SMQ: Are alma maters really the best destinations for head coaches?

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach leads his team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 14-7. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs

YEARS AT GEORGIA AS PLAYER: 1995-1998
YEARS AT GEORGIA AS COACH: 2016-present

After taking over at Georgia for Mark Richt, Kirby Smart has his alma mater in position to win the SEC for the first time since 2005. They are also in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff this season, as is the case for any team with a shot to take the SEC crown.

Smart came to Georgia as a defensive back, and in his career managed to win several accolades including all-SEC honors as an upperclassman. He currently ranks fourth all-time in career interceptions. After years working for Nick Saban at nearly a decade, Smart finally earned his first chance to lead a program. He took it at his alma mater, where Richt’s performances over a decade and a half were never enough to placate the fan base.

Now Smart is hoping that he can pull off at Georgia what he never could as a player — namely, win titles with the crew. If Georgia pulls off the miraculous and defeats whichever Iron Bowl victor meets the Bulldogs in Atlanta, they will play for their first-ever national title of the 21st century.

It is instructive to remember, though, that while Georgia is good it is hardly perfect.

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