In December 2023, after Alabama’s narrow victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship, Kirby Smart joked with his former boss, Nick Saban, saying, “You can’t keep doing this much longer.” Little did they know, this playful remark foreshadowed the end of Saban’s storied coaching career. Following 17 seasons and six national championships at Alabama, Saban retired, leaving a monumental legacy. While he remains active as part of ESPN’s “College GameDay,” he has shifted from the intense pressure of the sidelines to the commentary booth.
This Saturday, as Smart leads his No. 2 Bulldogs against No. 4 Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium, the atmosphere will be charged with anticipation. Smart, now firmly established as one of college football’s premier coaches, has crafted a powerhouse at Georgia that has captured two national titles and consistently performed at an elite level. Over the past three seasons, the Bulldogs have not only secured 13 or more wins but have also set an SEC record with 29 consecutive victories, a streak interrupted only by Saban’s Alabama in last season’s SEC Championship.
Smart’s trajectory has been remarkable. Under his leadership, Georgia has become a formidable force, and the only coach to consistently thwart him has been Saban. Smart’s history with Saban is deeply intertwined; he was Saban’s defensive coordinator during Alabama’s four national championships before taking the helm at Georgia. Although he has tasted victory against Saban only once—when the Bulldogs clinched their first national title in 41 years in 2022—the pressure of that relationship has been significant.
Despite the departure of Saban from the coaching ranks, Smart acknowledges that the impact of his mentor will still be felt across the sport. In a recent interview, Smart emphasized that Saban remains involved, contributing to discussions on the future of college football. “I feel like he’s still in it… He’s going to be part of it for a long time. The game is better with him in it,” Smart remarked, showcasing his respect for Saban’s enduring influence.
At 48, Smart is still in the early stages of his coaching career. With Saban stepping back, Smart has naturally become the face of college football. He is not only a successful head coach but also co-chair of the NCAA Football Rules Committee, positioning him as a leading voice in shaping the future of the game. His success has been historic; Georgia has produced more NFL first-round draft picks (17) in Smart’s tenure than he has losses (16).
Smart’s peers recognize his achievements and the distinct path he has carved for himself. Dan Lanning, a former defensive coordinator under Smart who is now head coach at Oregon, noted, “He’s separated himself and put himself in a category of his own.” Yet, Smart himself is cautious about direct comparisons to Saban. He acknowledges Saban’s unparalleled impact on college football and states, “I don’t see it as a one-person spot… I see it as a lot of guys out there competing.”
As Smart steps into a role that could redefine his career in the post-Saban era, the focus will be on how he handles the heightened expectations. Those close to him believe he is well-prepared. Lane Kiffin, who also worked under Saban, pointed out that Smart has closely observed Saban’s methods, from recruiting to player development, and has implemented these strategies effectively at Georgia.
With Saban no longer on the sideline, Smart is positioned to navigate the pressures of being the premier coach in college football. As the Bulldogs gear up for their matchup against Alabama, the spotlight will not only be on the game itself but also on how Smart continues to evolve and lead in the wake of his mentor’s retirement. The narrative of college football is shifting, and Kirby Smart is poised to take center stage.
