James Franklin calls for Nick Saban to lead college football as commissioner

In Scottsdale, Arizona, during the College Football Playoff media day, Penn State’s head coach James Franklin publicly endorsed Nick Saban as an ideal candidate for the role of college football commissioner. Franklin made these remarks on December 29, 2024, while discussing the complexities and challenges faced by college football in today’s environment, particularly in light of recent changes such as the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and the transfer portal. He highlighted that current conference commissioners are burdened with conflicting interests from different leagues, hindering a unified direction for the sport. Franklin argued for someone whose sole focus would be the betterment of college football, thus suggesting Saban, a historic coach with seven national championships to his name, as the right person for the job. Franklin's comments came in response to concerns over a recent transfer by Penn State’s backup quarterback, Beau Pribula, which underscored the growing pitfalls in college sports as players make difficult decisions due to new regulations. This situation reflects a broader trend problematic for players, especially as transfer windows overlap with season gameplay, creating logistical nightmares and impacting competitiveness. Franklin’s advocacy for Saban aligns with a shift in sentiment among coaches, as many are beginning to recognize the need for consistent leadership amid the evolving landscape of college athletics, making this conversation increasingly relevant. He connected his calls for a commissioner with suggestions for structural changes in the college football calendar to better accommodate student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of their academic commitments.