Kirby Smart talks about relationship with Lane Kiffin

This weekend, Georgia and Ole Miss are going to meet for a key SEC game in Athens. For Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, the game is going to be a kind of reunion with Lane Kiffin.

Smart and Kiffin were the offensive and defensive coordinators respectively for the 2014 and 2015 seasons at Alabama under Nick Saban. There, as Smart explained, the two developed a strong relationship, and that he has a ton of respect for Kiffin.

“I have a lot of respect for Lane, I’ve told you that,” Kirby Smart said. “He and I shared seats next to each other at Alabama for two years, I guess it was, maybe three. I don’t even know how long we were there together because it all runs together, but a lot of respect for him as a coach.”

By the time Smart and Kiffin were the coordinators at Alabama, Kiffin had already been a head coach at three different stops. That included Tennessee and USC, as well as in the NFL with the Raiders. His experience became something for Smart to learn from.

“He was a head coach at a really young age. He taught me a lot of things about what he believes in being a head coach and doing it your way. He’s certainly had a unique experience in terms of the places he’s been able to work as a head coach, and he draws on that,” Smart said.

“There’s times we share ideas or GPS numbers or whatever, but there’s nothing outside of just a really good friendship and respect.” 

Kirby Smart took over as the head coach of Georgia in 2016. A year later, Lane Kiffin got another shot at being a head coach with FAU. However, this will be the first time the two meet as opposing head coaches.

Kirby Smart updates recovery process for Brock Bowers

Georgia has been playing without, arguably, its best player, tight end Brock Bowers. Now, Kirby Smart has shared where Bowers is in his recovery process as he works on returning from injury.

“He’s working hard. He’s doing all he can in terms of trying to get himself in shape and get better,” Smart said. “He’s back running now on dry land. We’re hoping that he keeps getting better. That’s kind of the MO on this injury. Every kid we’ve had so far that’s had it, Week 1 they do this, Week 2 they do this, Week 3 they do that, Week 4. He’s right on schedule for the things he’s been doing.”