Georgia Bulldogs Coach Kirby Smart Emphasizes “Fire,Passion,and Energy” for Young Squad Ahead of Demanding SEC Season
ATHENS,GA – As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for a challenging upcoming season,Head Coach Kirby Smart has identified three crucial traits he believes will define his team’s success: fire,passion,and energy. With a meaningful portion of the roster-54%-entering their first or second year, Smart is prioritizing these attributes to combat potential complacency and foster a winning mentality within the locker room.
During a recent media day appearance, Smart elaborated on the importance of these qualities, especially in the context of the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). “You get youthful exuberance,” Smart stated, referring to his young team.”We’ve had practices that have been spirited. We had a great spring practice that we talked about the words fire,passion and energy.”
He further emphasized the competitive landscape of college football, noting that “the biggest thing that separates college football teams today is complacency among players versus fire, passion and energy among players.” Smart’s strategy involves actively highlighting and encouraging these traits, ensuring that players bring “juice and energy each and every day.” He added that any player lacking these qualities will be “confronted by the players that do,” creating an internal accountability system.
The SEC,now bolstered by the addition of Texas and Oklahoma,is widely considered the premier conference in college football. Georgia’s path to success will undoubtedly require the team to consistently embody the fire, passion, and energy that Smart is cultivating.
This report was originally published by Athlon Sports on July 15, 2025.
