When Nick Saban finally called it quits at Alabama, the search for his replacement turned into a media circus. There were plenty of big-name candidates, but the school settled on Kalen DeBoer. That left a lot of folks scratching their heads, especially since Curt Cignetti—who once worked under Saban—didn’t even get a mention.
Now, with Cignetti’s recent success, there’s a lot more second-guessing. Alabama fans can’t help but wonder: what if?
The Unlikely Candidate: Curt Cignetti
Back when Saban stepped down, Cignetti had barely unpacked at Indiana. He’d only been their head coach for about six weeks.
Before that, he was at James Madison, which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly the center of the college football universe. His name never really popped up in the rumor mill for the Alabama job.
Why Cignetti Wasn’t Considered
There were some clear reasons Cignetti didn’t get a look:
- Lack of Power Four Experience: He’d never coached at a Power Four school. That’s a tough sell for Alabama.
- Recent Appointment at Indiana: He’d just landed at Indiana, a school better known for basketball than football.
- Unfamiliarity Among Fans: At his Indiana intro presser, he literally told people to Google him. Not exactly a household name.
The Chosen One: Kalen DeBoer
Alabama went with DeBoer instead. He’d just led Washington to a national championship game and turned Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman runner-up.
His resume looked good on paper, and he seemed like a safe bet for a fanbase that expects the best. No surprise there.
DeBoer’s Initial Success
DeBoer’s first two seasons at Alabama have been solid, but not without criticism. Saban’s shadow is massive, so every move gets picked apart.
The Hindsight Effect: Cignetti’s Rise
Meanwhile, Cignetti’s making noise at Indiana. He’s pulled off some wins nobody really expected, and that’s only fueled the “what if” talk in Tuscaloosa.
Comparing the Candidates
It’s tempting to say Cignetti could’ve been the right choice. But honestly, at the time, there were a few big hurdles:
- Experience: DeBoer had coached at higher levels and had more on his résumé.
- Immediate Impact: Alabama needed someone who could keep the machine running right away.
- Fan Expectations: Let’s face it, Bama fans weren’t ready for a coach from a mid-major or a basketball school.
What If? The Hypothetical Scenario
Picture Alabama hiring Cignetti instead. The fan reaction? Probably brutal.
Replacing Saban with a guy from Indiana basketball territory would’ve sounded nuts. The backlash might’ve been off the charts.
The Potential Fallout
If Cignetti had gotten the job, the media storm would’ve been wild. Paul Finebaum probably would’ve spent days on it.
Any early losses? The calls for his head would’ve been loud and fast.
The Reality: DeBoer’s Tenure
DeBoer’s had his bumps, but he’s brought some steadiness to Alabama. His track record at Washington and his knack for developing players have helped keep the program near the top.
The Future
Cignetti’s still building something at Indiana, and the comparisons to DeBoer aren’t going away any time soon. But honestly, Alabama’s choice made sense given what they knew back then.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Coaches
So, why didn’t Alabama hire Curt Cignetti to replace Nick Saban? It’s really about timing and the bigger picture.
Cignetti’s doing well at Indiana, no doubt. But Alabama picked Kalen DeBoer because they wanted someone with more experience and the promise of quick results.
There’s also the pressure from fans—let’s be honest, expectations are sky-high in Tuscaloosa. Both coaches will keep making their mark, and their stories will probably cross paths again in college football lore.
If you’re curious and want a deeper dive, check out the original article on USA Today.
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