Prior to taking the podium, Georgia released this video welcoming Smart back to UGA, with the music "Midnight Train to Georgia" accompanying it perfectly.
Welcome home, Coach! https://t.co/WdXWHViSpN
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) December 7, 2015
One the first time head coach took the stage in Athens, it was evident who he had spent so much time learning from. Smart exuded a with a calm, calculated demeanor that you come to expect from a Nick Saban understudy. Since Smart didn't address the media a lot at Alabama, you could sense in the first few minutes of the presser that he took a lot from Saban's style and approach with the media.
Welcome home, Coach! https://t.co/WdXWHViSpN — Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) December 7, 2015
Asked about how involved he'll be in the defense, coming from Alabama where he was Nick Saban's defensive coordinator since 2008, Smart said that he plans on running "a hands-on organization" and that one of his strengths as a head coach will be being involved in all aspects of the program.
When asked about whether the UGA offense will be pro-style or spread, Smart simply responded by saying, "I think you have to be a little bit of both at times," noting that you have to adjust to your personnel. The highlight of the presser might have been when a journalist in attendance asked Smart about Saban's "process," clearly looking for a secret formula. Smart's response was as honest as it gets.
Asked about what the conversation was like when he told Saban that he was taking the job at UGA, Smart noted that Saban was excited, supportive, and that he "has been a great mentor" to him.
More notes from the presser below: