UGA Football News
Kirby Smart named to 2024 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List

UGA football head coach Kirby Smart has been named to the 2024 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List, the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. have announced.
The Dodd Trophy is awarded to the head coach of a team “…who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy.”
In his six seasons as head coach of the Bulldogs, Kirby Smart has an overall record of 99-17 and two College Football National Championship victories.
“The 2024 season has already been filled with historic upsets, thrilling comebacks and outstanding performances from coaches and players alike,” said Jim Terry, chairman of the Boddy Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. “The coaches named to our list have begun to set themselves apart, but their successes go beyond results on the field and extend to the communities they serve and through their commitment to academic excellence.”
2024 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List
Coach | School | Conference |
Bret Bielema | Illinois | Big Ten |
Matt Campbell | Iowa State | Big 12 |
Mario Cristobal | Miami [FL] | ACC |
Ryan Day | Ohio State | Big Ten |
Eliah Drinkwitz | Mizzou | SEC |
James Franklin | Penn State | Big Ten |
Marcus Freeman | Notre Dame | Independent |
Josh Heupel | Tennessee | SEC |
Brian Kelly | LSU | SEC |
Lane Kiffin | Ole Miss | SEC |
Chris Klieman | Kansas State | Big 12 |
Dan Lanning | Oregon | Big Ten |
Rhett Lashlee | SMU | ACC |
Jeff Monken | Army | AAC |
Pat Narduzzi | Pitt | ACC |
Brian Newberry | Navy | AAC |
Steve Sarkisian | Texas | SEC |
Kalani Sitake | BYU | Big 12 |
Kirby Smart | Georgia | SEC |
Dabo Swinney | Clemson | ACC |
“This esteemed group of coaches knows what it takes to win both in football and in life,” said Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO and President Gary Stokan. “Each coach has exhibited success on the gridiron, but it’s their leadership over their young student athletes in the classroom and the community that truly sets them apart.”
Fifth-ranked Georgia (5-1, 3-1 SEC) and top-ranked Texas (6-0, 2-0 SEC) will square off on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. The game will be televised by ABC at 7:30pm ET (Buy Tickets).
