Georgia coach Kirby Smart didn’t wait long to make a reference to his former boss and mentor Nick Saban.
Smart, speaking at SEC Media Days 2024 on Tuesday, immediately cracked a joke.
“I got in here without a credential today,” Smart said.
Saban, who’s now an analyst for ESPN, was stopped from entering because he didn’t have his credential on Monday.
During his opening remarks, Smart circled back to his former boss at Alabama football. But at that point, Smart didn’t crack a joke. He expressed gratitude.
“A couple words I want to say to Coach Saban, who meant so much to me in my career,” Smart said. “First of all, the words he shared at the ESPYs the other night were incredible. Very touching, very moving. What he’s meant to myself and my family as a mentor, as a friend, as a competitor that drives you to get better. There was never a day in 11 years I worked for him that we didn’t share a room in some sort. Whether that was the defensive room, the defensive back room, staff room.”
Smart said that may be who he is today.
“The demand for excellence is met by none other than him,” Smart said. “That standard that he set for me day in and day out, he met himself.”
Smart emphasized any other coach would say the same.
“A lot of the success I’ve had, I give credit to him and thanks,” Smart said. “I know he will be critiquing me today, so I’m looking forward to that as well.”
Smart finished up his comments about Saban noting that the former Alabama coach has started responding to texts. Smart told people the other day that it’s the first time ever.
“Either somebody has got his phone or he has learned how to text,” Smart said. “That makes all of us in his little circle of friends proud because we get to reach out to him.”