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The landscape of college football is continually changing, yet the impact of Nick Saban remains strikingly evident, particularly in the College Football Playoff. Despite retiring some time ago, Saban’s influence is palpable, as five of the eight teams competing in the playoff are coached by his former assistants. This trend highlights the profound legacy he established at Alabama, which continues to shape the future of coaching in the sport.
Coaching paths to the playoffs
The path to becoming a head coach in college football is rarely a straight line. The twelve coaches in the playoff illustrate the variety of routes one can take, often featuring multiple tenures at different institutions. Each of these coaches possesses an impressive background, with most having held seven or more coaching positions throughout their careers, and some even reaching as many as fourteen.
Common beginnings
A notable characteristic among these coaches is their connection to their alma maters. For example, Mario Cristobal and Brent Venables both started their careers as graduate assistants at their respective universities. Cristobal, who played at Miami, began his coaching journey there, while Venables initiated his career at Kansas State. Additionally, Kalen DeBoer found significant success at his alma mater, guiding the Cougars to multiple national championships before taking on the role of head coach at Washington.
Many coaches, including Ryan Day and Mike Elko, have also gained experience at smaller institutions early in their careers, developing their skills before advancing in the coaching hierarchy. Their diverse experiences at various levels of college football have provided them with the necessary tools to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
The Saban influence
The current playoff landscape is heavily shaped by the legacy of Nick Saban’s coaching tree. Several coaches in the playoffs have direct ties to Saban, having worked alongside him during his time at Alabama. This group includes notable figures such as Kirby Smart, Mario Cristobal, and Dan Lanning, all of whom played vital roles in Saban’s championship-winning teams.
Smart, who has been with Saban since 2004, has developed a formidable program at Georgia. Cristobal’s return to Miami has brought new life to the Hurricanes, while Lanning’s achievements at Oregon showcase the extensive talent Saban has nurtured. The influence of Saban extends further, with coaches like Curt Cignetti and Pete Golding also emerging as significant figures in their respective programs.
Coaching accolades
Several coaches have earned prestigious awards that underscore their exceptional skills. For example, Kalen DeBoer was named the AP Coach of the Year after leading Washington to a national championship. Similarly, Curt Cignetti has received recognition for his impressive turnaround at Indiana, achieving the best regular season record in the school’s history. These accomplishments not only highlight their coaching abilities but also reflect the enduring influence of Saban’s coaching philosophy.
The playoff picture
As the playoffs progress, the focus on Nick Saban’s former assistants intensifies. The upcoming quarterfinals will feature DeBoer’s Alabama team facing Cignetti’s Indiana. If they succeed, they might also encounter Lanning and his Oregon squad, or face Smart at Georgia in a potentially high-stakes matchup. The possibility of a clash between these former colleagues adds an exciting dimension to the playoff narrative.
DeBoer’s performance against Saban’s protégés is impressive, with a 7-2 record against teams coached by Saban’s former assistants. This level of competition underscores Saban’s enduring influence while showcasing the growth and development of these coaches as they emerge from their mentor’s shadow to establish their own identities.
Nick Saban’s impact on the College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff highlights Nick Saban’s lasting influence on college football. Many former assistants now lead competing teams, creating a rich narrative of connections and rivalries. This playoff not only showcases the pursuit of championship glory but also reflects Saban’s coaching legacy. As these coaches implement lessons from their time with him, they shape the future of the sport on a national stage.
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