Georgia coach Kirby Smart paid tribute to his former mentor Nick Saban at SEC Media Days 2024, joking about Saban forgetting his credentials and expressing gratitude for his influence on his coaching career. Smart highlighted Saban's demanding standards for excellence and the impact he had on him both personally and professionally. Smart credited much of his success to Saban and acknowledged the importance of his ongoing guidance and feedback. He also mentioned that Saban has recently started responding to texts, which is a notable change. Smart's comments reflect the deep admiration and respect he holds for Saban, emphasizing the significant role Saban has played in shaping him as a coach and a person. Their relationship continues to be a source of inspiration and growth for Smart.