A Case for Kirby Smart

Let me just start by saying my top 2 candidates are still Petrino and Patterson (unlikely). Those two guys are 1a and 1b in my mind. However, I have started to warm up to the idea of Kirby Smart as our next head coach. When his name first started popping up my initial reaction was "frick that." After thinking about if it for awhile I am really starting to warm on the idea. Here's why:

1. Lack of head coaching experience is obviously the biggest concern with Smart, and nobody really knows how much control he has over Alabama's defense. However, the guy is considered one of the top coordinators in the country and he is not going to leave 'Bama for some second tier school. He would be one of the first people UGA would call if they were looking for a coach, and a lot of Alabama people want him to eventually succeed Saban. If he is good enough for those schools, he is good enough for Auburn. Why not go ahead and get on jump start that?

2. Defense. The guy knows defense and there is no doubting that. Even if he is not in full control of Alabama's defense, he is learning first hand from the best in the business. A lot of people (including myself) have been dying for Auburn to get back to the days of having a tough physical defense. I believe he would be a step in the direction.

3. Recruiting. In case you haven't noticed, Smart can flat out recruit. He has deep ties to the talent-rich state of Georgia and knows how to scout talent. Obviously he has the advantage of telling kids they can come play for Saban, but I believe he could still recruit at a high level even without him.

4. It would thoroughly piss of 'Bama fans. Just go check out their board. They don't believe he would ever leave there to come to lowly Auburn. That alone is enough for me to want to give him a shot.

Smart could end up being a huge flop and a terrible hire, but I'm starting to believe in him more and more. I think he is certainly a better option than Malzahn. I would still take Petrino and Patterson over him every day of the week. Those guys are proven commodities. I would now, however, support Smart being our next head coach and he has solidified a spot as #3 on my list.

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