Penn State’s Coaching Search: Could Nick Saban Be a Contender?

Nick Saban may not be making a return to college football anytime soon, but Joel Kraft, a football analyst, believes that won’t stop Penn State’s athletic director, Pat Kraft, from contacting the iconic former Alabama coach regarding the Nittany Lions’ open head coaching position.

Penn State finds itself in dire need of a new head coach after a rough patch this season, culminating in the firing of James Franklin, who lost three consecutive games this past weekend.

During an appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Kraft mentioned that while it would be a challenge, he thinks the athletic director should aim high in his search. He stated, “Honestly, I don’t think there’s anyone off his list. And if I were Pat Kraft, I’d start with the biggest swing possible. As crazy as it sounds, I think the first person I’d call would be Nick Saban. Just to make sure that one doesn’t happen.”

Despite ongoing speculation, Saban has consistently refuted any rumors of returning to coaching. In a July interview on Fox & Friends, he unequivocally stated that there was “no chance” he would be convinced to coach again.

Throughout his career, Saban also served as a college football analyst for ESPN and currently acts as an advisor at the University of Alabama.

At present, Terry Smith is filling in as the interim head coach for the Nittany Lions. The new head coach—once chosen—will have significant objectives ahead. Pat Kraft conveyed to reporters post-firing that the university seeks someone capable of “maximizing our elite-level resources, attacking the transfer portal, and growing at the highest level.”