Two Coaches, One Common Ground: Cignetti and DeBoer Reflect on Fateful Stints at Alabama and Indiana
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Indiana coach Curt Cignetti credits his four seasons as an Alabama assistant under Nick Saban for teaching him valuable lessons in organization, avoiding complacency, and maintaining high standards. These skills, he believes, have been instrumental in his success, including preparing for his first Rose Bowl as a head coach. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer also shares a similar sentiment about his one-season stint at Indiana, where he formed strong bonds with staff members who later joined him at Alabama. This connection played a significant role in the Crimson Tide's impressive comeback against No. 8 Oklahoma last weekend. On New Year's Day, Cignetti and DeBoer will face off against each other in the Rose Bowl, a matchup that has a unique twist. Both coaches have a deep connection to the schools they're now competing against, thanks to their time as assistants. Cignetti, a two-time Coach of the Year, reflects on his time at Alabama, where he helped the team win a national championship. He credits Saban for his growth and development as a coach. "I probably think about it every single day," Cignetti said. "It had such a big impact in my growth and development.
