**James Franklin Departs Penn State: Brian Daboll Emerges as Top Candidate**
Penn State University has officially parted ways with head coach James Franklin as of October 12, following a surprising upset loss to Northwestern. Franklin has since accepted a position at Virginia Tech, prompting the Nittany Lions to initiate a search for his replacement. Among the names being considered, Brian Daboll, recently dismissed from his role as head coach of the New York Giants, has emerged as a strong candidate.
Nick Saban, the renowned head coach of Alabama, has publicly endorsed Daboll, calling him an “outstanding hire” for Penn State. Saban’s support stems from their successful collaboration during Daboll’s tenure as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, which culminated in a national championship in 2017. Saban praised Daboll’s coaching acumen, noting his experience in the NFL and his ability to connect with players.
“I love Brian. He did a great job here with us. Offensive coordinator, we won the championship with him calling the plays. He’s been to the Super Bowl several times with [Bill] Belichick and won,” Saban stated during an appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Before his time with the Giants, Daboll held various assistant coaching positions with teams such as the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills. Saban acknowledged the challenges Daboll faced in New York but emphasized his potential as a coach, highlighting his intelligence, recruiting skills, and offensive strategy.
Reports indicate that Daboll is interested in the Penn State position and is expected to receive serious consideration. Additionally, he has garnered support from former NFL players with connections to the university.
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their regular-season finale against Rutgers, they have bounced back from a close loss to No. 2 Indiana, winning their last two games. The search for a new head coach continues, with Daboll at the forefront of discussions.
**FAQ**
*Is Brian Daboll likely to become the next head coach of Penn State?*
While there is significant interest in Daboll for the position, the final decision will depend on the university’s evaluation process and other potential candidates.