In response to widespread speculation surrounding Nick Saban’s abrupt decision to retire, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has stepped forward to address what he perceives as “inaccurate” portrayals by the media.
Smart recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the coverage, stating: “I think there’s been a lot of media portrayal that had something to do (with him retiring) … The man was in his 70’s.”
Kirby Smart shared an…..interesting take on Nick Saban's retirement.
The former Alabama coach has been open about the fact he didn't like some of the changes.
Smart isn't buying it. He thinks the real reason boils down to age.
DETAILS: https://t.co/zpzH1l1WCz pic.twitter.com/EePTwmtrEA
— OutKick (@Outkick) March 26, 2024
Smart emphasized that while Saban has expressed concerns about the direction of the sport, it doesn’t necessarily indicate widespread discontent among coaches.
He argued against the notion that college football coaching is in a state of crisis.
This dude can’t just coach and keep his mouth shut huh
— miq (@inglishmiqlana) March 25, 2024
“I don’t have a lot of coaches complaining, saying they want to get out of the profession,” Smart asserted. “They enjoy the profession.”
“They want the profession to be about relationships, developing talent and rewarding positive performance, both on and off the field.”
ESPN interview: Why Kirby Smart wishes Nick Saban was still coaching https://t.co/uuXOVt6Oqx
— 960 The Ref (@960theref) April 1, 2024
The discussion around Saban’s retirement follows the recent departure of Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers, as well as notable instances of college coaches heading to the NFL.
The prevailing thought is that Saban’s decision to retire was certainly expedited by the new Wild Wild West world of NIL and the transfer portal.
As much as Smart wants to downplay that, it’s nearly impossible to not connect the dots.
Just talked this article w/ @AriWasserman, his personal CFB Mt. Rushmore:
Nick Saban
Pete Carroll
Dabo Swinney
Woody HayesWho's in yours? https://t.co/PghDSA27w4
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) March 29, 2024
Regardless, while many are looking (or certainly thinking) about fleeing college football, Smart has doubled-down on his commitment to the Bulldogs … He deserves credit for that.
While changes may be coming in the near future, Smart knows he has to adapt as best he can to keep the Dawgs at the top of the college football world.
Kalen DeBoer: I don’t use profanity
Kirby Smart with a 24-0 halftime lead: “PHYSICALLY, PHYSICALLY I WANNA BREAK EM! I’M TALKIN ABOUT FUCKIN BREAK THESE BITCHES ON DEFENSE AND OFFENSE!” pic.twitter.com/KjZWVPwwxj
— Three Year Letterman (@3YearLetterman) February 29, 2024
What are your thoughts on Smart’s comments?
Do you agree with him that Saban’s decision to retire had as much to do with his age than anything else?
Or do you believe, as most do, that the wild “modern-era” of college football is what drove him out???