College football coaching firings part of recent change in landscape, Nick Saban says

Several college football programs have fired their head coaches midseason, the latest being Florida Gators breaking up with Billy Napier on Sunday.

Legendary college football coach Nick Saban said he believes the current state of the sport is to blame.

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“You know, I'm not (surprised) because everyone is raising money to pay the players,” Saban. told ESPN on Tuesday. “So the people who give money think they have a voice and they're like a bunch of fans. When they get upset and disappointed, they put pressure on (athletic directors) to take action, and that’s how the world works.”

Napier and Penn State's James Franklin are among the biggest names to be sidelined during the season. Sam Pittman (Arkansas), Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State), Deshaun Foster (UCLA), Brent Pry (Virginia Tech) and Trent Bray (Oregon State) were also dismissed from their respective schools.

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Penn State head coach James Franklin reacts during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in State College, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Barry Rieger)

Saban said Saturday that he believes Franklin's firing was “unfair” given the success Franklin has had in Penn State.

Saban told ESPN that college football still needs to find a way to “improve the quality of life for players” as well as develop and educate them properly.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban watches the SEC Championship Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2023. (John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports)

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More coaches are expected to come on board in the upcoming offseason.

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