On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday in January, Nick Saban's surprising retirement sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. This article explores the ripple effect of his decision, which has impacted hundreds of coaches and staffers at every level of the sport.
Alabama Rebuilds: DeBoer Takes the Reins
As Alabama mourned the end of the Saban era, attention quickly shifted to finding a new coach. Athletic director Greg Byrne wasted no time in naming Kalen DeBoer, Washington’s national championship runner-up, as Saban’s successor. DeBoer’s departure opened another vacancy at Washington, setting the coaching carousel in motion.
A chain reaction across the country
DeBoer convinced Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack to become Washington's new head coach. The move had a bigger impact when South Alabama, Wommack's previous team, promoted Major Applewhite to fill the void. Applewhite, in turn, had to rebuild his staff, creating opportunities for coaches like Will Windham.
Unexpected Beneficiaries: Fisch and Willis
Jedd Fisch, who expected coaching changes after his mentor Pete Carroll retired, got the Washington job after DeBoer left. Meanwhile, in high school football, Blake Willis, who never envisioned a head coaching role, was thrust into the position by a coaching exodus sparked by Saban’s decision.
Landing Points and Missed Opportunities
Coaching dominoes have also impacted coaches like Mike Caputo, who, despite a promising start, was forced out of coaching due to a lack of available positions. Others, like Zach Mettenberger, found new opportunities at the high school level after their stints at Alabama ended.
From Crimson Tide to Consulting
The impact hasn’t been limited to coaches. Longtime Alabama nutritionist Amy Bragg left the program and went into consulting after DeBoer settled on a different nutritionist. Former recruiting director Daniel Bush has also moved on, launching a recruiting service.
A new chapter for everyone
From national championship contenders to junior college programs, the coaching landscape has undergone a significant shift. Charlie Rizzio, a coach who worked his way up from the bottom, unexpectedly found himself as the head coach at Cisco College, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the coaching carousel.
Lessons learned: Adaptability is key
Saban’s retirement highlighted the ever-changing nature of college football. Coaches and staff members must be prepared to adapt and embrace new opportunities, even if they come unexpectedly. While some have benefited from the ripple effect, others have had to navigate career changes. Ultimately, the story underscores the importance of resilience and finding passion in the world of college football.