Nick Saban and Kirby Smart have worked together for a long time now, with Smart serving as an assistant on Saban’s LSU, Miami Dolphins and Alabama staffs before taking over his own program at Georgia last season.

Therefore, ahead of Monday’s National Championship Game between Saban’s Crimson Tide and Smart’s Bulldogs, it’s no surprise the two coaches have had nothing but praise for one another.

During Sunday’s coaches press conference, Saban discussed the depth of his bond with Smart and his family, a bond that goes back many years (via 247Sports):

“Well, I’m extremely proud of anyone on our staff who goes on and does a good job,” Saban said. “One thing that I’ve said is I always tell guys, and I told Kirby this when he left, be your own man, be yourself, do it the way you think it ought to be done. Don’t try to be somebody else. I think he’s done a fantastic job of that.

“What you all don’t understand is this guy was on our staff for, I don’t know, 10 years. Terry was there when his babies are born. I mean, you become a part of a family. That’s what you do when you’re together for a long time. I think there’s a special appreciation for those people in your family, the contribution they made to the success that you had, and you always want to see them do well when they leave because that’s what they worked hard for, and you’re glad that they got the opportunity.

“And it isn’t personal when we have to compete against each other. I’m sure he wants a win for his players, and we certainly want to win for our players, and it’s not a personal thing.”

Saban isn’t lying when he says Monday’s game won’t be personal. However, the stakes are high for both teams, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see some sideline outbursts from both coaches during the game.

Saban, of course, is chasing his sixth title, while Smart will be looking to lock down his first as a head coach.