Kirby Smart showed patience before taking the next big step on the coaching ladder.
Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart directs a drill during NCAA college football practice at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. Alabama is scheduled to play Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
He built quite a resume at Alabama under Nick Saban the last nine seasons, including defensive coordinator for three national championship teams.
His reward is a dream job: becoming the head football coach of Georgia, where he was an All-SEC safety, began his coaching career as an administrative assistant and returned for a season to coach running backs a decade ago.