I've read some of the articles discussing Auburn's options, and most of them I found kinda laughable. But it got me thinking about what type of success National Championship coaches had before they were hired where they won their championship. Specifically what type of championship experience did they have as an assistant coach.
- Kirby Smart - DC at Alabama where he won multiple NCs.
- Nick Saban - Success at power 5 Michigan State before winning at LSU. Then already had a NC when hired at Alabama.
- Ed Orgeron - As an assistant coach won 2 NC at Miami and 2 NC at USC. Kinda won with Les Miles team.
- Dabo Swinney - The main oddball of the group. But it was notable that he took 6 years to win a NC as HC.
- Urban Meyer - Got a bid to BCS at Power 5 Utah before winning at Florida. Already had a NC before hired at Ohio State.
- Jimbo Fisher - Got NC as QB coach at LSU.
- Gene Chizik - Had a season at Auburn when they were undefeated and then also was on staff at Texas for their NC.
- Les Miles - Was the B12 coach of the year prior to LSU.
- Mack Brown - Most notable is that his first year as a head coach was 1973 and he won the NC in 2005 after 7 years at Texas.
- Pete Carroll - Got an NC on staff while at Arkansas.
- Pete Thamel - Had 4 D2 NC at Youngstown State as HC.