Kirby Smart and Claude Felton
(Photo by Bulldawg Illustrated’s Vance Leavy)
The question and answer session that followed Kirby Smart’s opening remarks at his introductory press conference provided some evidence of his philosophy and planning as he prepares to assume his role on a full-time basis in early January. Smart used an acronym to describe his focus – WIN
What’s Important Now (WIN) will be the watchword that keeps Smart, his staff and team focused on building the confidence and attitude that winning teams possess. In the same answer, Coach Smart mentioned team depth. Can one assume that his mention of depth at the same time that he explained his WIN concept implies that he has identified improved depth as one of his highest priorities? I think so. Smart studied the Georgia offense this season while preparing for the UGA/Bama game. One of his first observations had to have been that UGA lacked numbers on the offensive line, and the wide receiver corps was equally thin. A renewed emphasis on offensive and defensive line recruiting will be a refreshing change for Georgia.
In the following clip, Coach Smart again mentions offensive line depth. The question asked him about his offensive philosophy and recruiting is quickly brought up.
Kirby Smart Offensive Philosophy
The final takeaway for me is “relentless energy and passion.”
Kirby Smart on Energy and Passion
A young head coach on the biggest stage in college football will dive into his work relying on the training that he has received during his eleven years with Nick Saban. To move the Bulldog program past the championship barrier that has frustrated fans for years, he will apply the Saban Process with a youthful energy and passion.
That sounds like a WIN(ning) combination to me.