Kirby Smart’s One-Word Take On College Football Without Nick Saban

In less than two months, we will be entering the first season of college football without Nick Saban since 2007. The former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach officially announced his retirement from the football field following the 2023 season, opting to join ESPN to be an analyst on College Gameday.

Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart, who worked under Saban in the NFL for a year and multiple years at Alabama as the defensive coordinator, joined Get Up as part of SEC media days. When asked what it feels like with Saban no longer on the sideline, Smart needed only one word to describe it: "Different."

"It's different. I tell you the most unique part: I think Lane (Kiffin) and I were sharing some texts. (Saban) reached out to talk to us to prepare for this media days, and I still got nervous on the phone with him. I felt like I was still talking to my boss," Smart said.

Lane Kiffin and Smart worked together under Saban in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Kiffin was the offensive coordinator and the quarterbacks coach. Kiffin now serves as the head coach for the Ole Miss Rebels.

Smart continued, "He's been a critical part of my career and so many coaches careers. I'm just happy he stayed involved in college football. He's helping carry the torch forward. He's been an incredible asset for me."

After winning two straight college football national championships in 2021 and 2022, Smart and the Bulldogs failed to make the playoff in 2023. With an expanded playoff format coming in 2024, Georgia looks to get back on track with another deep run.

Since joining the Bulldogs in 2016, Smart went 1-5 against Saban, including three SEC championship losses. But in two head-to-heads in the national championship, Smart and Saban won a game apiece. With Saban's exit, Smart may be able to see more success against the Crimson Tide.

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