In a very shocking twist to the offseason, ESPN announced the retirement of Alabama head coach Nick Saban Wednesday afternoon.

After winning six national championships with the Crimson Tide, Saban’s shoes will be tough for Alabama to fill, however, the job will be a popular destination for head coaches around the country.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported a quick “projected target list” for Alabama shortly after Saban’s retirement was reported. Among the names on the list was Penn State head coach James Franklin.

Franklin holds an 112-54 record in his coaching career between Vanderbilt and Penn State, including an 88-39 record at Penn State. Franklin is 6-6 in bowl games and has won one conference championship (B1G 2016).

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Does James Franklin Fit Alabama?

Franklin also was awarded the Big Ten Coach of the Year award in 2016 after an 11-3 season where Penn State won its first Big Ten title since 2008 (and first since the scandal and sanctions).

Franklin has been committed to Penn State after signing a 10-year extension in 2021, however, the allure of the Alabama football program could draw practically any coach in the nation.

If Alabama were to pursue James Franklin, James Franklin’s buyout is a reported $2 million.

MORE: Penn State’s Best Fits in Transfer Portal

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