Report: Syracuse expected to name Fran Brown next head football coach

Fran Brown of the Georgia Bulldogs has earned his first head coaching gig, as he’s been tabbed to takeover the vacant Syracuse Orange position, according to Matt Zenitz.

The Camden, New Jersey native knows the North East well. After spending time with Rutgers in the past, Brown has been in Athens for the last two seasons, as the Bulldogs defensive backs coach.

Now, he’ll be heading to upstate New York. Brown will be the next leader of the Orange, and look to revive them inside the ACC.

“Syracuse is expected to hire Georgia defensive backs coach Fran Brown as its new head coach,” Zenitz posted on X, formerly known as Twitter on Tuesday.

Moreover, Fran Brown has been with Georgia for the past two seasons, from 2022 to now. Prior to joining the Bulldogs coaching staff under head coach Kirby Smart, he spent two years with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights as their defensive back coach. If Brown ends up being offered and accepting the job, it will be his first head coaching opportunity.

From the outside looking in, Brown has much to like as a potential head coaching candidate. Since joining the program in 2022, he has been front and Center for the Bulldogs’ 27-0 winning streak.

Not only that, but he has been a huge part in developing Georgia’s talented defensive secondary, which has produced NFL talent in defensive backs Kelee Ringo and Christopher Smith already.

Additionally, with Brown being around for last year’s run, he also brings with him an understanding of what it takes to win a national championship.

This season, Brown’s secondary and the Georgia defense ranks in the top 20, No. 12, of college football in pass defense. The Bulldogs have allowed just 176.5 yards per game through the air and have also pulled down 12 interceptions.

Both the average of 176.5 yards per game and the 12 interceptions lead the SEC conference in both statistical categories.

Syracuse has been on a quest to replace former head coach Dino Babers, who orchestrated the program for the last eight seasons. Babers is being let go following an underwhelming season with the Oranges, as they finished 2023 5-6 under the former head coach and 1-6 in conference play.

Syracuse was able to pick up a win in their final game of the season against Wake Forest, beating the Demon Deacons 35-31 and ending their season on a high note.

Alas, Fran Brown has proven his mettle just about everywhere he’s coached in his career. Syracuse fans will likely flock to him in a similar fashion as we’ve seen throughout his time in college football. He’s getting his chance.