Lane Kiffin's bold claim: Kirby Smart is essentially Nick Saban, except when facing Alabama. This statement sets the stage for a fascinating comparison between two of college football's most respected coaches. Kiffin, the current head coach at Ole Miss, isn't shy about his admiration for Georgia's Kirby Smart, even going so far as to suggest he's a near-carbon copy of the legendary Nick Saban. But here's where it gets controversial... Smart's impressive record is somewhat tarnished by his struggles against Saban's Alabama.
Kiffin and Smart share a unique bond, having both served as assistants under Saban during his dominant run at Alabama. Their paths crossed during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, providing a front-row seat to Saban's coaching methods. Now, they've both carved out successful head coaching careers: Kiffin at Ole Miss and Smart leading his alma mater, Georgia.
The upcoming clash between Ole Miss and Georgia, a top-10 matchup, has Kiffin reflecting on Smart's success. Kiffin acknowledges Smart's achievements, drawing parallels to Saban's program. He points out how Smart revamped Georgia's offense early in his tenure, mirroring Saban's approach to building a winning program.
"He basically is Nick Saban in almost every area," Kiffin stated, highlighting Smart's coaching style and team-building philosophy. "He has repeated the program and the success, really against everybody but Alabama."
This is a critical point: Smart's success is undeniable, with a remarkable 110-20 overall record since taking over Georgia in 2016. This includes back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, and four College Football Playoff appearances.
Kiffin, while not yet reaching the pinnacle of college football, has also found success since departing Alabama. He spent three seasons at Florida Atlantic before taking the reins at Ole Miss in 2020, where he has achieved 10 wins in three of his five full seasons.
Adding to the intrigue, Ole Miss enters this year's game against Georgia with an undefeated 6-0 record. Meanwhile, Georgia has already suffered a loss this season, ironically, to Alabama. Last season, Ole Miss secured a victory over Georgia with a score of 28-10, and they'll be hoping to repeat that feat.
What do you think? Do you agree with Kiffin's assessment of Smart? Is he the closest thing we have to a modern-day Nick Saban? And, how much does Smart's record against Alabama diminish his overall legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
