Alabama DC Smart Lives Up to Name

Alabama head coach Nick Saban is generally regarded as the architect of the ferocious defense that has led the Crimson Tide back to the BCS Championship Game. However, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart’s influence on the unit is just as important. The soon-to-be 37 year old Smart is one of the brightest defensive minds in the college ranks, and has the Tide poised to capture their third national title in the last four seasons. The Crimson Tide defense has been a machine since Smart took over DC duties in 2008. Since that season, Alabama has finished in the top five nationally in total defense every year, an incredibly difficult task with the constant turnover the team has faced year after year.

In the last three years, the Tide have had six defensive players drafted in the first round, yet have not experienced a drop-off on that side of the ball. In fact, the Tide could have several first-rounders in the 2013 draft as well, including NT Jesse Williams and CB Dee Milliner. Smart has played an integral part in the development of each of these players, and this is one of the main reasons he is viewed as a rising star in the coaching world. Smart was mentioned as a potential candidate for both the Auburn and Tennessee head coaching positions in the last month, and while he was not hired to either position, his stock remains extremely high. In fact, with Saban approaching his mid-60s, it is certainly possible that Smart could be next in line to succeed him at Alabama. With the track record that he has established as coordinator of the defense, it would not surprise anyone to see Smart guiding a major college program. Stopping Notre Dame’s balanced offense in the national championship game is not going to be easy, but with Smart calling the shots for the ‘Bama defense, the Crimson Tide will know what to do. For more information on the upcoming BCS game, continue reading here!