How Nick Saban’s coaching tree is leaving its mark across college football

Nick Saban's influence on college football is evident as four of his former assistants are now head coaches in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Indiana's Curt Cignetti, Oregon's Dan Lanning, Ole Miss' Pete Golding, and Miami's Mario Cristobal all attribute parts of their coaching success to their time under Saban at Alabama. Each had different roles during their tenure, contributing to several national championships and SEC titles.

Saban's coaching tree is extensive, with 31 of his former assistants becoming FBS head coaches. Notable figures from this group include Georgia's Kirby Smart, LSU's Lane Kiffin, and Texas' Steve Sarkisian. While Saban's proteges have a combined .505 winning percentage, his influence remains significant, having shaped the careers of coaches who have gone on to achieve considerable success.

Cignetti, who worked as Alabama's wide receivers coach from 2007 to 2011, has mirrored Saban's organizational skills and discipline