Georgia just made a big splash on their coaching staff as they officially hired Larry Knight from West Virginia. He was hired as the Bulldogs' newest outside linebackers coach and brings the exact experience Georgia is looking for in that position coach.
Kirby Smart played a big role in making this hire happen, so he obviously is very excited that Knight officially decided to join Georgia's staff. However, he released a statement reacting to this announcement in a way that only he knows how.
"I know he is ready to get to work in his home state."
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart opens up on the newest addition to the coaching staff:
— DawgsHQ (@DawgsHQ) February 17, 2026
'I know he is ready to get to work in his home state.'https://t.co/JCi7RhiwCD pic.twitter.com/q3v3PnNF6X
Kirby Smart reacts to Georgia hiring Larry Knight
Smart is never someone that will go over the top with his emotions. That is even the case after he makes as big of a hire as Knight is. But in true Smart fashion he made the most nonchalant comment in hopes of moving on as quickly as possible and getting back to work.
But even if Smart isn't showing it, Knight is a big hire for Georgia. He was just hired by West Virginia in January but quickly ditched their program when the Bulldogs came calling. Before West Virginia he was the defensive line coach and run game coordinator at Arkansas State in 2025. And here's the best part, Arkansas State had 39 sacks last season which is almost double the amount Georgia had all of last year (20).
So it's clear that Knight is here to do one thing, coach Georgia's defense to get to the quarterback. The best Georgia defenses found the most sack production from their outside linebackers, and that is the exact position that Knight will be responsible for. So don't be surprised if one of Georgia's weaknesses from last season quickly becomes one of their strengths this fall.