Name, image, and likeness–better known as NIL–has changed the dynamic of college athletics over the past year or so. The ability for collegiate players to make money in a similar way to professional athletes in the NBA or NFL is a significant change that many players are fond of. Coaches have started to embrace it, while others have backed out of it or even called it quits.
Syracuse football head coach Fran Brown told Syracuse.com that he’d like to see collectives and the community help raise $6-8 million in additional funds to help recruit, retain, and pay players. He mentioned that it’s important to pay each player, including walk-ons.
Last season, Syracuse went 10-3 in Brown’s first year in Central New York. This included a Holiday Bowl appearance and victory over Washington State in San Diego.
With these financial goals in mind, can Coach Brown continue to raise excitement in Syracuse and attract more athletes to play in the northeast?
Clearly, showed he could do that in year one. The top-ranked recruiter in the country, according to 247 Sports, brought in former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord. He was a huge deal in SU’s success last season, taking the keys to the program and opening up after facing pressure in Columbus, Ohio.
The narrative for Syracuse has been that it’s a cold, undesirable location to play football. However, Coach Brown has already changed that perception with his community involvement and unique coaching style both on and off the field.
The big question might be how long and how much of an impact Coach Brown can continue to make at Syracuse moving forward. This shouldn’t be just a one-year fluke based on McCord’s standout performance as the nation’s leader in passing yards.
NIL has been, and continues to be, a major factor in Syracuse’s putout. Coach Brown will need to keep pushing that narrative to ensure long-term success.
