The American Football Coaches Association has named Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart as the organization's assistant coach of the year.

Under Smart’s direction, the Alabama defense ranks No. 1 nationally in scoring defense, No. 2 in total defense and No. 3 in rushing defense.

Smart has worked at Alabama for six seasons, coordinating defenses that helped win national championships in 2009 and 2011.

He also participated in tornado relief efforts in 2011 and works with Nick Saban's "Nick's Kids Fund."

The AFCA award was presented first in 1997 and was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.