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Nick Saban: Alabama Passed on Zach Smith Hire After Background Check

Alabama head coach Nick Saban said he did not offer a coaching position to former Ohio State assistant Zach Smith following a background check in 2018.

"When we did a background check, we decided it was better to hire someone else," Saban told the media at a press conference on Saturday.

Smith was fired from the Buckeyes' staff in July 2018 after an order of protection was filed against him by his ex-wife Courtney. Smith was previously investigated for assault and domestic violence against his ex-wife.

Ohio State released 2,000 text messages between Smith and former Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer on Friday.