Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart has emerged as one of the leading candidates for South Carolina's vacant head coaching position, according to people familiar with the situation.
Houston's Tom Herman, who has guided the Cougars to a 10-1 record in his first season as a head coach, is no longer a candidate for the South Carolina job, the sources said.
Smart, 39, has coordinated Alabama's defense during seven of his nine seasons on coach Nick Saban's staff. This season, No. 2 Alabama's defense is one of the best in FBS, ranking No.