In a surprising move, Penn State head coach James Franklin has advocated for the appointment of a dedicated commissioner for college football, proposing former Alabama coach Nick Saban for the role.
Franklin made his comments during the College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day ahead of Penn State’s upcoming game against Boise State. His suggestion stems from the challenges faced by the sport in the modern era, particularly with the advent of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and the transfer portal. These changes have created unique hurdles for teams, as seen by Penn State’s struggle following quarterback Beau Pribula’s transfer to Missouri just weeks before the playoffs.
Franklin believes that having a unified leader for college football would alleviate many of the issues plaguing the sport. Without one, he argues, the responsibility falls on conference commissioners, leading to disagreements as each conference prioritizes its own interests. ‘I think one of the most important things that we can do is let’s get a commissioner of college football that is waking up every single morning and going to bed every single night, making decisions that’s in the best interest of college football,’ Franklin stated.
As for Saban’s suitability for the role, Franklin pointed out his illustrious track record as a coach. Saban, who retired last season, boasts an impressive seven national titles — six with Alabama and one with LSU. His experience and success in college football make him, in Franklin’s view, an ‘obvious choice’ for the position, despite Saban now working as an analyst for ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
The idea of a commissioner is not new, but Franklin’s public endorsement of Saban brings renewed attention to the concept. The call for a central figure in college football highlights the complexity and fragmentation within the sport, especially as it evolves with new rules and player dynamics.
While Franklin’s recommendation was partly in jest, recognizing Saban’s potential reluctance, it underscores a genuine concern about the sport’s governance. The current system, which lacks a singular authority, often leads to inconsistent policies and frustrating scenarios for teams and players alike.
The future of college football could be significantly impacted by the appointment of a commissioner, as suggested by James Franklin. Whether Nick Saban or another respected figure takes on this role, the goal remains clear: to provide stable and fair leadership in a rapidly changing environment.
Source: Local10
