Smart earns Sporting News’ top coaching honor

Kirby Smart, who guided Georgia to a 12-1 record, the Bulldogs’ first SEC championship since 2005 and their first College Football Playoff berth, has been named The Sporting News’ 2017 Coach of the Year, according to a release from Georgia.

Georgia became the first SEC East school to win the conference championship since 2008, with the Bulldogs improving from an 8-5 record in 2016.

The Bulldogs posted wins over Florida, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame, avenging their only loss when they beat Auburn in the SEC title game.

“All those ones I won at Alabama and here, they felt awesome too because it’s hard to do,” Smart said of his latest conference title in the release from Georgia. “This one feels the same way.

“You know, it’s just the psychological stamina it takes to win an SEC Championship. I don’t think people really realize what you go through the entire year — going on the road, playing these intense games.”

Smart led the team to the SEC title with the help of players like Nick Chubb and Roquan Smith.

“Yeah, I remember,” Chubb said of when Smart was introduced. “Happy the first day he came and spoke to us. He was busy with Alabama winning the championship, and he came in, and he just looked exhausted. We’re like, ‘Man, what’s this man been up to?’

Said Smith, “Just the things he says, and he actually backs it up with his actions. It is what it is. He’s an awesome guy, as you guys can see, and he knows what he’s doing.”

The next task for Smith and Georgia is the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 against Oklahoma State.

“That’s why we do it for moments like this,” Smart said. “All that work for moments like this for these guys to enjoy.”

All-America honors

Smith, a junior from Macon County, has been named to several All-America teams.

The Butkus Award winner is a first-team Associated Press All-America pick. He recorded 113 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Smith was named to the Football Writers Association of America All-America first team, the ESPN All-America team and was a unanimous first-team selection on the CBS Sports All-America team.

Offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn was a second team AP All-America pick.