award will be announced on Tuesday January 7, 2025. The formal presentation of the George Munger Award will be held on Friday March 14, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.  The Maxwell Football Club will also be presenting its other national awards from high school through the professional ranks at the event. 

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