Kirby Smart of Georgia was ranked fourth among college football head coaches in the 2000s.

Introduction

In May 2025, The Athletic unveiled its much-anticipated ranking of the top 25 college football head coaches of the 21st century, and Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs since 2016, claimed the fourth spot on this prestigious list. Positioned only behind Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, and Pete Carroll, Smart emerged as the highest-ranked active coach, highlighting his meteoric rise and sustained excellence since taking over in Athens. This remarkable acknowledgment reflects not only his win–loss record but also his impact on program building, championship success, and cultural transformation at Georgia.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

The Athletic’s methodology focused exclusively on coaches’ performance since the year 2000, evaluating their stops this century rather than their entire career. Though career records may include pre-2000 games, the ranking criteria prioritized achievements in the 21st century. Considerations included overall win–loss records, conference titles, national championships, College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances, program trajectory, and enduring influence on the sport. Coaches on the list span those still active at the college level, those retired, and those who have transitioned to the NFL or other roles.

Kirby Smart’s Record and Ranking

Smart’s 105–19 record since 2016 places him among the winningest coaches of this period, particularly impressive given his relatively brief tenure compared to his peers. According to On3, Smart is the first coach on the Athletic’s list still coaching at the collegiate level, and his win percentage stands above 84%—a benchmark of sustained excellence rarely seen outside of powerhouse programs. Such a record underscores Smart’s ability to maintain Georgia as a national contender nearly every season, a feat that solidified his No. 4 ranking.

Championship Successes

Under Smart’s stewardship, the Bulldogs have secured:

• Two National Championships (2021, 2022)
• Three SEC Championship Titles (2017, 2021, 2022)
• Four College Football Playoff Appearances (2017, 2021, 2022, 2023)
• 20 First-Round NFL Draft Selections from his players

These accomplishments affirm Smart’s capacity to not only win but to develop NFL-caliber talent year after year. His 2021 national title ended a 41-year drought for Georgia, and the back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022 elevated the Bulldogs to a modern dynasty status.

Program Transformation and Immediate Impact

Upon arriving in Athens, Smart inherited a program with strong recruiting but limited postseason success. In his second season (2017), he guided Georgia to its first SEC championship since 2005 and came within an overtime penalty call of winning the national title. This rapid turnaround demonstrated Smart’s ability to implement an effective game plan, galvanize a roster, and instill a championship mentality from day one. Such early success created momentum that propelled Georgia into perennial title contention.

Coaching Philosophy and Cultural Blueprint

Smart’s approach marries physical, aggressive defense with meticulous attention to detail on offense and special teams. Drawing inspiration from his mentor, Nick Saban, Smart adapted the “Alabama model”—emphasizing player development, process-driven preparation, and top-tier recruiting—to build a sustainable powerhouse in Athens. Insider Chris Vannini noted, “He took the Alabama model to Athens and unlocked the potential Georgia always had”. This cultural blueprint prioritizes:

1. Defensive dominance through speed and discipline.
2. Relentless recruiting to secure top national talent.
3. Player development aimed at maximizing NFL potential.
4. Accountability and process over outcomes alone.

Comparison to the Top Three

Smart’s placement at No. 4 is all the more remarkable given the luminaries ahead of him:

• Nick Saban (No. 1): 292–71–1 record since 2000, seven national titles at LSU and Alabama.
• Urban Meyer (No. 2): 187–32 record, three national championships at Florida and Ohio State.
• Pete Carroll (No. 3): 97–19 record at USC with two national titles, plus NFL success.

Each of these coaches revolutionized their programs and left indelible marks on college football. Smart’s ascent into this echelon underscores how swiftly his Georgia tenure mirrored their championship pedigrees, yet his position behind these legends still leaves room for further legacy-building.

Edge Over Dabo Swinney

In fifth place sits Dabo Swinney of Clemson, whose 180–47 record and two national titles are extraordinarily impressive. However, The Athletic opted to rank Smart just ahead, crediting the relative youth of his reign and the back-to-back championships he achieved earlier in the decade. While Swinney’s Clemson rebuild (2008–14) laid the groundwork, Smart’s Georgia teams have arguably demonstrated more consistent peak performance within their 25-year window.

Potential to Climb Further

As the highest-ranked active coach, Smart’s trajectory suggests potential to surpass those ahead of him. With two national titles already and a slate of elite recruiting classes, he stands poised to contend for a third title and accumulate further CFP appearances. Chris Vannini speculated that Smart “could climb a few more spots before the end of his career” if he continues on this path.

Legacy and Long-Term Impact

Smart’s tenure at Georgia is redefining modern college football coaching standards. By consistently producing top NFL draft picks, he enhances the program’s prestige and recruiting pull. His emphasis on defensive schematics has influenced rival programs seeking to replicate Georgia’s success. Moreover, his insistence on character development and academic achievement complements on-field excellence, presenting a holistic model for 21st-century coaching.

Conclusion

Kirby Smart’s ranking as the fourth-best college football head coach of the 2000s by The Athletic cements his status among the coaching greats of this era. With an 84% win rate, multiple championships, and a transformed program culture, Smart has built a blueprint for sustained success. As he pursues further titles and continues to develop elite talent, the possibility remains strong that Georgia’s head coach will ascend even higher in future historical assessments of the 21st century’s coaching pantheon.