Kirby Smart and his Alabama dominant defense won the SEC championship on Saturday, meaning at least one more game with national meaning, and possibly two.
What that means for his Georgia future should be known shortly.
Smart has agreed to be the Georgia head coach, barring any snags, those familiar with the situation have said since Tuesday night. The move was expected to be made official once Alabama was done in the SEC championship.
But with the Crimson Tide in one national semifinal on Dec. 31 – perhaps followed by national title game on Jan. 10 – it could be awhile until Smart takes over full-time.
Smart could still serve in a dual role until then, and recruit for Georgia over the next week, until the dead period begins on Dec. 14. That dead period lasts until Jan. 13.
Smart will also have to put together a staff, and there are several moving parts there. Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, who was Smart’s former Georgia teammate, could be named South Carolina’s head coach, taking away one candidate. That could put current Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt back in play. As for offensive coordinator and other positions, one person familiar with his thinking cautioned that Smart’s attention has been on the SEC championship, as well as making sure he had assurances from Georgia on resources for staffing and other financial matters.
But for what it’s worth Smart was seen talking after Saturday’s game with Florida defensive line coach Chris Rumph, who has been mentioned as a candidate to join his staff.
If the deal with Smart is indeed wrapped up, then expect word on a press conference very quickly. Considering the short recruiting window, the school and Smart will not want to dilly-dally.