The GOAT coaching tree will be more legendary.
All four head coaches in the CFP semifinal tied to Nick Saban originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
All four head coaches in the College Football Playoff semifinals will share a familiar thread. They each once worked under Nick Saban at Alabama.
While the final matchup saw Ole Miss sneak into the Fiesta Bowl, the coaching storyline for the 2025-26 postseason is already clear. From the Crimson Tide sideline to the sport’s biggest stage, Saban’s coaching tree will be fully represented in the CFP semifinals.
Indiana’s dominant Rose Bowl victory over Alabama on Thursday locked in Curt Cignetti, who served on Saban’s staff from 2007-11 as wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. Oregon’s Dan Lanning briefly worked in Tuscaloosa as a graduate assistant in 2015 before launching a rapid rise through the defensive coaching ranks.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal spent four seasons under Saban from 2013-16, holding roles as assistant head coach, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator while helping Alabama maintain its national recruiting dominance.
The final spot belongs to Pete Golding, who ran Alabama’s defense from 2018-22 and is now leading the Ole Miss Rebels.
Different paths, different programs with the same origin. Years after Saban’s dynasty in Tuscaloosa, his influence continues to shape the College Football Playoff in unmistakable fashion. The great thing is all four coaches are chasing their first title.
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Category: General Sports
