Steve Sarkisian confirms text from Kirby Smart, says relationship ‘has gotten closer’
Texas’ head coach opens up about texting Georgia’s Kirby Smart before games and why their behind-the-scenes conversations reveal more than just friendly banter.
At a recent press conference, Texas HC Steve Sarkisian spoke about the massive respect he has for Georgia coach Kirby Smart, explaining how friendly competition has brought their relationship closer.
“He did text me Saturday morning. . . we’re in a couple of different group chats together,” Sarkisian said this week. “Kirby and I do text periodically. He was on that ride from Tupelo down to Starkville. . . So he checked in with what I was doing, and I said ‘Well, I just got to work out, have breakfast, and watch you play, bud. So good luck. See how it goes.’”
Why Sarkisian and Smart’s relationship matters beyond Saturday night
Sark and Smart represent two of the most important voices in college football, and their relationship matters beyond Saturday’s upcoming game. As the head coaches of two SEC powerhouses, Sarkisian and Smart carry influence that reaches into conference rooms, rule committees, and the future structure of college football itself.
“Honestly, I think our relationship has probably gotten closer since we’ve been in the league,” Sarkisian said. “We have more things to talk about. I think one thing about him being the head coach at Georgia and myself being the head coach at Texas. . . we have an opportunity to be influential on trying to do what’s best for our game,” Sarkisian said. “Not only in our conference but in the state of college football.”
Georgia arrives at 8-1, firmly in playoff contention and headed toward its fifth straight SEC Championship Game appearance. Texas sits at 7-2 with a four-game win streak, still fighting for position in the 12-team playoff field. Both programs are elite. Both coaches are elite. And their mutual respect only sharpens the edge when the whistle blows.
However, Sarkisian didn’t shy away from acknowledging where their interests diverge. “We’re not going to agree on everything. Obviously, he’s a defensive head coach. So he’s trying to get all the rules in favor of the defense. I’m trying to get them in favor of the offense.”
Nevertheless, Sark doesn’t let their minor disagreements shade their relationship. “In the end, I have a ton of respect for Kirby for the job that he does and the way that his teams play the game,” Sarkisian said. “I always love competing against him. It’s a great challenge. And this week’s no different.”
It’s a positive sign about the future of the SEC to hear coaches articulate both kinship and rivalry so openly. And in this moment — where Texas visits Sanford Stadium with playoff positioning on the line — their dynamic matters more than ever. Regardless of who wins on Saturday, there’s a broader conversation about power, influence, and where the sport is headed. The friendship and camaraderie they share are a positive example of how college football should be: competitive, but never vicious.
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