Two of Nick Saban's proteges shared contrasting thoughts about their former employer's coaching future. Mississippi's Lane Kiffin and Georgia's Kirby Smart might have breathed a sigh of relief when Saban retired as Alabama's head coach after the 2023 season.

Kirby Smart is the first to tell you that Alabama “did an outstanding job of jumping all over” Georgia last season under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide defeated Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium 41-34 last year. Now, the Bulldogs host Alabama. Smart talked about that Tuesday in Atlanta during Day 2 of SEC Media Days.

ATLANTA — Kirby Smart hasn’t officially named Gunner Stockton starting quarterback at Georgia, but it doesn’t matter. Since stepping foot on campus, Stockton has prepared like the job is going to be his. Smart said Stockton’s commitment to preparation is one of the things he admires most.

Two previous assistants to Nick Saban, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin and Georgia coach Kirby Smart, are split on whether they believe the former Alabama head coach will ever return to college football.

You have to appreciate Kirby Smart’s candor. He was asked Tuesday at SEC Media Days about his Georgia Bulldogs playing at Auburn in a night game. His response was respectful of Auburn. He even called Jordan-Hare “iconic.” It was his reaction to the way the question was phrased, which got laughs from the gathered media.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart reveals what the Bulldogs look for in recruits as NIL dollars continue to evolve college football.

Kirby Smart Makes His Opinion on Texas, Steve Sarkisian Extremely Clear originally appeared on Athlon Sports. SEC Media Week is underway, marking the first time fans get to hear from coaches and players since the conclusion of last season. Monday was highlighted by LSU coach Brian Kelly and Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, among others.

ESPN's team of college football reporters voted on the sport's best coaches for 2025. The results were about as you would expect: Start with the three active guys who have most recently won national titles (Georgia's Kirby Smart,