Aaron Murray Didn’t Hesitate When Naming the Best Coach in College Football

As Georgia enters its 10th season under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs are firmly in the midst of what many call a golden era. Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray said he believes that even without a national title the past two years, Smart remains at the top of his profession.

“Until Texas wins, right? It’s hard to dethrone Kirby, who I think everyone still agrees is the best coach in college football,” Murray said on Monday's episode of his "Mac & Murray CFB Show," pointing to Smart’s ability to keep Georgia consistently among the nation’s elite.

That consistency has been undeniable. Georgia closed last season with an 11-3 record, highlighted by a 22-19 victory over the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Championship Game. It was Smart’s third SEC crown, further cementing a run that already includes back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.

While the Bulldogs came up short in the expanded College Football Playoff in a 23-10 quarterfinal loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the program’s stature has not wavered.

Georgia’s Golden Era Under Kirby Smart

When Smart was hired in December 2015, Georgia was looking to build on the steady success it had achieved under Mark Richt. A decade later, Smart has delivered everything the program hoped for and more.

Georgia has posted eight straight top-10 finishes, produced 76 NFL draft picks and built one of the deepest rosters in college football.

Murray said Smart's ability to get the job done at home is what separates him from other coaches. “Kirby's record at home is un-freaking-believable," Murray said. "Like, they don't lose in Sanford Stadium under Kirby Smart.”