Kirby Smart hasn't said, «I don't want to go back home to Georgia.» As I have stated before, Richt should go get him. He is the perfect fit for the Bulldogs. He should be the top candidate.
Kirby was honored in LIttle Rock as the nation's top assistant coach on Tuesday. He won the Frank Broyles Award. His Tide defense was dominant this season, but I think he won the award for being one of the only coaches in CF that could work effectively under the Saban shadow. Imagine trying to get your work done, with Coach Saban looking over your shoulder 24/7. That can't be easy. Yet Kirby thrives. Impressive.
His comments to the media after the luncheon were basically the norm. We're happy at Bama. Not looking to go anywhere. Shame on the AJC headline writer for using «Smart Wants to Stay at Alabama». As if he turned down the Georgia job. Maybe they sold a couple extra papers with that one, but it's not accurate.
This guy should be the target for Mark Richt. Go get him. Get those angry Georgia boosters---who demanded a Martinez firing---to write a big check and make Coach Smart an offer he can't refuse. What will it take? How about 3-years, $1.5M? Throw in that Assistant Head Coach Title. Give him complete control over the defense. Allow him to have input into who hs coaches are on defense. Plan a homecoming parade. Get the deal done.
There is a story circulating that Smart and Garner have bumped heads on the recruiting trail. If that's a problem, let Garner go. Good grief, he talks about leaving every year anyway. McClendon is primed to take over that ace recruiter role.
I don't want to see Richt settle for less. I want to see him get the top candidate. That's Kirby Smart! And one more thing, to those who say Smart wouldn't make a «lateral move.» Well, didn't Kevin Steele do that just last year, leaving Alabama for Clemson? The story was: Steele was coming back home to Carolina. Sound familiar?

Yep, that sounds familiar Buck - Let's hope Coach Richt is reading your blog!