Alabama’s Smart Named Assistant of the Year

Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart was named the American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year, the organization announced Tuesday, just 3 years after winning the Broyles award in 2009.  

Smart has been coaching football for 14 years, the last six at Alabama. Off the field, Smart has been involved in various fundraising activities as a member of the Alabama coaching staff. He participates in Nick’s Kids, an organization in which Nick and Terry Saban have raised more than $2 million for area youth charities over the last five years.

Smart’s success in Tuscaloosa has not gone unnoticed as year in and year out his name has come up as a potential candidate for head coaching positions across the country.  The Game with Ryan Fowler and Mick Gillispie was joined by Russ Mitchell of College Football News who said Smart would be a wise choice, but might not necessarily a good fit for some vacancies.

One of the knocks against Smart is he has no prior head coaching experience.  With the failure of a number of assistants turned head coaches, some Athletic Directors may be hesitant.  Bamaonline.com’s Travis Reier, however, was quick to point out the success of one Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s other protégés.

Under Smart’s direction, the Alabama defense is one of the best in the nation. Alabama is ranked No. 3 in rushing defense (76.20 ypg allowed), No. 9 in pass efficiency defense (102.76 rating), No. 2 in total defense (247.80 ypg allowed) and No. 1 in scoring defense (11.10 ppg allowed) in 2012.