Field Street Forum

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart has been included on the 2020 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year preseason watch list, according to the award’s foundation and the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.

Smart, who is starting his fifth year as the Bulldogs’ head coach, is one of 13 of the nation’s top college football coaches named to the list who are scheduled to play during the fall season.  Nine coaches from conferences who are scheduled to play in the spring were also recognized.  However, this year’s award will be given in December therefore not making those coaches eligible.

The Dodd Trophy celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity.

A midseason watch list will be released later in the fall.  A panel consisting of previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2020 season.  The winner of the 2020 Dodd Trophy will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to begin this season in Fayetteville, Ark., against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, Sept. 26.  The SEC Network will televise the matchup at 4 p.m. ET.