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In the high-stakes world of college football, very few coaches have achieved the level of dominance and recognition that Nick Saban has built over the past two decades. As the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Saban has become synonymous with success, recruiting, and winning national championships. His reputation is nearly unparalleled, and the shadow of his success looms large over the college football landscape. However, despite being part of the next generation of college football coaching royalty, Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, recently made a statement that set the college football world abuzz: “I don’t want to be the face of college football.”

Smart’s words might seem surprising to some, especially considering the trajectory of his career. As a former assistant under Saban, Smart has quickly built his own elite program at Georgia, capturing a national championship in 2022 and positioning himself as one of the most successful and respected coaches in the country. Yet, in rejecting the idea of becoming the “face” of college football, Smart offers a deeper look into his mindset, values, and what truly drives him as a coach. Let’s dive into why Kirby Smart made this remark and what it reveals about his perspective on success and the future of college football.

### The Saban Legacy and Its Impact on College Football

Before exploring Smart’s rejection of Saban’s role, it’s important to understand the significance of Nick Saban’s tenure in college football. For over 15 years, Saban has led Alabama to unprecedented heights. His 7 national championships, multiple SEC titles, and continuous presence in the College Football Playoff have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time.

Saban has built a dynasty, transforming Alabama into a recruiting machine and a perennial title contender. His reputation for intense preparation, meticulous attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of excellence has made him a figurehead of college football. With his dominance, Saban became more than just a coach—he became the face of the sport, the symbol of success and achievement in an era where winning championships was the ultimate goal.

As Saban’s successor at Alabama or as someone who came from his coaching tree, Smart has been frequently compared to his former mentor. Given Smart’s rapid success at Georgia, many have assumed that he could follow in Saban’s footsteps, inheriting the mantle as the face of college football. After all, Smart led the Bulldogs to their first national title in over 40 years and has kept Georgia firmly at the top of college football rankings. His rise as one of the best coaches in the game has only fueled the idea that he could take over Saban’s throne.

### Kirby Smart’s Response: A Rejection of the Spotlight

However, Kirby Smart has made it clear that he doesn’t want to follow that path. His statement, “I don’t want to be the face of college football,” is a stark contrast to the persona that many expected him to embrace. For a coach who has achieved so much, one might expect him to eagerly take on the mantle of being the face of the sport, but Smart’s response reveals a different mindset—one that is focused on his team, his players, and the bigger picture rather than personal glory.

At the heart of Smart’s rejection of this role is a desire to avoid the pressures that come with being a constant media figure or the center of attention. Throughout his career, Smart has kept a relatively low profile in comparison to some of his more outspoken counterparts. While he is known for his intensity on the sidelines and his no-nonsense approach to coaching, Smart has rarely sought out the kind of national spotlight that would make him a household name beyond the college football world.

“I just want to coach my team, I don’t want to be the person who’s in the spotlight all the time,” Smart has said in interviews. “The attention that comes with being the face of college football can be overwhelming. My job is to make my players better, to build a program that wins consistently, and to set the foundation for long-term success. It’s not about me—it’s about the team.”

### The Pressure of Being the Face of College Football

To understand Smart’s reluctance to embrace the “face of college football” title, it’s crucial to look at the immense pressure that comes with it. When a coach becomes the public face of college football, they are no longer just managing a football team. They become the subject of media scrutiny, constantly evaluated for their every decision, every loss, and every victory. The expectations grow exponentially, and with it, the weight of the responsibility.

Nick Saban, despite his incredible success, is a perfect example of this. While his legacy is unquestionable, the burden of being the face of the sport has come with its own set of challenges. As Alabama’s head coach, Saban faces relentless media attention, fan expectations, and high-stakes pressure every year. It’s a life that, for many coaches, might feel suffocating.

For Smart, rejecting the role of the face of college football is a way of avoiding that pressure. By focusing on his team and the process of building a successful program, he can maintain a level of personal and professional balance. It allows him to be a coach first and foremost, without the distraction of fame or the looming pressures of being constantly in the media spotlight.

### Focusing on the Process, Not the Persona

Kirby Smart’s mindset is deeply rooted in the philosophy of focusing on the process, not the persona. His success at Georgia has been built on long-term strategies, attention to detail, and creating a culture of excellence. He believes in developing his players, building a cohesive team, and maintaining discipline and focus throughout the season. By rejecting the fame that comes with being the face of college football, Smart can stay true to his coaching values and continue to build a program that prioritizes team success over individual accolades.

Smart’s approach is reminiscent of other great coaches who prefer to stay behind the scenes rather than bask in the glory of the spotlight. Bill Belichick in the NFL, for example, is known for his no-nonsense, team-first attitude and has never sought the media attention that other coaches crave. For Smart, the focus is on what happens on the field, not the narrative surrounding the coach. His goal is to ensure that Georgia remains a championship contender for years to come, and this requires the collective effort of every player and coach—not the elevation of one individual to the role of “face of the sport.”

### The Future of Kirby Smart and Georgia Football

By rejecting the idea of becoming the face of college football, Smart is carving out his own identity. He is not trying to replicate Nick Saban’s success; instead, he is focused on creating a legacy that is uniquely his. He has already achieved what many coaches can only dream of—a national championship with Georgia—and the future looks bright for the Bulldogs under his leadership.

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, Smart’s approach may be exactly what’s needed in a world that is increasingly dominated by media and individual personalities. While others may be focused on branding and self-promotion, Smart’s emphasis on team-building, recruiting, and maintaining a strong program could be the key to sustaining success in the long run.

In rejecting the role of “the face of college football,” Kirby Smart demonstrates that his ultimate goal isn’t personal recognition—it’s the continued success of Georgia football. And that, perhaps, is the most powerful statement he could make.

### Conclusion

Kirby Smart’s rejection of the role of being the face of college football highlights a refreshing shift in coaching philosophy. While others may chase fame and accolades, Smart remains grounded in his core principles of teamwork, discipline, and building a long-term program. His decision to focus on coaching rather than seeking out the spotlight is a reminder that true success in college football comes not from individual recognition but from a commitment to the process and the players. By rejecting the pressures of being the “face” of the sport, Smart ensures that Georgia football will continue to thrive—not because of one individual, but because of the collective effort of everyone involved.