On January 19, 2025, during a press conference at the annual meeting of NCAA football coaches, UCLA head coach Chip Kelly made waves by nominating Alabama’s Nick Saban for the position of Commissioner of College Football. This unexpected and bold move comes at a time when the sport is undergoing significant changes, with growing calls for a more cohesive and centralized governance structure in the face of expanding conference realignment, NIL regulations, and the increasing commercialization of college athletics.
Kelly’s nomination of Saban, one of the most successful and influential coaches in the history of college football, has sparked a wave of reactions across the sport. Saban, who has led Alabama to six national championships and consistently dominated the SEC over his tenure, is widely regarded as the most accomplished figure in college football today. His leadership qualities, proven success, and deep understanding of both the game and the evolving landscape of college sports have made him a respected figure among his peers.
Chip Kelly, who has been coaching at UCLA since 2018 after stints at Oregon and in the NFL, is no stranger to bold decisions. Known for his innovative offensive strategies and his often unconventional approach to the sport, Kelly’s support for Saban as commissioner is an endorsement that has grabbed the attention of coaches, administrators, and fans alike. Kelly praised Saban not just for his football acumen but also for his ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of college football, including the introduction of the transfer portal and the NIL era.
In his remarks, Kelly highlighted Saban’s unparalleled experience in both recruiting and developing elite athletes, as well as his leadership in fostering a strong culture of discipline and professionalism. He also emphasized that Saban’s understanding of the larger issues affecting college football—such as the balance between academics and athletics, student-athlete welfare, and the financial complexities of modern college sports—would make him uniquely qualified to navigate the role of commissioner.
“Saban has seen the game from every angle—on the field, in the boardrooms, and in the recruiting offices,” Kelly said. “He has the vision, the wisdom, and the gravitas needed to lead college football into the future.”
The idea of a coach assuming the role of commissioner is not a new one, though it remains controversial. The NCAA has been criticized in recent years for its leadership vacuum and inability to keep pace with the rapid changes in college sports. Some argue that having a coach like Saban take on the role would bridge the gap between the administrative side of the sport and the real-world experience of coaching and playing the game.
However, there are those who question whether it would be wise to place the governance of the entire sport in the hands of a single coach, even one as accomplished as Saban. Critics argue that a commissioner should possess broader administrative experience and be able to make decisions that benefit all stakeholders, including athletic directors, student-athletes, and fans, rather than focusing on the interests of a single program or conference.
Nevertheless, Kelly’s nomination of Saban has certainly set the stage for more debates about the future of college football leadership. With the sport facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the conversation about how best to govern college athletics continues to evolve. Whether or not Saban accepts the nomination or if others will enter the fray remains to be seen, but Kelly’s endorsement has undoubtedly raised the profile of the discussion, placing it at the forefront of conversations in college football in 2025 and beyond.
