This statement probably won't be popular, but I think Saban is the one who is in control of the defense, not Kirby.
Sure, Kirby plays the DC role, but it is Saban's brain behind Kirby. Does anyone agree that Kirby Smart is overrated?
I am basically saying that Kirby is Saban's puppet.
Kirby is no one's puppet.
Kirby does run Coach Saban's Defense, as Nuss runs the Offense that Coach Saban has in place.
When you work for someone, you do what they generally want done...
Only an idiot tries to do it all himself. Too much 'Hands On' doesn't develop the coordinators.
IMO: Kirby Smart wouldn't have stayed at Alabama if he didn't have a degree of control
over our Defensive alignment, and couldn't call plays...
SABANATOR... Did you ever see Coach Smart looking over his shoulder at Coach Saban to see if Coach Saban approved?
BTW... Your right. Your opinion isn't the popular one on this topic.