Former Clemson Tigers head coach and son of the late Bobby Bowden recently proposed an idea on Doug Bell’s podcast, The Ole Gabbox. He suggested that Nick Saban and Charles Barkley should team up as co-commissioners of college football to address its issues.
Bowden acknowledged that both Barkley and Saban, despite their commitments to broadcasting careers at TNT Sports and ESPN, respectively, wield considerable influence and unique perspectives that could benefit college football.
He believes their combined leadership could effectively tackle current challenges, particularly concerning NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal.
Bowden expressed concerns about the recent trend of successful head coaches leaving college football, attributing it to the pressures of managing NIL and transfers. He cited examples like Chip Kelly’s move to Ohio State and Jeff Hafley’s shift to NFL coaching, suggesting these moves reflect coaches feeling overwhelmed by current collegiate dynamics.
However, Bowden’s viewpoint lacks nuance, as factors like family considerations influenced some decisions. For instance, Shawn Elliott’s move from head coach to assistant coach at South Carolina was driven by personal reasons, not solely by professional challenges.
Overall, Bowden’s proposal highlights ongoing debates within college football about how best to navigate evolving landscapes while retaining top coaching talent.
