Syracuse Football is merely days away from beginning its 123rd season in program history. However, the 2024 campaign is bringing a little more excitement to central New York than just any other first week’s kickoff. The reason why is obvious. There’s a new sheriff in town.
Fran Brown is a fighter without fear. Coming from humble beginnings in Camden, New Jersey, he simply had no choice. After his playing career (which ended with a professional stint in Cincinnati) Brown spent roughly 15 years climbing the coaching ranks through five different high school/collegiate stops before becoming the 31st head coach in Syracuse program history. Most recently, he coached the defensive backs at the University of Georgia.
Brown wasted no time outlining what he desires from his players. In his introductory press conference last December, Brown highlighted, “detailed, accountable, relentless, and tough,” as characteristics he expects his team to display.
In his first off-season, Brown (known for his recruiting prowess) worked to fill his Syracuse roster with players whom he viewed as capable of fulfilling these traits. As a result, quarterback Kyle McCord, edge rusher Fadil Diggs, and wideout Yazeed Haynes headline an exciting first transfer class brought in by coach Fran.
“Playing for him…it’s fun. All the guys on the team love to go out and play for a coach they love,” McCord remarked. The new SU signal caller transferred in from Ohio State after last season. His relationship with the new coach being the preeminent reason why. Brown watched McCord play youth football near his hometown Camden, and the two developed a relationship over time.
“Relationships mean a lot to me,” was another core message that Brown relayed at that intro press meeting.
Brown has taken his own unique approach to training camp as well, having his players live in the dorms for its duration.
“Just trying to allow us to truly become more together as a family,” was the coach’s reasoning for this old school procedure.
Brown is changing things up for a program that hired him to do just that. Over the last eight years under former head coach Dino Babers, the Orange enjoyed only two winning seasons and just one bowl game victory. Coach Fran aims to raise the standard.
There is no doubt that Fran Brown is inducing plenty of eager anticipation around Syracuse. On Saturday, Brown’s first SU squad makes its debut in front of the Cuse’ faithful against Ohio University. It’s the start of a new era. One that Syracuse fans hope bears more fruit than the last. When asked if nerves are ever present leading into his new team’s first fight, the Camden-bred Brown responded somewhat ironically.
“I’m antsy about it everyday.”
Syracuse and Ohio kickoff at 3:30 on Saturday. Listen to every Orange football contest on 88.3 FM and waer.org.