Report: Kirby Smart expected to be Georgia's next head coach

Georgia is expected to name Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart its next head coach, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Chip Towers.

Smart has been on the Alabama staff for the past nine seasons, winning three national titles in the process. He'll replace Mark Richt, who was fired on Sunday.

An official announcement isn't expected to happen until after the Crimson Tide take on Florida in the SEC championship game Saturday.

Smart became the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the country this past June when he netted a $150,000-per-year raise, upping his salary to $1.5 million. He has three years left in a four-year deal that includes a buyout thought to be in the range of roughly $500,000.

The figures of his deal haven't been revealed, though Richt made $4.1 million per year as the Bulldogs' head coach.

Although the Bulldogs are parting ways with Richt, who spent 15 years with the team, Smart is no stranger to Athens himself. He played safety for Georgia from 1995-98, and coached running backs for Richt in 2005.

In terms of staffing, the report indicates that Smart will bring on his own crew, though he's expected to retain defensive line coach Tracy Rocker.