Coaches Trained by Saban Aim for Big Wins
Four Teams, One Common Thread
The college football playoffs have reached the semifinals, and an intriguing pattern emerges: all four remaining teams have coaches who once worked under the legendary Nick Saban at Alabama.
These coaches share a deep respect for Saban, crediting him with shaping their understanding of the game.
Coaches and Their Saban Connection
- Curt Cignetti (Indiana)
- Worked with Saban: 2007-2011
Quote: "I learned more in one year with Saban than in 27 years as an assistant coach."
- Dan Lanning (Oregon)
- Worked with Saban: 2015 (Graduate Assistant)
- Quote: "I took a pay cut to work with Saban. I wanted to learn as much as possible."
The Road to the Peach Bowl
Indiana, undefeated this season, has a shot at their first-ever national title. Oregon, with only one loss (to Indiana earlier this season), will face them in the Peach Bowl on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Other Saban Alumni in the Mix
- Pete Golding (Ole Miss)
Worked with Saban: 2018-2022 (Defensive Coordinator)
- Mario Cristobal (Miami)
- Worked with Saban: 2013-2016 (Assistant Coach)
These coaches will meet in the Fiesta Bowl, carrying forward the lessons they learned from one of college football's greatest minds.
A Legacy of Success
All four coaches share a common bond: they learned from one of the best coaches in college football history. Now, they aim to use those lessons to win big games and make their mark on the sport.
