Former Bainbridge Bearcat football standout Kirby Smart, who is now the defensive coordinator of the University of Alabama’s football team, is the 14th recipient of the Broyles Award, given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.

Smart was honored, along with his fellow finalists, at a Tuesday luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel in Little Rock.

Smart beat out three time finalist Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, two time finalist TCU defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas, Boise State offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin and

Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn to win the award, which is named after former Arkansas coach and athletic director Frank Broyles. Alabama is undefeated and ranked No. 1 after beating Florida in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Smart, a former All-SEC defensive back at Georgia, has guided the Crimson Tide to No. 1 nationally in scoring defense and No. 2 nationally in rushing defense and total defense.

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