There’s trouble in Athens. For two straight years, Kirby Smart has failed to lead Georgia to a playoff appearance. And with the past season being a 12-team format, the pressure gets only worse. But it may not be just the HC who should be worrying about the future. Things are boiling to the surface with the departure of their QB1 after five years. The departure isn’t unexpected, but Carson Beck’s destination is a shocker. And now that’s made clear, here’s why Georgia might suffer a blow concerning Kirby Smart. 

When things go south in the NFL, coaches land in college football. And vice versa. Kirby Smart’s case would be the latter if such a scenario happens. The latest YouTube episode on The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast explored Kirby Smart’s past desire to retire from college football. With the current Carson Beck situation and Georgia missing out on the CFP, it’s normal to wonder if the Bulldogs’ HC could be considering a similar thing, or perhaps a job away from Athens.

The Athletics’ Bruce Feldman believes that while college football is lucrative for earning, he also thinks that the NFL could be a more appealing spot. He said, “That’s a much more attractive destination, I think for Kirby Smart. You have a guy won two national titles. Felt like he should be close to the middle of it for a little bit.” 

Carson Beck’s absence has left Gunner Stockton at the helm, who already tasted college football’s extremities with an SEC Championship win and a CFP loss. As far as their QB room goes, Georgia lacks seasoned depth. Chris Gordy stated in the Locked on SEC podcast, “Georgia does not have a proven, experienced starter in their quarterback room entering the spring.” If this isn’t addressed, the upcoming season could scar Kirby Smart’s reputation, who already has three national championships under him and who has already expressed his desire to retire. 

Back in 2022, Kirby Smart revealed that he was considering retiring ahead of the 2021 season, saying, “I was away to step down and resign. I was done.” Then, he went on to win his first national championship as a HC. Is a replay of that success possible in 2025? Still, his family might be the reason to hold him back.

If we also consider things from his family’s perspective, “Athens is a great place to raise a family,” as Feldman added. So the question remains if Smart would allow a similar Carson Beck situation to haunt Georgia.

Why did Carson Beck leave Georgia?

For more than one reason. Everyone expected Carson Beck to be part of the 2025 NFL Draft. But his injury in the SEC Championship game against Texas changed direction for him as it affected his draft stocks. The redshirt senior would be the No. 5 QB in the upcoming draft per ESPN draft projections. But only Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are projected to be the first-round QBs.

Besides, his elbow surgery in December isn’t going to look good on his resume. So as The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said, “Makes more sense than being a 4th round pick in April.” So, we understand his decision to remain in college for another season. But why not with Georgia?

This is what bugged many people’s minds. Instead of returning to Athens, Carson Beck landed with the Miami Hurricanes, who had a breakout season under Cam Ward’s first and final season. There are also talks about how a Power 4 QB like Beck could make around $4 million. Another possible reason he landed with the Canes is because of his girlfriend Hannah Cavinder, who is a Miami basketball player and social media influencer. Also, even if he returns, Stockton and Ryan Puglisi will be stuck for another year under him. So do you think he made the right choice?

As for Kirby Smart, there’s no compact reason for why he should leave Georgia as of now. He has his young family, success, and glory in Athens, and that’s not something he might want to uproot for an unknown venture.