The news broke late Tuesday night that Alabama Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart was going to return to his alma mater as head coach.
It was first reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Here are a few thoughts I have on the hire. Feel free to disagree.
1) It isn't sexy, but that might not be bad.
Remember, the sexiest hire isn't always the best. Remember when some nobody named James Franklin took over at Vanderbilt?
Or when some crazy guy from Utah named Urban Meyer took over at Florida?
I get it, Bulldog fans probably wanted Chip Kelly or Jimbo Fisher, but Smart stills gets the benefit of the doubt from me.
He's been studying under the best (Nick Saban) for nearly a decade, and has been coordinating one of the nation's best defenses during that time.
He's a great recruiter, and just because he's not a sitting head coach (like Richt, Dooley and Butts were before they came to UGA) doesn't mean he's doomed to failure.
2) Keep an eye on the rest of the staff.
The rumor gaining the most traction—and coming from some of the more reliable sources—is that Smart plans to bring his former teammate to coordinate the defense, Auburn Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp.
Obviously, that means Jeremy Pruitt is likely out, and his name continues to surface as either Smart's replacement in Tuscaloosa or possibly the head coach at South Carolina.
As for Georgia, Smart has reportedly opted to keep Defensive Line Coach Tracy Rocker and Running Backs Coach Thomas Brown, but otherwise looks to be cleaning house.
I'll be sad to see John Lilly, Tight Ends Coach, and Bryan McClendon, Wide Receivers Coach and ace recruiter, leave Athens if that does indeed turn out to be the case.
My opinion is that Smart's tenure will wind up being solely defined by his offensive coordinator hire. There seems to be little doubt that the defense will be fine. Dominant, even. If the offense can produce, the Bulldogs might be right back in the thick of the national picture.
The offensive coordinator and his staff will be the key.
3) Recruiting should be fine.
The biggest concern for some people seems to be an 18-year-old QB from Washington, 5-star Jacob Eason.
If he stays, that's just a bonus, but one player does not a program make. (Also keep in mind, he will be a TRUE FRESHMAN QUARTERBACK. There will be growing pains if he's given the keys next year.)
That said, don't expect the recruits to immediately start jumping ship. Sure, some will, but several others might jump over with Smart to fill the gaps.
Remember, recruiting is about relationships, but there's more than just a relationship with a coach. Kids commit to a school for a variety of reasons, same as you might have done if you went to college.
Some go for academic reasons. Some like the proximity to home (or lack thereof). Some like the town. Some have a girlfriend there.
It'll be okay.
4) When will Smart get here?
I know the "official" announcement isn't supposed to happen until the SEC Championship game is over, but when will Smart make his move to Athens?
Will he come right then and start setting up shop, while Richt is still in town to coach the bowl game?
Or will he stay with 'Bama through their (probable) playoff run?
If it's the latter, then Smart won't be wearing a Georgia polo full-time until well into January.
Whether that matters or not—especially in securing the right assistants—remains to be seen.
5) Don't overhype the hire, but also give the man the benefit of the doubt (for now).
Whenever a new coaching hire happens—either a head coach or a coordinator—there's always plenty of excitement.
I caution you to keep an even head. Don't expect a national title run in 2016, and don't panic if the season hits a few bumpy spots.
Remember that Nick Saban went 7-6 his first year in Tuscaloosa, and Meyer went 9-3 at Florida.
The sky isn't falling if the Bulldogs miss the playoff next year.
But hey, we can dream, right?
