Husker Dan: How Nick Saban May Have Shaped Chubba Purdy's Path

As every college football fan knows, Nick Saban announced earlier this month he was stepping down as the Tide's head football coach. His retiring didn't come as a huge surprise to most fans.

He's 72 years old. What else does he have to prove? In his four college head coaching stops (Toledo, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama) he amassed an amazing seven national championships (one with LSU and six at 'Bama) and a stunning 292-71-1 college coaching record.

His leaving created a domino effect that will continue to impact the careers of a great many college coaches and college football players.

Saban was replaced by Washington University's head coach, Kalen DeBoer. Taking DeBoer's spot at Washington is Jedd Fisch from the University of Arizona. Taking Fisch's spot is San Jose State's head coach, Brent Brennan.

So who took Brennan's spot?

Say hi to Ken Niumataloli. Who's he and what does any of this have to do with Chubba Purdy?

I'm getting to that.

Now, where was I? Oh yes, Ken Niumalalolo spent 15 seasons (2007-2022) as the head coach at Navy with a record of 109-83 (.5677). Since leaving Navy, Niumalalolo spent '23 at UCLA as their TE coach.

Here's where former Husker starting QB Chubba Purdy fits in.

Purdy if you'll recall, grew up in Arizona, committing to Florida State in the Class of '20. He was there for two seasons before transferring to Nebraska. When he found out in December that QB Dylan Raiola was coming to Nebraska, Chubba entered the portal. He opted for Mountain West Conference member San Jose State.

No surprise there. But then Purdy got another hiccup in his career path. Brent Brennan took the job at Arizona. His replacement at SJS, Coach Niumatalolo, ran the triple option at the Naval Academy. Purdy is a good runner, but being an option QB probably wasn't what he had in mind when he committed to SJS.

Going to San Jose would have put Chubba close geographically to his older brother, Brock. (Brock is the starting QB for the San Francisco '49'ers.) But the University of Nevada is in Reno which isn't terribly far from the Bay Area. At SJS, he would have played for a team that went 7-6 last season. Instead at Nevada (same conference as SJS), he'll be playing for a team that finished last year at 2-10.

So Chubba, shake hands with Coach Saban. He might be the reason why you're playing in Reno this fall.