Georgia Bulldogs: Coach Smart Takes Heat from Fans After Loss to Vanderbilt

Discouraged Georgia Bulldogs fans have recently been expressing their failed expectations in first year head coach Kirby Smart, leaving many questioning the decision to fire Mark Richt.

After the Georgia Bulldogs lost 17-16 to the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday, it was former head coach Mark Richt who was trending on Twitter instead of Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs have dropped to 4-3 and have lost three of their past four games this season. This all comes at a time when Mark Richt has seemingly turned things around for the 4-2 Miami Hurricanes.

Saturday was a bad day for the Dawgs, but it was made even worse due to the Twitter reactions of opposing fans, even including some of their own fans. One question many posed after the game on Saturday was “Does Georgia regret firing Mark Richt yet?” Clearly, head coach Kirby Smart, who is taking the ultimate responsibility for the losses, is catching some heat.

A seemingly lighthearted tweet by former Alabama running back and Heisman winner Mark Ingram, who now plays for the New Orleans Saints, caught some attention as well after he welcomed Coach Smart back “home” to Alabama.

Just minutes later, former Georgia tight end Benjamin Watson, who currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens, had a response for Ingram.

Kirby Smart Era not off to the best start…

But does Coach Smart really deserve so much disdain in his first year as head coach? As head coach, yes, Kirby Smart is home in Athens. Not to mention, he just got here. Give him time and see what he can do. Let’s not forget that miracles don’t happen over night.

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Yes, fans have a right to be frustrated. There’s no doubt the frustration of Bulldogs fans has been building over some time. However, the Kirby Smart Era has only just begun, and fair-weather fans would be wise to be patient with Smart before totally abandoning ship. Regardless of the circumstances, strong opinions are circulating the internet, criticizing both the team and coaching staff.

Here is one honest opinion about the situation:

VIA Guerry Clegg of the Ledger-Enquirer:

"There’s a culture change taking place, you know. Let’s not forget, Kirby Smart’s mentor, Nick Saban, lost to Louisiana-Monroe in his first season at Alabama.And Mark Richt left Smart with an undersized and underdeveloped offensive line.Besides, give Vanderbilt credit. The Commodores have a great defense.Let’s see, how many other excuses can be made for Georgia’s 17-16 loss to Vanderbilt?On homecoming, no less.How about the blunt truth? The Bulldogs aren’t a very good football team, and they aren’t very well-coached."

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Georgia Bulldogs fans, stay patient. This may not be “the” year, but this is also just the beginning. This is Coach Smart’s first shot at head coach, and rest assured he is noting his mistakes. Success is bound to come in the future, and a supportive fan base is crucial.