Brian Daboll’s Coaching Future: NFL, College, or Coordinator Role?
Table of Contents
After a promising start, the future of former NFL Coach of the year Brian Daboll remains uncertain. The 50-year-old coach, who amassed a 20-40-1 record with his previous team after being hired in 2022, faces a complex landscape as he considers his next move, with possibilities ranging from a return to the NFL as a coordinator to a potential foray into college football.
Daboll’s recent struggles as a head coach have considerably altered his market value. “He is a classic example of today’s NFL head coach candidates,” one analyst noted, explaining that Daboll’s initial success as an offensive coordinator propelled him into a head coaching role, but that momentum has waned. While a fast return to leading an NFL team in the upcoming January hiring cycle appears unlikely, the door isn’t entirely closed. He will likely need to “re-earn another NFL head coaching possibility,” according to sources close to the situation.
The College Football Option
A shift to the college ranks presents a viable path for Daboll. Having spent the 2017 season as the offensive coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama, Daboll possesses experience in the collegiate system. the current upheaval in college football, driven by NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations, is creating numerous head coaching vacancies, potentially attracting interest from major programs.
Rumors are already circulating regarding Penn State as a potential suitor. A critically important factor in this speculation is Terry pegula, a prominent Penn State alumnus and Daboll’s former boss with the Buffalo Bills, who could leverage his influence to bring Daboll to Happy Valley.
Returning to the NFL as an Offensive Coordinator
The most probable scenario for Daboll in 2026,assuming he wishes to continue coaching,is a return to his roots as an NFL offensive coordinator. With eight seasons of experience in the role, including a highly successful stint with the Buffalo Bills from 2018-2021, Daboll would be a highly sought-after candidate.
Teams undergoing changes at offensive coordinator, or those losing theirs to head coaching opportunities, could quickly turn to Daboll. A reunion with Sean McDermott and Josh Allen in Buffalo is a distinct possibility, especially if the Bills move on from their current offensive coordinator, Joe brady.
A Long-Shot: College Offensive Coordinator Role
While less likely,a position as a college offensive coordinator cannot be entirely dismissed. Daboll could potentially reunite with Bill Belichick in north Carolina, or capitalize on speculation surrounding Nick Saban’s potential return to coaching. He also maintains a strong relationship with Lane Kiffin, opening the possibility of joining kiffin’s staff at Ole Miss, or following him to a future programme.
Why is Daboll’s future uncertain? After a successful first season, Daboll’s team struggled, leading to a 20-40-1 overall record and ultimately his firing.Who is involved? Key figures include Daboll himself, potential employers like Penn state, Sean McDermott, Bill Belichick, and Lane Kiffin, and influential alumni like Terry Pegula. What are his options? Daboll could pursue NFL coordinator roles, college head coaching positions, or even a college offensive coordinator role.How did it end? Daboll was fired from his head coaching position due to poor performance, leaving his future in coaching open to several possibilities.
