Is Trade Secret Law Applicable and Practical in SEC Coaching? A Look into Kirby Smart and Nick Saban

Trade Secret Laws are vital in the corporate world to protect and encourage corporations to innovate without fear of others profiting from their effort. Is this applicable in other areas as well? This note analyzes the applicability and practicality of Trade Secret Law in College Football coaching through the lens of Kirby Smart, Head Coach at the University of Georgia, and Former University of Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban’s previous professional relationship. Coach Kirby Smart worked under Coach Saban for eleven years. After this, Kirby Smart succeeded as the Head Coach at the University of Georgia. The success and organization of the University of Georgia is very similar to that of Nick Saban’s program at Alabama is a great tool to look into what would qualify as a trade secret in college football and at what point misappropriation can be proven.