Georgia‘s Kirby Smart and Texas‘ Steve Sarkisian are set to clash in a highly anticipated SEC Championship showdown on Saturday. Both coaches have carved their paths in college football, but they share a significant bond: their time as assistants under the legendary Nick Saban at Alabama.
From Assistants to Rivals
In 2004, Smart began his coaching journey under Saban as the defensive backs coach at LSU. This was just the beginning of a fruitful relationship. By 2007, he was back with Saban at Alabama, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Saban recognized Smart’s potential, promoting him to defensive coordinator just over a year later. Under Smart’s guidance, Alabama captured four national titles, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier coach. In December 2015, he took the helm at Georgia, where he has continued to build a powerhouse program.
Sarkisian’s journey to Alabama came a bit later. He joined the Crimson Tide in 2016 as an analyst and soon found himself thrust into the spotlight. When Lane Kiffin departed for Florida Atlantic, Sarkisian stepped in as the interim offensive coordinator during the 2017 National Championship against Clemson. Although Alabama fell short in that game, Sarkisian’s time in Tuscaloosa was far from over. After a stint in the NFL, he returned to Alabama as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2019 to 2020. His efforts earned him the prestigious Broyles Award in 2020, recognizing him as the best assistant coach in college football. Just days later, on January 2, 2021, he accepted the head coaching position at Texas.
A New Side of Nick Saban
While both Smart and Sarkisian have learned invaluable lessons from Saban, their experiences were not without challenges. Saban, known for his intense coaching style, has softened in the public eye since his retirement. From light-hearted moments on ESPN’s College GameDay to his entertaining appearances on The Pat McAfee Show, Saban has showcased a more relatable side. It’s a transformation that has surprised many, including his former assistants.
In fact, Sarkisian recently shared a humorous anecdote about his first text from Saban. “Probably the first one. Because I thought to myself, ‘There’s no way this is Nick. This has got to be Miss Terry texting me from Coach’s phone or something,’” Sarkisian recalled. As time went on, he started receiving more messages from Saban, including a recent one that simply said, “Hey, call me when you’re free.” Sarkisian was taken aback, thinking, “What the hell?”
Smart’s Surprising Text Experience
Sarkisian isn’t alone in his surprise at Saban’s newfound texting habits. Smart echoed similar sentiments, stating, “I got the same one and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s the first initiated contact by him.’ Most of the time, I have to initiate the contact with text, but he reached out. He’s gotten more comfortable. He must have more free time.” It’s clear that Saban has embraced a different role in retirement, one that allows him to connect with his former players and assistants in a more personal way.
Preparing for the Big Game
As Saturday approaches, both Smart and Sarkisian are fully focused on the task at hand: the SEC Championship. With no time to spare, they are preparing their teams to put on a show for fans and to honor their mentor, Saban. This game is more than just a championship; it’s a testament to the growth and development of two coaches who have learned from one of the best in the business.
The SEC Championship game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ABC. Fans can expect a thrilling matchup as Smart and Sarkisian bring their unique styles and strategies to the field. Both coaches are eager to showcase everything they’ve learned during their time under Saban, and there’s no doubt that the stakes are high.
What’s at Stake?
The SEC Championship is not just a trophy; it’s a chance for both teams to solidify their positions in the College Football Playoff race. For Smart, a victory would further establish Georgia as a dominant force in college football. For Sarkisian, it’s an opportunity to prove that Texas is back on the national stage after years of rebuilding. Both coaches understand the significance of this game, not only for their programs but also for their legacies as coaches.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the excitement is palpable. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, and the atmosphere is electric. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of former Saban protégés? Will it be Smart and Georgia, or will Sarkisian and Texas claim the title? One thing is for sure: this SEC Championship is set to be a memorable clash of titans.
