Georgia just made a savvy addition to its defensive staff, bringing in a name that Bulldog fans will remember well. Maurice Smith, the former Georgia and NFL defensive back, is officially joining the program as a defensive analyst-a move that feels both strategic and well-earned.
Smith isn’t new to Athens. In fact, he was already around the program last season, lending a hand in an unofficial capacity.
He wasn’t on the payroll. No title.
Just a former player giving back to the school he once suited up for. That kind of commitment doesn’t go unnoticed, especially in a program run by someone like Kirby Smart, who values loyalty, football IQ, and attention to detail.
Now, Smith’s role becomes official. And while “defensive analyst” might not come with the same spotlight as a coordinator or position coach, these roles matter-especially at a place like Georgia, where elite preparation is the standard. Analysts break down film, help craft game plans, and bring fresh eyes to a defense that’s been among the best in college football under Smart’s leadership.
Smith brings a unique perspective to the job. He started his college career at Alabama before transferring to Georgia for his final season in 2016-a move that, at the time, wasn’t exactly smooth.
Alabama initially tried to block the transfer due to SEC rules that restricted intra-conference moves. But public pressure ultimately cleared the path, and Smith made the most of his one season in Athens.
That 2016 campaign was no footnote. Smith racked up 50 tackles, deflected three passes, picked off two, and forced two fumbles.
He was the heart of that defense and earned team Defensive MVP honors for his efforts. It was the kind of season that left a lasting impression on fans and coaches alike.
Though he went undrafted in 2017, Smith carved out time in the NFL, bouncing around several rosters before calling it a career in 2023. Now, he steps into a new chapter-his first official coaching role-and it’s happening right where his college playing career ended.
There’s no guarantee how much influence an analyst will have on the field, but make no mistake: this isn’t a token hire. Smith’s year of unofficial work showed the staff enough to bring him on in a real capacity.
That’s not something Georgia does lightly. Kirby Smart doesn’t hand out titles just to be nice-especially not on a defense that’s expected to compete for national titles every year.
So while Smith may be new to the coaching ranks, he's not new to the grind. He’s walked the walk as a player.
He’s earned trust behind the scenes. Now, he gets a shot to help shape the next generation of Bulldogs from the other side of the whiteboard.
It’s a full-circle moment-and one that could pay dividends for Georgia’s defense down the line.