Nick Saban’s retirement shakes up college soccer

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On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday in January, Nick Saban’s surprise retirement sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. This article explores the domino effect of his decision, impacting hundreds of coaches and staff members across all levels of the sport.

Alabama rebuilds: DeBoer takes over the reins

While Alabama mourned the end of the Saban era, the focus quickly shifted to finding a new head coach. Athletic Director Greg Byrne wasted no time, naming Kalen DeBoer, Washington’s national championship game runner-up coach, as Saban’s successor. DeBoer’s departure opened another vacancy at Washington, setting the coaching carousel in motion.

A chain reaction throughout the country

DeBoer lured Kane Wommack, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, to become Washington’s new head coach. This move rippled further as 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’s retirement, landed the Washington job after DeBoer’s departure. Meanwhile, in high school football, Blake Willis, who never envisioned a head coaching role, was thrust into the position due to a coaching exodus triggered by Saban’s decision.

Landing points and missed opportunities

The coaching dominoes even impacted coaches like Mike Caputo, who, despite a promising start, was forced to leave coaching due to the lack of available positions. Others, like Zach Mettenberger, found new opportunities at the high school level after their Alabama stints ended.

From Crimson Tide to consulting

The impact wasn’t limited to coaches. Alabama’s longtime head nutritionist, Amy Bragg, left the program and transitioned to a consulting business after DeBoer opted for a different nutritionist. Former recruiting director Daniel Bush also moved on, launching a recruiting service.

A new chapter for everyone

From national championship contenders to junior college programs, the coaching landscape underwent a significant shift. Charlie Rizzio, a coach who worked his way up from the bottom, unexpectedly found himself as a head coach at Cisco College, a testament to 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 arise unexpectedly. While some benefitted from the domino effect, others faced career changes. Ultimately, the story underscores the importance of resilience and the pursuit of passion in the world of college football.

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