Why Kirby Smart compared Nick Saban to Darth Vader at SEC Media Days

Former Alabama Crimson Tide football head coach Nick Saban and current Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart have shared an interesting relationship over the years. With Saban officially retired, the two are no loger adversaries on the field.

Smart had served as the Alabama football defensive coordinator under Saban from 2008-2015. Beginning in 2016, the two coaches were direct rivals, with Smart being hired as the Georgia head coach. Since then, they squared off in numerous primetime matchups, including multiple SEC title games and national championships.

Saban’s retirement from coaching doesn’t mean that he’s gone off to a secluded island to golf, he’s assumed a new role: media member.

Thoughout the 2024 offseason, Saban has made a view appearances on ESPN broadcasts, including the 2024 NFL draft and, most recently, the 2024 SEC Media Days.

While meeting with reporters, Smart joked about how odd it felt to talk to Saban about his team and the upcoming season. “It’s weird. The call I did to set up for [SEC] Media Days was like, ‘for 15 minutes, I’m going to share with him about my team?’ I feel like I’m giving answers to Darth Vader or something. It’s very different.”

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football news as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM.