Coaching is a fraternity. But coaching in the SEC is an even tighter community.
On "College GameDay" in Atlanta Saturday, legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban got to sit with two of the most successful branches of his coaching tree ahead of Georgia vs Texas in the SEC championship game: The Bulldogs' Kirby Smart and the Longhorns ' Steve Sarkisian.
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Saban seemed to be at ease with two of his star pupils, completely cutting up the set after Smart and Sarkisian talked about not overthinking. "I think they're both bulls— us but..." Saban began, drawing a huge laugh from his cohosts.
Saban went on to heap praise upon Smart (who coached with Saban at Alabama from 2007-15) and Sarkisian (who had much shorter stints in 2016 and 2019-20).
"I only say that because we played in a lot of big games together, with these two guys being on our staff, and these two guys were the best I've ever been around at getting a team ready to play in a big game," Saban said. "I mean these two guys are fantastic, both of 'em."
Saban was an incredible 9-1 in the SEC championship game, so it's no surprise to see him so relaxed Saturday. Whether Georgia or Texas wins Saturday, Saban will undoubtedly be thrilled to see one of his pupils continue the winning tradition.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Nick Saban cuts up with former assistants Kirby Smart, Steve Sarkisian
