Alabama Crimson Tide
Smart discusses his potentially awkward Bama-UGA situation
Alabama Crimson Tide

Smart discusses his potentially awkward Bama-UGA situation

Published Dec. 16, 2015 4:20 p.m. ET

Shortly after Kirby Smart was named the new head football coach at Georgia, he quickly decided to stay on as Alabama's defensive coordinator, as the Tide have once again earned a berth in the college football playoff. 

Considering Georgia and Alabama are currently recruiting several of the same prospects, how has Smart been able to handle what could quickly turn into an awkward situation considering his double duties? 

Georgia's coach was a recent guest on the Paul Finebaum Show and discussed recruiting against coaches he is currently game planning with.

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While aiding Alabama in their pursuit of another national title could understandably upset Georgia fans, Smart sees any and all exposure he can get during the playoffs as a positive for the Bulldogs. Recruits want to play for a successful coach, something the new UGA coach knows all about. 

“It tests your professionalism,” Smart said. “You’ve got to do it the right way. I’ve been fortunate to be at Alabama and other places where you see that same interaction happen, where guys take other jobs. Whether it’s an assistant coach or coordinator and you’re interacting with the same recruit, and you were once on the same staff. It happens. You’ve got to be professional about it.

“At the end of the day, (recruits have) got to make a decision on what’s best for them and where they want to go. We try to handle that the right way, and I know Coach Saban does, too.”

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