TUSCALOOSA - Many college football programs are in the market for a new head coach, and it's hard to imagine Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart not being considered for some openings.
But as of Monday, no wheels seemed to be turning. Formally, at least.
"No one has called me to ask permission to talk to him," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "If they do, we'll deal with it when they do."
Of course, the rumor mill is very active.
"There's so much stuff on the Internet now - there's so much stuff out there that people just throw out to see what sticks," Saban said. "I don't know how anybody really knows what's happening for sure, because there's so much speculation, and I really can't comment on speculation."
Saban said Smart will make an "outstanding" head coach.
"Leadership is really an important part of being the head of anything, a business or whatever it is," Saban said. "I think Kirby is a great leader.
"He's done a great job with what he's been responsible for, which I think is also a big indication, because you have to have leadership qualities, the ability to demand that people do things the right way. and you have to gain their respect to be able to do it. He's done a fantastic job of that."
Saban said he always has been supportive of his assistant coaches who strive to become head coaches.
"The only way that people are going to be motivated to do a good job is if they have a chance to fulfill their goals and aspirations," he said. "That's part of the motivation for them to do a good job. I think that helps everybody in the organization to see that people have success and are sort of fulfilling their goals and aspirations."
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