Kirby Smart Stuns Fans With Bold New Coaching Hire at Georgia

Kirby Smart enthusiastically welcomes Larry Knight to the Georgia coaching staff, aiming to strengthen the Bulldogs' pass rush.

Georgia Bulldogs fans have plenty to be excited about with the latest addition to their coaching staff. Larry Knight, fresh off a stint with West Virginia, is stepping in as the new outside linebackers coach. This move is a strategic play by head coach Kirby Smart, who knows a thing or two about building a formidable defense.

Knight's arrival is a homecoming of sorts, and Smart couldn't be more thrilled, even if his public reactions are typically understated. “I know he is ready to get to work in his home state,” Smart commented, keeping his focus on the future.

Knight's journey to Georgia is noteworthy. After a brief tenure with West Virginia, he was lured away by the Bulldogs, a testament to the pull of Georgia's program.

Before that, he made waves at Arkansas State in 2025 as the defensive line coach and run game coordinator, where his unit racked up an impressive 39 sacks. For context, that’s nearly double Georgia’s total from last season.

Knight's mission is clear: revitalize Georgia’s pass rush, specifically through the outside linebackers. Historically, the Bulldogs' best defenses have thrived on pressure from this position. With Knight at the helm, there’s optimism that what was once a weakness could quickly transform into a formidable strength.

As Georgia gears up for the upcoming season, fans should keep an eye on how this strategic hire plays out on the field. Knight's track record suggests that he’s more than capable of making a significant impact, and the Bulldogs’ defense might just be the talk of the town come fall.