Kirby Smart Tries to Stoke Fire Within to Fuel His Talented Georgia Football Roster

As the Georgia Bulldogs continue to prepare for the 2025 season, head coach Kirby Smart is looking to ignite a sense of urgency and passion in his players. After winning back-to-back national championships, Smart knows that maintaining high levels of motivation and intensity will be crucial to success moving forward. He has stressed the importance of playing with “fire,” “energy,” and “passion” throughout spring practices, urging his players to bring their best every day. Smart believes that despite the team’s continued success, complacency can be the enemy, and he is determined to avoid it.

Smart’s coaching philosophy has always focused on developing not just a talented roster but one with the mentality to match. He is acutely aware of the talent on this year’s squad, with players like defensive lineman Mykel Williams, linebacker Jalon Walker, and quarterback Carson Beck leading the way. However, Smart has repeatedly emphasized that raw talent alone won’t win championships; it’s the drive to succeed, the inner fire to overcome obstacles, and the hunger for greatness that separates good teams from great ones.

The pressure is on for Georgia to continue its dominance in college football, and Smart is doing everything he can to ensure that his players don’t rest on their laurels. In recent practices, the head coach has been known to push his players to their limits, challenging them to show up with a sense of urgency and a desire to improve. “We want to be a team that plays with relentless energy,” Smart said. “That’s the hallmark of Georgia football. If we can bring that every day, then we have a chance to do something special.”

Despite the pressure to win, Smart’s approach has been to create an environment where players feel supported while being held accountable. He knows that talent will only take the team so far, but the right mindset can lead them to accomplish even more than they thought possible. Under Smart’s leadership, the Bulldogs have become a perennial powerhouse, and much of that success is attributed to the culture he’s built — one that values hard work, selflessness, and a constant drive for improvement.

As the team moves forward through spring practices and into the summer, Smart’s goal remains the same: to continue fostering a sense of hunger and motivation within each player. “The talent is there, but it’s about bringing the fire,” he explained. With the season fast approaching, Smart’s challenge is clear: get this talented roster to channel their energy into every aspect of the game, ensuring that Georgia’s dominance continues and that the next championship is within reach.