Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban has publicly endorsed Brian Daboll as a potential candidate to succeed James Franklin at Penn State, amidst ongoing speculation about Franklin’s future with the program. Daboll, who served as Saban’s offensive coordinator during Alabama’s 2017 national championship run, has a commendable coaching pedigree, having also achieved success in the NFL with various teams including the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills.
“I love Brian. He did a great job here with us,” Saban remarked during an appearance on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show. “He’s been to the Super Bowl several times with Bill Belichick and won. He relates well to the players and has a good offensive mind.” Saban highlighted Daboll’s strengths as a recruiter and teacher, suggesting that he would assemble an effective coaching staff at Penn State, making him an appealing option for the university.
Daboll’s tenure as head coach of the New York Giants came to a premature end when he was fired on November 10, after a challenging start to the 2025 season, marked by a 2-8 record. Despite this setback, Daboll is reportedly interested in the Penn State position, with support from some former NFL players connected to the university advocating for his candidacy.
With pressure mounting on Penn State to find a new head coach, particularly to retain high-profile recruits, Saban’s endorsement of Daboll adds a significant voice to the discussion. As the coaching carousel continues to turn, Daboll’s experience and previous success could make him a strong candidate for the role.