This offseason, SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum insinuated there was some bad blood between Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Alabama’s Nick Saban.
Smart left Alabama after a strong tenure in Tuscaloosa under Saban. There were reports that Smart apparently swiped some recruits from Bama’s recruiting board prior to his leaving. Then there were the two heartbreaking losses Smart suffered to his former boss.
However, on Tuesday, during Georgia’s opening spring press conference, Smart denied any issues between the two coaches.
“Absolutely not,” Smart said. “I don’t have any issue or any problem with any relationship with Nick. As a matter of fact, I don’t think it’s done anything but grown with more respect since we played them twice.”
Georgia fell to Alabama two years ago in a classic national championship game, and then again 35-28 in last season’s SEC Championship. Georgia squandered a lead in both games.
“We have a great relationship. We’re not texting and calling buddy buddy, but I don’t do that with anybody. I have a lot of respect for him, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him, and there’s no problem with our relationship.”
