Kirby Smart Emotional on the Sidelines With Family as Georgia Gets First Win Since Losing His Dad

The last time Sanford Stadium fans filed out of the bleachers, they carried with them the memory of a game that took eight overtimes to finally bury Georgia Tech. It was chaos, drama, and fast-paced football. This Saturday was the opposite. Georgia was orderly and ruthless as Kirby Smart’s Dawgs capped off with a celebratory 45-7 win over Marshall in their home opener. But not all celebrations are created equal. Because when the final whistle blew and red and black dominated Athens, the HC was living through a moment bigger than the scoreboard.

Kirby Smart’s mother, Sharon, and wife Mary Beth Lycett were waiting near the tunnel. The HC embraced his mother in a scene caught on camera by Sports reporter Alison Mastrangelo, which she posted on X on August 30. “Emotional moment between Kirby Smart, his wife and his mom. This is Kirby’s first home win since his dad passed away last year,” she wrote. With that, he walked into the tunnel with his victorious players. And suddenly, the Bulldogs’ 32nd straight home victory was about more than football.

Kirby Smart’s father, Sonny Smart, passed away on January 4, 2025, at 76. The longtime coach had battled through a fractured hip and complications from surgery before his fight ended just days after New Year’s. Sonny was his football compass, the man who first instilled the grit and fire that define Georgia football today. In his post game speech, he said, “It’s great anytime you get to see family after a game. We only get to do these things 12 times a year. Less than that sometimes, you know less than that at home. So you better enjoy them. If you can’t enjoy them, like why do you play the game? And that’s why I told the players is you got to enjoy it. You got to embrace it.” He also added on his mom’s emotions saying, ”It was emotional for her. First game she’s been to without my dad. So it was an emotional moment for her for sure.” So when he clutched his mother on the sideline, it was a full-circle tribute.

And as far as the game went, Georgia definitely sent a message. QB Gunner Stockton was the engine of the night, torching Marshall with 190 yards and two scores. He also added 73 yards on the ground and two more TDs. His dual-threat energy gave Bulldog Nation something to dream on because if their starter is humming, this offense looks like a playoff team. Add in a defense that didn’t surrender a touchdown until the fourth quarter, and you’ve got real Kirby Smart football, which is suffocating and efficient. And then came the new spark plug.

Zachariah Branch and Kirby Smart’s relentless streak

Southern Cal transfer Zachariah Branch wasted no time turning heads. Three catches, 95 yards, and a 47-yard touchdown later, it was clear that Georgia may have just added the most electric playmaker in the SEC. He ripped the field open like a seam in an old practice jersey. When Sanford Stadium gasped during his sprint to the end zone, it was excitement for what’s next. Because what’s next is history chasing history.

Kirby Smart is now entering his 10th season in Athens, and the Bulldogs just extended their home winning streak to a nation-leading 32. The number may become 33 next week against Austin Peay. The dynasty isn’t slowing down, it’s accelerating. And if this roster blends Gunner Stockton’s legs, Zachariah Branch’s speed, and the HC’s never-ending defensive machine, then Athens may need to clear more space in the trophy case.

Still, even amid dominance, that quiet sideline embrace said more than the scoreboard ever could. Georgia football is a family affair, stitched together by grit, grief, and glory. And Saturday night, Kirby Smart’s family’s story became part of Bulldog lore.