Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has once again been recognized as the top coach in college football, according to ESPN’s latest rankings [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/ranking-the-best-coaches-in-college-football-for-2025/ar-AA1EU2oc?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJSd045N0JpYmRmS1RINXdDbXZYenEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmNtMlNZeWlEcVhNdGp2anBpa0JpIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9yYW5raW5nLXRoZS1iZXN0LWNvYWNoZXMtaW4tY29sbGVnZS1mb290YmFsbC1mb3ItMjAyNVwvYXItQUExRVUyb2MifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This marks the second consecutive year that Smart has secured the No. 1 spot, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant figures in the sport.
Since taking over as Georgia’s head coach in 2016, Smart has transformed the program into a powerhouse. His leadership has resulted in back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, multiple SEC titles, and a remarkable overall record of 105-19 [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/ranking-the-best-coaches-in-college-football-for-2025/ar-AA1EU2oc?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJSd045N0JpYmRmS1RINXdDbXZYenEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmNtMlNZeWlEcVhNdGp2anBpa0JpIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9yYW5raW5nLXRoZS1iZXN0LWNvYWNoZXMtaW4tY29sbGVnZS1mb290YmFsbC1mb3ItMjAyNVwvYXItQUExRVUyb2MifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to recruit elite talent, develop players for the NFL, and maintain a winning culture has set him apart from his peers.
ESPN’s ranking process considered various factors, including career achievements, player development, and overall impact on the game. Smart received 11 of 12 first-place votes, demonstrating the widespread consensus among analysts that he is the best in the business [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/ranking-the-best-coaches-in-college-football-for-2025/ar-AA1EU2oc?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJSd045N0JpYmRmS1RINXdDbXZYenEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTmNtMlNZeWlEcVhNdGp2anBpa0JpIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9yYW5raW5nLXRoZS1iZXN0LWNvYWNoZXMtaW4tY29sbGVnZS1mb290YmFsbC1mb3ItMjAyNVwvYXItQUExRVUyb2MiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His success has been fueled by a combination of strategic coaching, elite defensive schemes, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
One of the most impressive aspects of Smart’s tenure at Georgia is his ability to sustain success. Even after losing key players to the NFL, he has continued to reload and keep the Bulldogs at the top of the rankings. His recruiting classes consistently rank among the best in the nation, ensuring that Georgia remains a contender year after year.
Smart’s influence extends beyond the field. He has built a culture of discipline and accountability within the program, earning the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike. His ability to connect with athletes and instill a championship mindset has been a driving force behind Georgia’s dominance.
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