Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart will reportedly replace Mark Richt as the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, according to ESPN's Mark Schlabach. The Bulldogs' former head coach resigned this past Sunday, after finishing the season at 9-3.
The Bulldogs finished with a 5-3 conference record, while many expected them to win the SEC East division this season. Alabama's level of defense is something every college football team wants to have, and Smart currently has it ranked second in all of college football in terms of yards allowed per game.
Smart is one of the hottest coaching candidates in college football right now, and although it almost seems certain he's heading to Athens, South Carolina is reportedly still trying to pursue him as its next head coach, according to Dan Wolken of USA Today Sports.
Smart has strong connections with Georgia University, as he played safety there in college and was a former assistant coach. The Bulldogs will not be able to sign Smart until after Alabama plays Florida in the SEC championship game on Saturday. The Crimson Tide are ranked second in the current College Football Playoff poll, and are a lock to get in the playoffs with a win over the Gators this weekend.
Smart will look to take the Bulldogs to the next level, and currently has some talented recruits on his roster going into his first season as head coach. Smart will now have to compete with Alabama head coach Nick Saban for recruits, and it will be interesting to watch how many top-tier recruits he's is able to pull in this offseason.
