ATHENS, Ga. — Bulldog head coach Kirby Smarthas been named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award for the fourth time in his career, according to an announcement from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Smart was also a finalist in 2017 and 2021-22. Georgia’s ninth-year head coach is joined by South Carolina’s Shane Beamer, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, Boise State’s Spencer Danielson, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, SMU’s Rhett Lashlee and Army’s Jeff Monken as finalists.
The winner of the 2024 Eddie Robinson Award will be announced on Dec. 18 and honored at a reception in Atlanta on Jan. 18, 2025.
Smart became the fastest Southeastern Conference coach to win 100 games during the Bulldogs’ 30-15 victory in Austin over then No. 1 Texas earlier this season. Taking over as UGA’s head coach in 2016, he guided Georgia to the 2024 SEC title, marking the third conference championship in his tenure. Smart has led the Bulldogs to four top-15 wins this season, including his team’s 22-19 overtime win over the then No. 2 Longhorns last weekend in the SEC Championship Game. Smart has a career mark of 105-18.