Nick Saban tells Pat McAfee that Brian Daboll is the right fit for Penn State — ‘he’d be an outstanding hire’
After firing James Franklin, Penn State needs stability. Nick Saban believes Brian Daboll is the answer—and his résumé backs it up.
Penn State’s decision to part ways with James Franklin marked one of the most turbulent coaching changes the program has experienced in over a decade. After beginning the season ranked in the top five, the Nittany Lions stumbled to a 3-3 record. Following a devastating loss to Northwestern on October 12, the administration decided to end Franklin’s twelve-year tenure — a move that reflected the mounting pressure from a season that had spiraled beyond recovery.
Franklin has already moved on to his next opportunity at Virginia Tech. Penn State, however, remains in search of its next head coach. This week, 0n The Pat McAfee Show, Nick Saban, the prolific ex-coach and commentator, entered the discussion, laying out his case for why former New York Giants coach Brian Daboll would be the best fit for the Nittany Lions
“I love Brian,” Saban said. “He did a great job here with us. We won a championship with him calling the plays. . . He relates well to the players. He’s a good teacher. . . I think he’d be an outstanding hire.”
When Nick Saban endorses a candidate, the college football world pays attention. For Penn State — still recovering from a disappointing season and watching Franklin take members of the coaching staff to Virginia Tech — Daboll represents more than just another high-profile name. He’s emerging as the steady, experienced leader the program needs at this critical juncture.
Why Brian Daboll fits what Penn State is trying to rebuild
Daboll’s résumé reads like a blueprint for a modern college turnaround. He’s coached under Bill Belichick, Sean McDermott, and Saban. He built one of the NFL’s most creative offenses with the Buffalo Bills, turned Josh Allen into an MVP candidate, and earned AP NFL Coach of the Year during his first season with the New York Giants.
He checks every box the Penn State job demands right now:
1. Proven recruiter with Saban-level standards
As Saban explained: “He’s a strong recruiter. He connects well with players.” Daboll was recruited to the SEC during Alabama’s most dominant period and helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship. Selling recruits on Penn State shouldn’t present a challenge for someone with that background.
2. A real offensive identity
For years, Penn State’s biggest failure under Franklin was simple: the offense never matched the program’s ambition. Daboll brings tactical clarity, quarterback development, and NFL-level creativity. After watching Drew Allar’s regression and a sputtering scheme, Penn State badly needs someone with a plan.
3. Staff-building pedigree
“He’ll be able to put a good staff together,” Saban said. That matters more than ever. Franklin left with multiple staffers to Virginia Tech, leaving Penn State in a scramble just to finish the season. Daboll’s NFL network is deep. If Penn State wants a culture reset, Daboll can build one overnight.
4. The timing finally fits
According to The Athletic, Daboll is “believed to have interest” in the job, and former Penn State NFL players have privately pushed his name to the administration. With the Giants moving on earlier this month, the window is open — something that wasn’t true in previous cycles.
Penn State knows what’s at stake
The Nittany Lions are trying to stabilize after the worst midseason collapse of the Franklin era. They’ve won their last two games after falling to No. 2 Indiana, but the program still feels fragile — roster questions linger, recruiting uncertainty abounds, and there’s looming fear that if Penn State gets this hire wrong, Ohio State and Michigan will bury them for another decade.
Brian Daboll is a ready-made leader with national-championship DNA, NFL credibility, and the offensive vision Penn State has lacked for decades.
If Penn State wants stability, player development, and a modern identity, Daboll is one of the few candidates who checks every meaningful box.
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