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(Kirby) Smart move for South Carolina football?

By Rucker Haringey

Sep 14, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart reacts on the sidelines during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart reacts on the sidelines during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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South Carolina has reportedly moved Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart to the top of their coaching wish list

Reports out of Tuscaloosa today have Kirby Smart potentially heading out-of-town to take over for Steve Spurrier at South Carolina. Smart certainly has an impressive resume, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but this hire might be too safe for a Gamecock program in need of some imagination.

Ironically, offensive imagination was supposed to be Steve Spurrier’s specialty when he took over at South Carolina. The reality is that his success in Columbia often relied on a solid offensive paired with an outstanding defense. This year the Gamecocks haven’t managed to be all that reliable on either side of the football. Kirby Smart would seem to be a hire that could restore South Carolina’s defense to its past glory.

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A defensive hire might not be the right move for the Gamecocks though. Despite their recent success under Spurrier, it’s still one of the toughest jobs in the SEC East. Clemson’s success this year will only shrink the Gamecock’s in-state recruiting pool even more, which will further complicate things. Recent gains in facilities and budgets have helped even the playing field in Columbia, but the job still isn’t on par with Georgia, Florida and even Tennessee.

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That’s what makes the potential hiring of Kirby Smart so strange. South Carolina isn’t in a position to hire someone who’s just a good football coach. They need to hire someone who can be great. That’s the only way they can compete for SEC titles on a regular basis. Smart checks all the boxes to be a solid hire, but he won’t blow anyone away at the press conference. It’s somewhat surprising that South Carolina isn’t chasing a bigger name to help restore their program to prominence more quickly.

Perhaps they are right to take the long view. Competing in the SEC is a grind and Smart might be the type of coach who can steadily build a program to position it for long-term success. After all, he’s had the opportunity to learn under one of the game’s great coaches in Nick Saban. He’s piloted a Crimson Tide defense that’s number three in the nation in total defense this season and has suffocated opposing offenses on a regular basis. South Carolina has shown the ability to have that type of defensive talent before, and maybe Smart can recreate the magic on that side of the ball.

It will likely be several weeks before we find out if Smart and South Carolina will become a reality. In the meantime, expect South Carolina boosters to question whether or not Smart has enough sex appeal to catapult the Gamecocks to the top of the SEC.

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