Jeremy Pruitt to Replace Kirby Smart at Alabama?

In a move that many did not see coming to fruition, Alabama is expected to name ex-UGA and -FSU defensive coordinator, Jeremy Pruitt to replace outgoing DC Kirby Smart.

As the AJC reports:

Jeremy Pruitt is expected to be Alabama’s new defensive coordinator, according to BamaOnline’s Tim Watts.

Pruitt served the past two seasons as UGA’s defensive coordinator, and the Bulldogs just hired Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart as head coach.

Alabama coach Nick Saban and Pruitt are very familiar with each other. Pruitt worked on the Crimson Tide staff as the defensive backs coach from 2010-2012.  He also played football for Alabama.

There were many rumors (mainly unsubstantiated) regarding Pruitt's tenure with both FSU and his prior stint on Coach Nick Saban's staff. Irrespective of those allegations (which we're absolutely not dignifying here,) Pruitt molds incredibly tenacious defenses that specialize in rushing the passer and forcing turnovers. He has worked minor miracles at both Florida State and Georgia the past four seasons.

This is to say nothing of Pruitt's outstanding track record hauling in recruits. A key Alabama target, DT Derrick Brown is high on Bo Davis, and speaks highly of Pruitt's honesty during the upheaval in Athens.

5-Star Derrick Brown Talks Official Visit Plans, Jeremy Pruitt-to-Alabama Rumors | Bleacher Report

“Coach Smart recruited me just a little, but [defensive line coach Bo] Davis has been the head of my recruiting and he’s still there. That’s what I’ll hold onto at the end of the day," he said. Brown, rated No. 8 overall in 2016 composite rankings, is also focused on how Alabama will handle its vacant defensive coordinator position. There's one particular possibility that piques his interest, though at this stage it's purely speculative.

“Rumor has it that [Georgia defensive coordinator] Jeremy Pruitt will be the new Alabama defensive coordinator," he said. "Coach Pruitt is never one that's lied to me. When I talked to him at Georgia he told me the only way he’d leave is if he had to or if a head coaching job was open. Coach Pruitt has kept it real with me."

So, what do we think, fam?