Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has been attached to the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job once again. This time in a much more real way.
The Falcons are under a complete regime change. On Tuesday, legendary quarterback Matt Ryan was introduced as the president of football for Atlanta. The hire is in the wake of many unsuccessful seasons and coaches since Atlanta’s Super Bowl season in 2016. The “Dirty Birds” haven’t made the playoffs since 2017. In 2025, the Falcons went 8-9 and missed the playoffs. Since the conclusion of the season, the franchise fired HC Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot.
As the new president of football, the former NFL MVP (2016) will look to make big moves to turn Atlanta around.
During his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Ryan specifically named Kirby Smart as a potential candidate for HC.
“I think we are looking for the best coach,” Ryan told the media. “Whatever that may look like. You know, Kirby Smart down the road. He’s a defensive guy, and he does pretty good from the defensive standpoint. I think you look at who is the best person to get the most out of your football team and to provide ways to win games.”
Not only was Smart named, but he was the only name mentioned. Although the structure has not been laid out, it is believed that Ryan will be the front office’s highest-ranking employee. That means he will be above the GM and have final say on all decisions.
A statement like this means a lot more than an Atlanta radio host throwing Kirby’s name in the hat. This is coming from the mouth of the person who will ultimately make the hire. With that being said, it’s obviously not happening. Maybe Ryan was just trying to get a rise out of the Peach State. It also says nothing of Smart’s interest in leaving UGA. To this point, all signs point to there being no interest from Georgia’s coach in an NFL job.
How much should this worry Dawg Nation? They shouldn’t. But here’s some good reactions from Georgia fans on social media:
“Matt Ryan better Find somebody else to play with. Coach Smart will never leave our players for the Falcons ever! This is a Joke,” wrote someone in reply to DawgNation’s Instagram post.
“love my Falcons but don’t you dare,” added another.
“Leave Kirby be, but start drafting more Georgia players!” said a fan.
“Leave kirby at Georgia we love him at UGA,” another said.
“Bring Hines Ward home for a few years.. one of the best recruiters in College football and he’s bleeds red and black.. that’s saying a lot in this landscape. that way we’ll have two good football teams, one in Athens and one in Atlanta! Kirby has earned the opportunity for sure. GO DAWGS & RISE UP!!!!” posted a fan.
One Response
The Falcons should recruit only our of the Southeastern colleges! We have some of the best college teams and it will help build a fan base that will be more supportive to our amazing local talent. That should draw more fans to come out and watch their favorite college players as the grow into a Falcon!