Ex-NFL Coach Becomes Top Choice to Take Over for James Franklin at Penn State

The 2025 college football season has wrapped up, with some teams turning their focus to postseason play while others plan for the future. Penn State finds itself navigating both paths. After finishing with a 6-6 record, the Nittany Lions are preparing for a bowl game while also searching for a new head coach following a disappointing season.

Penn State decided to part ways with James Franklin after 12 seasons at the helm. Franklin previously led the team to its first College Football Playoff appearance, reaching the semifinals. Despite starting the year ranked No. 2 nationally and harboring championship hopes, the team stumbled to a 3-3 start, leading to his dismissal. Franklin has since accepted the head coaching position at Virginia Tech.

Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has quickly risen as a top candidate to replace Franklin, according to Kalshi odds, alongside BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. While odds are always shifting, Daboll is currently considered a front-runner.

Dabolls career has been heavily rooted in the NFL. He began as a graduate assistant at Michigan State before landing a role as a defensive assistant with the New England Patriots in 2000. Except for a single year with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2017 as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Nick Sabanhelping the team achieve a 13-1 record and win the national championshipDaboll has remained in professional football. He later served as the Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, playing a key role in the rise of future NFL MVP Josh Allen.

After his success with the Bills, Daboll became the Giants head coach. His tenure was challenging, finishing with a 20-40 record over four seasons. His strongest year was his first, when he posted a 9-7-1 record and led the team to the playoffs. This year, he was dismissed following a 2-8 start.

As Penn State evaluates its next head coach, the question remains whether Dabolls NFL-heavy background and quarterback development experience align with the programs needs to rebuild and compete at the highest level. In the coming days, it will become clear if his expertise fits the Nittany Lions vision for the future.

Related: Penn State Urged to Replace James Franklin With Former NFL Coach

This story was first published by Athlon Sports on December 1, 2025, in the College section.

Author: Sophia Brooks