Syracuse University will formally introduce Fran Brown as its 31^st head football coach Monday at 10 a.m. at the program’s auditorium in the Lally Athletics Complex.

Brown is fulfilling his duties still this week as the Georgia football defensive backs coach after being named Monday to his new position.

Coach Kirby Smart on Thursday afternoon was asked if he plans to fill his staff opening before the start of the first signing period on De. 20 and how long Brown may continue to coach with the Bulldogs after Saturday’s SEC championship game against Alabama.

More: Georgia football has assistant coach opening. Names that make sense to replace Fran Brown

More: Georgia football vs. Alabama: Scouting report, prediction

“We’ve been really focused on Alabama,” Smart said. “I mean, that’s all we’re really thinking about. Those decisions that you’re talking about, they’re not important, right? They have no relevance whatsoever to this game. Our focus and energy are on this game so I really don’t have to decide that right now and don’t even look to.”

He said what’s more important is that Brown, a New Jersey native who worked at Temple, Rutgers and TCU, landed a Power Five head coaching job in the ACC after two seasons at Georgia.

“What’s newsworthy is he got a hell of an opportunity and he’s done a tremendous job for us and we’re super happy for his family and for Syracuse to be getting someone for his character, but we’re not worried about anything past Alabama,” Smart said.

Georgia players earlier this week said they were thrilled to see Brown get an opportunity to become a head coach.

“They’re getting a tremendous coach, but more importantly a tremendous person,” safety Javon Bullard said. “He’s a great coach but I think what makes him special is the relationships he has with his players outside of football. We connect on a personal level; he’s been there with me giving spiritual advice. When I’m missing home or my family he’s always there. He’s a close friend outside of football who I can count on, if my car breaks down, I know I can call Coach Fran. The person he is to the core is what you’re getting, that’s what Syracuse is getting. We’re just so proud of him.”

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Kirby Smart addresses Georgia football DB coach Fran Brown's departure