Georgia Football Head Coach Kirby Smart Gives Tremendous Message to Former Alabama Crimson Tide Legend; ‘He’s The GOAT’
Since the 2017 season, the Georgia football program has experienced remarkable success, winning two College Football Playoff National Championships and achieving at least 11 wins in six seasons. They have also participated in a New Year’s Six Bowl five times. As they approach the upcoming fall season, Georgia continues to be recognized as one of the top programs in college football. With two titles secured since 2009, Georgia is tied with Clemson in championship wins. However, both programs fall short of the Alabama Crimson Tide in terms of championship victories. Alabama’s impressive run from 2009 to 2022, under head coach Nick Saban, resulted in six national titles.
Saban retired last offseason, potentially opening a window for Georgia, Clemson, and other elite programs to embark on a significant title run. Although other SEC programs, excluding Alabama, may be relieved by the retirement of the seven-time champion Saban, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart expressed his respect for the longtime coach during SEC Media Days on Tuesday.
Georgia Football HC Kirby Smart: Gives Praise to Nick Sabana
The Georgia Bulldogs made a savvy move when they hired Kirby Smart from Alabama Crimson Tide as their head coach in 2016. Smart boasts an impressive record of 94 wins and 16 losses, clinching two championships and being named SEC Coach of the Year three times. Despite his achievements, Smart humbly acknowledges that he’s still a long way from surpassing Nick Saban, the legendary head coach of Alabama.
“He is the GOAT. He is the greatest of all time. He dominated for a long time,” Smart remarked during SEC Media Days on Tuesday. Saban’s unparalleled success spanned much of the 21st century, starting from 2000. During his tenure, Saban never experienced a losing season, achieved double-digit wins in 18 out of 22 seasons, and secured seven national titles—six with Alabama and one with the LSU Tigers.
Georgia’s Kirby Smart on Nick Saban: “He is the GOAT. He is the greatest of all time. He dominated for a long time”
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 16, 2024
Smart: Worked With Saban Since NFL Days
In 2005, Nick Saban, fresh off a national championship with the LSU Tigers, made the move to the NFL as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. His stint in Miami was brief, as Alabama persuaded him to return to college football before the 2007 season began. During his final year coaching in the NFL, Saban brought Kirby Smart on board as safeties coach. Smart had previously worked with Saban during their time at LSU, and he followed Saban back to college football when Alabama hired Saban as head coach.
Smart initially served as assistant head coach during Alabama’s first season in Tuscaloosa. The following year, Saban promoted Smart to defensive coordinator, a role he held from 2008 to 2015. During his tenure, Alabama captured five national championships, and Smart earned recognition as AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2012. He was also honored with the Broyles Award in 2009, recognizing him as the top assistant coach in college football that season.
In 2016, Kirby Smart departed Alabama to become the head coach at Georgia, where he has since led the Bulldogs to two national championship appearances and continued success.