Second thoughts about Kirby Smart

The more I think about it, the more I think I'd rather have one of the guys with proven NFL experience that's been mentioned.

Simply put, how do we know the kind of defensive coordinator Kirby Smart will be when he is no longer under Nick Saban's wing.

How much autonomous control does Smart have over the Alabama defense vs him simply channeling Saban's commands?

Nick Saban is one of the greatest defensive minds in college football. He could make anybody look great by keeping them on a short enough leash. We know nothing about Smart's ability to innovate and adjust and be creative when he's all there is and doesn't have the genius who taught him everything he knows to turn to.

If he had accomplished the same things under a head coach who wasn't known for his defensive prowess I'd feel alot better, but it is precisely because Smart is a Saban protege that I have my concerns.

Well bama's defense was the weak spot last year, they got ahead in games and had teams come back on them pretty good, then they had that horrendous loss to Utah. From a few pieces I read it seemed that quite a few people wanted saban to trust the people he hired to do their jobs. Seems that worked this year.

Im not sure that there is anyone else that gets me a little excited, unless its Bumpas, sanders doesnt seem that great either. My guess is that its either smart or Bumpas and that is why they are waiting until after january now, if they hire steele then its a bad move since hes the same dead tire willie was.

UGAChemDawg, thought this might be worth passing along. Sometimes folks like to play the \"statistics\" game. I rather enjoy it also. Some FACTS about Coach Sanders, not coulda, shoulda, woulda. . . . .

Sanders oversaw a Green Bay defense that tied for the NFC-lead with 22 interceptions and ranked fourth in the NFC with 28 takeaways in 2008. They also lead the league with six interceptions returned for touchdowns. In 2007, Green Bay’s defense ranked third in the NFL in third-down defense, sixth in scoring defense and 12th overall.

In 2006, Green Bay ranked among the best pass-rushing defenses in the NFL. The Packers ranked first in the NFC (fourth in the NFL) with 46.0 sacks. Green Bay also ranked fourth in the NFL with 29 forced fumbles and fifth in the NFC in overall defense (11th in the league).

Coach Sander's Philosophy . . . .

“I like defensive linemen that play fast and hard with great passion,” said Sanders. “In addition to the obvious physical qualities you look for they need to have a love of the game and the work ethic that you have to have to be successful.”

Cold, hard FACTS. Coaching defense in a league where only the best of the best reside. Think maybe he could help UGA, I think so. Just as Monte Kiffin will greatly improve the Tennessee defense . . . . if his son does not blow it. Coaches like these send players to the next level.

Personally Ive talked about this with people til I am blue in the face, I think that CMR has someone up his sleeve already but doesnt want to release it until the bowl game is over, which makes me think thats its Kirby Smart and he is just waiting until after their bowl game! Just my 2 cents!

If it isn't Kirby Smart (or at least if CMR isn't planning on making a serious run at him) or someone involved with Bama or Texas (Muschamp?!), then what reason is there to wait until after the championship game to make an announcement? Waiting around hurts us on the recruiting front, not having anyone in place. It has to be him.