Kirby Smart Slapped With Harsh Reality Check After Facing Nepotism Attacks for Bold Hire

In college football’s every hire, the coaching decisions are always under the microscope. So when Kirby Smart hired the son of the very coach who gave him his first coaching gig at Valdosta State back in 2000, it raised some eyebrows. While some critics are quick to scream nepotism, a deeper dive reveals a more nuanced story. Some call this “the first full circle hire for Kirby Smart in Athens.” But while the coaching adjustments make headlines, concerns are still on the loose and it’s mainly to do with Georgia’s offense.

CFB analyst Dalton Wasserman gave a concerning update on the Bulldogs’ offense led by Gunner Stockton. In a new episode on PFF College Football Show on February 22, he shot out a brutal reality saying, “Gunner Stockton is very much an unknown. He’s gotta identify chemistry with those receivers.” Stockton will only be getting his first real starter role after sitting behind Carson Beck in 2024 recording just 440 yards and one touchdown.

Gunner Stockton might have sparked hope for Dawgs’ fans in their CFP performance that ultimately ended in a loss to Notre Dame. He managed to rack up 234 yards and a TD on 20-of-32 passes and an additional 16 yards on the ground. But not everyone is optimistic including CFB analyst Paul Finebaum who didn’t mince words — “Georgia lost a better quarterback than the guy they have.” And the O-line?

“A fantastic interior three on their offensive line is all gonna get drafted in this year’s NFL draft,” Wasserman noted. “I think they’re really gonna be again lenient to their strengths, defense running this ball.” Key O-linemen — Dylan Fairchild, Tate Ratledge, and Jared Wilson — who made major contributions this past season are already NFL-bound, giving more room for concern on the offense.

In a fiercely competitive SEC, there’s little room for an offense that’s “a work in progress” as Wasserman pointed out. “If you’re a work in progress in a really loaded SEC that has Alabama, that has Texas, that has Tennessee, that has Texas A&M, that has LSU, all these great teams,” he continued. “You don’t have a lot of time in the SEC to be a work in progress. You get maybe the first three, four weeks into the season and then you’re going through the gauntlet.” And yes, the Bulldogs are set to meet some of the most formidable SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas in 2025. Can we expect Kirby Smart’s full-circle hire to make a difference?

Kirby Smart’s controversial hiring of Ty Hatcher 

Kirby Smart found himself at the center of controversy after hiring Ty Hatcher as Georgia’s quality control analyst. He’s just 25 and he’s the son of his former mentor Chris Hatcher. That alone is enough to spark a nepotism alert but “this is not your typical nepotistic hire,” as Brooks Austin said. This hire is more than just a favor for an old friend. Chris Hatcher’s decision to bring the then-24-year-old Smart on board set the stage for his ascent in the coaching ranks. In hiring Ty, the Bulldogs’ HC is investing in the future of a promising coach. 

Ty isn’t just Coach Hatcher’s kid, “This is a rising star in the world of college football coaching” earning respect in his own right. A former QB at Samford under his father, the younger Hatcher followed in his footsteps working under Bill O’Brien at Alabama and Bobby Petrino at Texas A&M. He spent the last season in Oklahoma working with QBs as a graduate assistant. He’ll now work under OC Mike Bobo joining offensive staff like quality control coach Montgomery VanGorder and analyst Brandon Streeter. 

Kirby Smart‘s hiring of Ty Hatcher is a blend of personal history and professional strategy. It’s necessary to consider the broader context. As Georgia navigates their offensive challenges and prepares for a grueling SEC schedule, the hope is that fresh coaching talent and renewed focus will pave the way for success.