re: Saban Coaching Tree - How successful would you rate it?

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This tree is only great while under him.

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If you look at this poll, six of the preseason top 25 are former Saban assistants who have used his program model significantly.

Fisher, Cristobal, Smart, and Napier overwhelmingly. Kiffin significantly, although he's definitely less disciplined personally, and brings a lot of Pete Carroll's levity to OM as well. Sark remains to be seen, but I expect you'll see excruciating level of detail in his new approach.

I don't remember a time that one coach has been ranked #1 at the same time six of his former assistants were good enough to be ranked.

Let's not forget Curt Cignetti, who parlayed four years at Alabama into his first HC job and took Saban's method to small school ball. He's made the playoffs seven out of 10 seasons as a DII and FCS HC. He's had James Madison in the semifinals or championship game both of his seasons there.

And Mark Dantonio retired as the winningest coach in MSU history. Even managed to win the B1G three times.