Kirby Smart tells players he will stay with Alabama through playoff

Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart will stay with the team through the playoff.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart will stay with the team through the playoff, defensive back Cyrus Jonestold reporters Saturday. 

Smart is expected to be named the next head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs soon after the Crimson Tide’s win over the Florida Gators in the SEC championship game Saturday. 

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Smart, 39, has been Alabama’s defensive coordinator since 2008. This season, the Crimson Tide are ranked third in scoring defense and second in total defense. 

Smart is expected to replace Mark Richt, who complied a 145–51 record for Georgia in 15 seasons. Richt was named the Miami Hurricanes’ new head coach Friday.