Sonny Smart, the father of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, passed away on Saturday morning due to New Orleanscomplications after falling in New Orleans before Thursday’s Sugar Bowl. The incident occurred on New Year’s Eve, and Sonny, 76, was hospitalized with a fractured hip, requiring surgery. Unfortunately, complications arose post-surgery, leading to his death at 12:15 a.m. ET on January 4, 2025. Kirby’s family—his wife Sharon, and their three children, Karl, Kirby, and Kendall—were by his side. Georgia’s statement, shared by CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello, expressed their appreciation for the exceptional care at Ochsner hospital. The family also thanked everyone for their prayers and support during this tragic time.
On New Year’s Day, Georgia’s Sugar Bowl game against Notre Dame was delayed by nearly 19 hours due to a truck attack on Bourbon Street, which claimed 14 lives. The Bulldogs eventually lost 23-10, with Smart dealing not only with the game delay but also his father’s hospitalization and the absence of quarterback Carson Beck.
Sonny Smart, a respected high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia, left a lasting influence on his son. Kirby Smart once described him as a wise man of few words, adding that much of his coaching philosophy came from his father’s approach to running high school programs.
Leave a Reply