If anyone understands what it takes to be a great coach at the collegiate level, it's former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who has established himself as one of the greatest football coaches of all time.
During his 17 seasons with the Crimson Tide, Saban won seven National Championships, nine SEC Championships, and helped develop 49 first-round NFL Draft prospects. He exemplified what it means to build a culture of success and consistency.
Another coach with a similar track record, albeit on a smaller scale, is Curt Cignetti, who has completely transformed the No. 13 Indiana Hoosiers football program. As they aim for an 8-0 record for the first time since 1967, they will face Washington on Saturday.
On Friday, during an appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show," Nick Saban offered high praise for Curt Cignetti and his accomplishments at Indiana.
"I think [Curt Cignetti] has been a good coach for a long time. He had success at programs, whether they were Division II or One Double-A, that people didn't pay much attention to. But if you evaluate his success rate, it was very, very good. Now he's at a place where people notice."
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Curt Cignetti has achieved remarkable success throughout his coaching career. He was named the 2023 Sun Belt Coach of the Year at James Madison and boasts a career record of 126-35 across his tenures at Indiana, James Madison, Elon, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Now, he has the Hoosiers on the brink of the College Football Playoffs, coaching what many consider the greatest team in the program's history in just his first season. He is building a strong culture, something that resonates with Nick Saban, who knows the importance of establishing a winning environment.
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