Kirby Smart Jets

Why Kirby Smart Prefers College Over NFL: Jets Can Keep Their Playbook!

Kirby Smart has no plans to jump ship to the NFL, and here’s why! Spoiler alert: he loves the college game more than quarterbacks love a good Hail Mary!

When rumors swirled about Kirby Smart potentially making a jump to the NFL, particularly eyeing the New York Jets, fans of Georgia football held their breath. After all, Smart has built an impressive legacy at Georgia, leading the Bulldogs to numerous victories and securing his spot as one of college football's superstars. However, the allure of the professional ranks seems to have little effect on Smart, who has made it clear that he’s rooted in college football.

One key reason Smart remains in college football is the profound connection he has with his players. In the NFL, the nature of the business is starkly different. Players often come and go, and the personal relationship coaches cultivate at the college level can be challenging to maintain in the professional arena. Kirby Smart’s philosophy centers around developing young men, mentoring them both on and off the field, which could be lost in the fast-paced NFL environment where profits often reign supreme.

Moreover, when looking at the Jets' current situation, it’s clear that they’re still in the midst of rebuilding. The prospect of taking on a team with more question marks than a high school gym class student’s math homework can be daunting. Why swap a winning pedigree in college for such instability? Smart is smart, and he knows maintaining a program with high recruiting success and a passionate fanbase in Georgia will be much more rewarding than the turmoil often found in the NFL.

Let’s not forget the mystique of college football! It’s filled with traditions, rivalries, and the electrifying atmosphere of game day that isn’t quite replicated in the NFL. From the pageantry of the tailgate parties to the roar of fans in Sanford Stadium, Smart enjoys the vibrant life of college football. As much as the New York Jets might want a flashy coach to turn around their fortune, Kirby Smart is happier pulling off touchdown dances in Athens than navigating the NFL’s bluster.

Curiously, Kirby Smart has a history of success against SEC rivals—notably Auburn, which heightens the stakes of their upcoming 2024 matchup. Additionally, did you know that Smart was a defensive back and later coordinated an outstanding defense at Alabama before stepping into his role at Georgia? Smart's journey showcases that some cats are indeed happy to stay in their cozy collegiate corners, especially when they’re writing history books instead of playbooks!