Reports: Kirby Smart Drawing Interest From LSU

University of Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart is on LSU’s shortlist to fill the same position with the Tigers, according to reports.

The Advocate’s Ross Dellenger and Scott Rabalais reported Monday afternoon that Smart has been in contact with LSU representatives to fill the defensive coordinator position vacated by John Chavis, who took the same job with Texas A&M two weeks ago. Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker was also named as a potential replacement in the report.

Smart, 39, completed his eighth season at Alabama in 2014, seventh as the school’s defensive coordinator. According to USA TODAY, he was the second-highest paid assistant in college football this season with a $1.35 million salary, two spots ahead of Chavis at $1.31 million.

The Advocate’s report does not state if LSU’s interest is mutual, though a second report from NOLA.com characterized the contact with Smart as “not recent.”

Following the 2009 season, Smart rejected an offer to make a lateral move to Georgia, his alma mater, to stay in Tuscaloosa. Earlier that season, Smart won the Broyles Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.

Ahead of the Sugar Bowl two weeks ago, Smart told al.com he has not ruled out a head coaching opportunity, saying he would be interested in the “right job.” He interviewed for Auburn’s head coaching vacancy after the 2012 season.

Prior to joining the Crimson Tide, Smart had stops at Valdosta State, Florida State, LSU, Georgia and the Miami Dolphins. His lone seasons with LSU and the Dolphins in 2004 and 2006, respectively, came under current Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Smart and running backs coach Burton Burns are the only two assistants who have worked under Saban throughout his entire tenure at Alabama, which began in 2007.

In seven seasons as Alabama’s defensive coordinator, Smart’s defenses have finished in the top 5 nationally six times. The 2014 defense finished 12th.