Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart is staying with the national champion Crimson Tide, spurning a weekend offer from SEC rival Georgia.
Alabama coach Nick Saban confirmed Monday that Smart would be remaining with the Crimson Tide. Georgia made a hard push to get Smart, offering him a multiyear deal in excess of $700,000 annually. It is believed Georgia's offer is at least a three-year contract.
"I think it was pretty well known that there was an opportunity to return to my alma mater as defensive coordinator. I wouldn't even have considered discussing the position with any other school, but when it is a place I've spent some of my best years and had some great memories, I thought it was something I should discuss with my family and figure out what was best," Smart said in a statement released by the school.
