re: Nick Saban (2008-2014) vs Kirby Smart (2017-2023)

quote:

---

When Saban took off he didn't have to overcome anyone like Smart. Smart had to overcome Saban.

---

This is one of the absolute biggest gargantuan talking points that nobody ever seems to talk about. When Saban first started his rise to prominence, the only other truly elite coach in the league was Meyer, who was gone 4 years into saban's tenure. Fulmer was there 2 years of Saban's tenure then gone. Richt was decent but nowhere at that level. Miles? Tuberville? Come on.

Saban is obviously better than all fo them, but he really didn't face a whole hell of a lot of resistence in the way of a true equal/nemesis. Kirby from his frist day on the job as a head coach until now has had Saban in his way. It really makes what he's done thus far even MORE remarkable. If Saban didn't exist Kirby already has 1 more natty if not sevearl more.