Nick Saban has seen just about everything in college football, but even he admits the sport feels different these days. It’s one of the major reasons why he left Alabama to join ESPN as a commentator.
After another week of multiple FBS coaches being fired, Saban reflected on the shifting landscape of college football and what is causing abrupt ends for some around the country. The growing influence of wealthy donors playing a bigger role behind the scenes is noteworthy.
“You know, I’m not (surprised) because everybody’s raising money to pay players,” Saban told ESPN’s Mark Schlabach. “So, the people that are giving the money think they have a voice, and they’re just like a bunch of fans. When they get frustrated and disappointed, they put pressure on the (athletic directors) to take action, and it’s the way of the world.”
We’re six weeks away from the end of the season with one firing short of a in-season record. The “Black Sunday” shake-up has yet to come, but nine coaches are currently out of work, including Penn State’s James Franklin after the Nittany Lions started the season as No. 2 in the AP Top 25 poll.
Saban has repeatedly voiced concern over the evolution of the sport. On Saturday’s ESPN GameDay broadcast, he defended Franklin’s tenure, calling Penn State’s actions “unfair as hell.”
Franklin replied with an honest take of coaching in the current era. He told Saban, “You understand this better than anybody, Right? You’ve used the phrase rat poison.The negative rat poison that you got to get everybody to tune out. And the positive is rat poison. But that creates a ton of pressure and pressure that we’ve earned. We created that pressure. And I think that’s the thing that I’m most proud of.
“The point that you said, when I took over the program 12 years ago, it was in a very different situation than it is now. And that’s something I take great pride in, right. The program was in a very, very difficult position. One of the most historical sanctions in NCAA history, and we got back to be a consistent contender.”
But even with Franklin stacking up wins and making the College Football Playoff last year, his job wasn’t safe. That should send a harsh message to the rest of nation.
With hot seat rumors heating up for Florida State’s Mike Norvell, Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell and others, it’s going to be an unprecedented turnover rate going into 2026. But college football must regain balance. Otherwise, there’s going to be less control for coaches to manage in a broken system.
