Reports: Kirby Smart Could Be Favorite for South Carolina Opening

With numerous head coaching positions open this offseason, it seems more and more likely that members of the Alabama coaching staff will be in position to move up. The latest reports name defensive coordinator Kirby Smart the frontrunner for South Carolina's head coaching job.

The 39-year-old has been Nick Saban's defensive coordinator at Alabama since the 2008 season. During that time, his defenses have consistently ranked near among the best nationally and 2015 is no different. This year's team ranks 2nd against the run and 4th in total defense.

Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports first reported that Smart has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Steve Spurrier. Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports followed that up with a report that Houston head coach Tom Herman was no longer a candidate and that Smart could be next in line.

If not South Carolina, Smart could be on the short list at a number of schools around the nation. It will be something to keep an eye on in December.