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re: Nick Saban (2008-2014) vs Kirby Smart (2017-2023)
Posted on 11/23/23 at 10:58 am to AwgustaDawg
Posted on 11/23/23 at 10:58 am to AwgustaDawg
“But Saban had already been a head coach before!1!1!1!”
I laid out the significant differences between the two time periods. I never said what Smart has done isn’t impressive, I’m saying if we’re comparing the two coaches’ first 8 years at their current programs, one had to contend with significant hurdles the other did not
Smart’s only real hurdles were not having been a head coach, and having Saban in the other division. Both of which he mitigated by just copying ‘s approach as much as possible. I gave him credit for this strategy earlier in the thread
I laid out the significant differences between the two time periods. I never said what Smart has done isn’t impressive, I’m saying if we’re comparing the two coaches’ first 8 years at their current programs, one had to contend with significant hurdles the other did not
Smart’s only real hurdles were not having been a head coach, and having Saban in the other division. Both of which he mitigated by just copying ‘s approach as much as possible. I gave him credit for this strategy earlier in the thread
2
Posted on 11/23/23 at 11:22 am to HighTide_ATL
quote:
I laid out the significant differences between the two time periods. I never said what Smart has done isn’t impressive, I’m saying if we’re comparing the two coaches’ first 8 years at their current programs, one had to contend with significant hurdles the other did not
Saban did not have to contend with the learning curve of the HC position in his first 8 years at his current job. Smart did. That curve is steep and dangerous. Smart won the SEC in his second year as a head coach at level. I understand the need to lay all of his success at Sabans feet and most of it belongs there. But smart did not learn how to win a conference title in his second year as a HC from Saban because Saban didn’t do it. Saban is the GOAT. That’s not debatable. I don’t think Smart is the better coach right now let alone when Saban was at his best….but Smart is damned good and liable to get better
Posted on 11/23/23 at 11:32 am to HighTide_ATL
quote:
Both of which he mitigated by just copying ‘s approach as much as possible. I gave him credit for this strategy earlier in the thread
Actually Kirby did not copy Saban's approach. Saban is copying Kirby's approach.
When Kirby go his feet on the ground, Saban was transitioning to a pass first offense. Kirby stuck with a run first/defensive approach.
What was Alabama fans telling us Alabama was going to go back to? Run first defensive approach... after Kirby showed it was still an approach schools could win with.
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