Greg McElroy has high praise for Syracuse’s Fran Brown, calling his inaugural season as head coach one of the best among first-year coaches in the nation. During a recent episode of ‘Always College Football,’ McElroy didn’t hold back, stating, “Year-one grade? A+. No doubt about it for Fran Brown.”
Fran Brown’s Impressive Start
What makes Brown’s achievement even more remarkable is the context in which he took over the program. He stepped into a coveted position with no previous head coaching experience, yet he managed to assemble a formidable team. With the addition of eighteen transfers and a top-ten recruiting class, Brown led the Orange to a double-digit win season for only the third time since the 2000s. That’s no small feat!
Turning Potential into Performance
McElroy elaborated on Brown’s unique approach, emphasizing how he transformed the roster almost immediately. “Even though he had never been a coordinator, even though he’d never been a head coach, he had done a great job in making sure that he could upgrade the talent on the roster,” McElroy noted. “He went out and he upgraded their situation at some premier positions.” This strategic move not only improved the overall quality of the team but also laid the groundwork for future success.
Establishing a Winning Culture
One of the standout aspects of Brown’s first season was the team’s offensive identity. Syracuse averaged an impressive 34.1 points and 370 passing yards per game. “What I like most is not only did they figure out a way to improve their quality of player but they also established a clear offensive identity,” McElroy stated. This offensive strategy is expected to attract future recruits, especially quarterbacks looking for a dynamic system.
Quality Wins That Matter
Brown’s record of 10-3 included several significant victories that showcased the team’s potential. Notably, they defeated Ohio, who went on to win the MAC Championship, and UNLV, the Mountain West runner-up. “They won a lot of close games as well. They were 7-2 in games that were decided by one possession,” McElroy pointed out. These wins were not just numbers; they demonstrated the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
A Historic Comeback
Perhaps the crowning achievement of the season was the thrilling victory over Miami in the regular season finale. The Orange completed the biggest comeback in school history, rallying from a three-touchdown deficit to win 42-38. “That win by itself tells you all you need to know,” McElroy exclaimed. This game not only capped off a successful season but also solidified Brown’s reputation as a coach capable of leading his team to victory against formidable opponents.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright
With such a successful debut, the question now is: can Brown replicate this success in his second season? The foundation has been laid, and the momentum is in his favor. As he prepares for 2025, the challenge will be to build on last year’s accomplishments while continuing to attract top talent.
The Road Ahead for Syracuse
Brown’s hiring has already paid dividends for the Orange, and the excitement surrounding the program is palpable. With a solid record and a clear vision for the future, Syracuse fans have every reason to be optimistic. As McElroy noted, “He took care of business and, with the big opportunities he had? To play on a big setting against a Miami team that had everything to play for – to knock them off? That took this from an A or an A- to an A+.”
In the world of college football, where every season presents its own set of challenges, Fran Brown has proven that he can rise to the occasion. The upcoming season will be a true test of his coaching abilities, but if last year is any indication, Syracuse is on the cusp of something special. Can they continue to build on this success? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Orange are ready to make their mark.
