DANIA BEACH, Fla. — In the landscape of college football, different conferences have adopted varying structures for their schedules. The Big Ten and Big 12, for instance, play nine conference games, while the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) maintain eight-game schedules. Meanwhile, the Mountain West opts for a seven-game league slate, with Notre Dame standing apart as an independent that does not belong to any conference.
On the eve of a pivotal game against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Orange Bowl, Penn State head coach James Franklin expressed his belief that the sport requires a more standardized approach across the board. Franklin, who previously ignited discussions by suggesting that former Alabama coach Nick Saban would make a suitable commissioner of college football—a position that currently does not exist—reiterated his desire for the sport to embrace uniformity.
“I understand that when coaches share these sentiments, some may roll their eyes,” Franklin noted. “However, when our decisions are predominantly driven by financial motives, it undermines the best interests of student-athletes and the integrity of football. A consistent framework is essential for college football.”
Franklin, who was joined by Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the final press conference before their Orange Bowl clash, is no stranger to proposing comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing college football. He emphasized that his comments were not intended as criticism of Notre Dame, which views its independent status as an asset.
“I believe that every team should either compete in a conference championship game or none should,” Franklin stated. “I also think that a uniform number of conference games should be established. The Big Ten has now mandated nine games, which, from a straightforward numerical standpoint, complicates matters for teams with more conference matchups.”
Among other suggestions Franklin put forward were the possibility of beginning the season a week earlier to reduce end-of-year strains, particularly for teams advancing to the College Football Playoff (CFP). He also reiterated the idea of appointing an individual such as Saban, Chris Petersen (former coach of Boise State and Washington), or Dave Clawson (former Wake Forest coach) to oversee college football.
The suggestion of designating a commissioner, especially with Saban’s name attached, has also garnered support from figures like Lane Kiffin, the head coach of Mississippi and one of Saban’s former assistants. Kiffin remarked, “I can’t think of anyone better suited to genuinely prioritize the game and its players. He embodies the old-school approach and is uniquely qualified for such a role.”
Given the current era of name, image, and likeness rights, the introduction of an expanded playoff, and the increasingly extended college seasons—with teams in the CFP title game potentially playing their 16th or 17th contest—advocates for change are vocal.
Nevertheless, Duke head coach Manny Diaz highlighted a significant concern: “It’s crucial that any commissioner has the authority to enact change. At the moment, that authority rests within the conferences. If there’s a desire for collaboration and alignment, we need someone to lead, but consensus is lacking, and that is detrimental to our sport.”
While Franklin admits he does not possess all the solutions, he, along with many in the coaching community, has numerous inquiries regarding what appears to be a pivotal era for college football.
“There are countless topics that warrant discussion and examination,” Franklin asserted. “It’s imperative that we pursue these conversations with individuals who are free from pressures imposed by their universities or conferences.”
