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Lane Kiffin values Kirby Smart’s friendship during challenging time, hints at hilarious tug-o-war story
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Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart have emerged as 2 of the top coaches in the SEC, but before their time as head coaches, the pair served under Nick Saban at Alabama.
Kiffin was Alabama’s offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016, and Smart was the team’s defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2015.
Ahead of the matchup between Ole Miss and Georgia this weekend, Kiffin discussed his relationship with Smart and explained how the Georgia head coach helped him during a tough time when he got to Alabama.
“I just really appreciate Kirby, I consider him a friend, in this profession of coaches, I think not all the times do that,” Kiffin said during the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday. “They may call someone for help on a coaching question, but I really consider him a friend that really helped me in a challenging time in my life. Moving to Tuscaloosa and not being a head coach anymore, family not moving and I really appreciate his friendship and help during that time.”
Kiffin also hinted at a tug-o-war story that saw Kiffin beat Smart, but he didn’t go into detail, perhaps hoping to spare Smat’s feelings.
“I’d love for you to ask about the tug-o-war story when we did do tug-o-war on the rope during the players’ 4th quarter drill,” Kiffin said. “Me versus him and I beat him, but he wouldn’t like that story if you ask him.”
