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It was only a matter of time until Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart’s name was attached to one of the numerous head coaching vacancies.

On Wednesday morning, Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports reported that Smart is a “front runner” to take over the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Smart is widely considered one of the smartest young minds in the game. He’s been attached to nearly every opening the past few years, but he’s passed on them to stay put in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

During his tenure at Alabama, Smart, along with head coach Nick Saban, has orchestrated one of the nation’s best defenses year-in and year-out. It’s a big reason the Crimson Tide is in the national-title hunt each season. He’s been Alabama’s DC since 2008.

Another coach said to be high on South Carolina’s wish list is Houston’s Tom Herman, who is arguably the hottest name on the coaching carousel this year. 

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