🏈 Nick Saban’s Legacy Lives On: 16 Former Alabama Assistants Now Leading FBS Programs

When UAB fired head coach Trent Dilfer on Sunday, the program quickly promoted offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen to interim head coach — and in doing so, added yet another name to the growing list of former Nick Saban assistants now running FBS programs.

Mortensen, 39, spent eight seasons on Saban’s Alabama staff, serving in multiple roles that helped the Crimson Tide capture three national championships. His promotion brings the total to 16 former Saban staffers currently leading FBS teams — meaning nearly one in every eight major college football programs is coached by someone who once worked under the legendary Alabama leader.

From national champions to rising young minds, Saban’s coaching tree remains the most influential in modern college football.

At the top of that list is Kirby Smart, Saban’s longtime defensive coordinator who has turned Georgia into a juggernaut, winning back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. Following closely is Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, whose offensive creativity has the Rebels ranked fifth nationally this season.

Other notable branches of the Saban coaching tree include Mario Cristobal at Miami, Steve Sarkisian at Texas, and Billy Napier at Florida — each of whom has carried lessons from Tuscaloosa into the SEC and beyond.

Meanwhile, Dan Lanning has Oregon in playoff contention for the third straight year, Curt Cignetti has Indiana ranked No. 3, and Brent Key has Georgia Tech undefeated at 6–0.

Mortensen joins a diverse group of former Saban protégés shaping the college football landscape — from veterans like Butch Jones (Arkansas State) and Mike Locksley (Maryland) to newcomers like Charles Kelly (Jacksonville State) and Charles Huff (Southern Miss).

Each of them reflects a different piece of Saban’s meticulous approach — structure, discipline, and a relentless focus on detail.

Saban’s coaching impact now extends far beyond Alabama. Even in retirement, his system continues to produce leaders capable of building programs, winning championships, and commanding locker rooms across the country.

As of October 2025, 16 of the 136 FBS head coaches trace their professional roots back to Nick Saban. That’s an astounding 11.7% — a testament to the 72-year-old’s enduring influence and the empire he built in Tuscaloosa.

From the SEC to the Big Ten and beyond, Saban’s coaching tree doesn’t just grow — it dominates.