Mario Cristobal makes no secret of how much he values Nick Saban as a mentor and a teacher. Cristobal spent four years under Saban at Alabama from 2013-16. He was the offensive line coach, assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator.
During those four years, the Crimson Tide were 51-6 with a CFP championship in 2015, three SEC championships and three playoff appearances. But it wasn’t the winning alone that served to inspire Cristobal, but rather the consistent process through which wins came as a result. It’s’ something he shared with CBS Sports’ Adam Breneman.
Adam Breneman: “What’s the #1 lesson you took away from Coach Nick Saban?”Coach Mario Cristobal: “Always attack human nature. Wake up in the morning hair on fire making sure that you never allow complacency or entitlement to permeate the building.” pic.twitter.com/tUDdyxEnfT
— Coach Sulak (@CoachSulak) June 12, 2026
“Always attack human nature. Wake up in the morning hair on fire, making sure that you never allow complacency or entitlement to permeate the building,” Cristobal said.…