Georgia head coach Kirby Smart recently addressed the growing criticism surrounding the culture of the Bulldogs’ football program, offering a firm and passionate defense of the environment he has cultivated in Athens. As Georgia continues to dominate on the field, winning back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and remaining a perennial contender, the program has faced scrutiny off the field due to several high-profile incidents involving players. Despite these issues, Smart made it clear that he stands behind the integrity, discipline, and core values of his team.
In a press conference, Smart fired back at detractors who questioned whether the success of Georgia football has come at the expense of character and accountability. “We don’t have a culture problem,” Smart stated. “We have a strong culture that emphasizes discipline, hard work, respect, and doing things the right way. Are we perfect? No. But to suggest our program is out of control is simply not true.”
Smart acknowledged that no football program is immune to challenges, especially one with the high visibility and pressure of Georgia. However, he emphasized the proactive steps taken by the coaching staff and administration to educate players and hold them accountable. This includes regular meetings on character development, community service, leadership programs, and a close partnership with the university’s support services.
“What people don’t see is the effort we put in daily to mentor these young men,” Smart said. “We invest in them not just as athletes, but as students and people. When something goes wrong, we address it directly and responsibly. That’s what real leadership looks like.”
Critics have pointed to legal troubles and behavioral issues involving certain players as evidence of a deeper issue within the program. However, Smart pushed back on that narrative, asserting that isolated incidents should not overshadow the overall success and growth of the vast majority of student-athletes at Georgia.
“We have hundreds of young men who do the right thing every day,” Smart said. “They go to class, they give back to the community, and they represent Georgia with pride. Let’s not let a few mistakes define an entire program.”
Smart also emphasized the importance of not rushing to judgment based on headlines or social media speculation. “People on the outside don’t always know the full story,” he explained. “It’s easy to criticize when you’re not here every day, seeing what we see and doing what we do.”
Despite the criticism, Smart’s message was clear: Georgia’s football culture is built on a foundation of accountability, education, and growth. He remains committed to upholding those values and ensuring that the program continues to develop young men both on and off the field.
With the Bulldogs preparing for another championship-caliber season, Smart’s comments serve as a strong reminder that success in college football requires more than talent—it takes leadership, a clear vision, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way.
