Athens, Georgia – The University of Georgia is preparing to honor its legendary football coach, Kirby Smart, with a statue set to be installed at Sanford Stadium. According to a report from ESPN, the university has commissioned renowned artist Stan Mullins—known for creating the iconic Herschel Walker statue—for this prestigious project. The move signals the school’s desire to permanently commemorate Smart’s transformative impact on the Bulldogs program.
The upcoming statue is a tribute to Smart’s numerous accomplishments, including multiple national championships and consistently placing Georgia among the nation’s top teams. University officials and fans alike have expressed overwhelming support for the project, eager to celebrate the coach’s influence and enduring legacy in Athens. Mullins, a familiar and respected figure in Bulldog history, is seen as the perfect artist for this important commission.
Plans call for the statue to be placed near the existing monument of Vince Dooley at Dooley Field, reinforcing the connection between Georgia’s greatest coaching figures. The location will serve as a symbolic celebration of the championship tradition these two coaches have fostered. With work scheduled to begin in May 2026, fans can look forward to seeing Smart’s achievements immortalized in bronze in the near future.
ESPN’s report outlines the excitement surrounding this tribute, not only from the athletic department but also from Bulldog Nation, which has rallied around Smart since he took the reins of the program. His leadership, recruiting success, and passion for the university have elevated Georgia football to historic heights. That success is now set to be captured in a work of public art by a sculptor who understands the cultural importance of Georgia football.
The choice of Mullins is meaningful for many reasons. His past work with the university, particularly the celebrated Herschel Walker statue, has already earned him the admiration of fans. With this new commission, Mullins will again play a role in memorializing one of Georgia’s football legends in a medium that stands the test of time.
The placement of Smart’s statue alongside Dooley’s will symbolize a coaching lineage marked by excellence and championships. The juxtaposition of these two figures highlights how Smart has not only met the standards set before him but perhaps even raised them. Their contributions will now be enshrined together in a setting that represents the heart of Georgia football.
Although the final design details of the statue haven’t been revealed, speculation suggests it will portray Smart with his signature intensity and game-day focus. These traits have become hallmarks of his coaching style and are deeply admired by fans and players alike. Mullins is expected to draw inspiration from Smart’s most iconic sideline moments to capture his essence.
With the project officially starting in May 2026, there is speculation that the statue could be unveiled during the 2026 football season or in advance of 2027. No matter the timeline, the dedication ceremony is sure to be an emotional and highly anticipated event, celebrating Smart’s profound role in building a college football dynasty.
This tribute goes beyond honoring one coach—it represents an era of dominance that has elevated Georgia football to new heights. Smart’s dedication to the program, both as a former player and now as a coach, makes him a unique figure in the school’s athletic history. The statue will serve as a permanent reminder of his leadership and success.
Ultimately, the creation of Kirby Smart’s statue by Stan Mullins is a bold and fitting recognition of his influence. As fans continue to celebrate Georgia’s golden era of football, this statue will provide a lasting tribute to the man who helped make it possible, solidifying his legacy in the heart of Bulldog country for generations to come.
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