With his 9-3 Syracuse Orange set to take on Washington State in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl in San Diego, head coach Fran Brown joined Mike Golic Sr. and Mike Golic Jr. to reflect on their standout season and the game-changing influence of transfer quarterback Kyle McCord.
Given that so much has changed from when Brown took the job at Syracuse last season to signing day to now prepping for the Holiday Bowl, GoJo asked Brown what the biggest change he has endured. Brown expressed that the biggest change he’s experienced as a head coach was during the Pitt game. He explained that they were down 21-0 early, and he just kept thinking; he wished he could have grabbed the team right then and reminded them who they were and all the work they’d put in back in January, February, and March because that’s what makes a championship team. Brown added that he got to do that during their game against Miami, a moment he described as a turning point for himself and the team. He expressed that that’s when he learned how to coach in the moment and rally the team, get them to believe in each other, and focus on one play at a time.
Regarding managing the complexities of the transfer portal, Brown shared that when he first got the job, there was so much going on as far as players entering the portal and signing players. Brown thought next year would be easier, but he was wrong. It had gotten WORSE. He shared that you’ve got players going into the portal you don’t expect and trying to recruit players from other places. Brown said he tries to get his staff to relax and stay focused through it all. Brown acknowledged how much he’s grown, particularly regarding in-game leadership. For him, keeping his team calm, whether up big or down, is key, encouraging them to stay focused on what’s next.
With so many coaches and talking heads giving their opinions on players entering the portal, Senior asked Brown if it was tough as a coach not to take it personally when players decide to enter the portal. Brown explained that he doesn’t take it personally when players enter the portal, but he acknowledged it can hurt, especially when it’s a player he has a deep connection with. He likened it to knowing a divorce is coming: When you and your wife are going through a lot of BS, at some point, you know a divorce is happening. When it finally does, you’re not shocked but have had a long time to fix it. Brown recounted a recent example of a player he loved entering the portal. He shared that it’s not that we can’t replace him, but it hurts because of the love and what you wanted to do for him to help him succeed in life. Despite that, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the program over any individual player. Nothing is bigger than the “S,” he said; football was here before me, and it’ll be here after me. Ultimately, he says his job is to leave it better than I found it. Brown pointed to Syracuse’s rich football history, referencing legends like Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Marvin Harrison, and Art Monk, and shared that history repeats itself and that if players want to enter the portal, they can. Still, they’ll watch the Orange win without them.
SMU’s head coach, Rhett Lashlee, has been the latest coach who has gone on the record to express his gripes with the portal, offering to move the portal to February. Senior asked Brown if he was open to that; Brown made it clear he was against moving the transfer portal window to February. He shared that keep it right where it’s at and make everybody work. He joked about how February is already packed with President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and even his birthday; he added don’t mess with February; Michael Jordan’s birthday is in February. Brown leaned into the chaos of the current system, saying it’s just part of the game, no matter when the portal is open. Switch it to February, and it will still be a pain. He also humorously pointed out that he values his marriage and doesn’t want to spend February stressed out, staying up all night dealing with portal decisions.
Transfer quarterback Kyle McCord has been on a redemption journey since leaving Ohio State last season, where he shouldered much of the blame for the Buckeyes’ loss to their rivals, the Michigan Wolverines. GoJo asked Brown about his experience working with McCord this season. Brown spoke glowingly about McCord’s leadership and ability to bridge the gap between being a coach and a player. He emphasized how McCord’s presence has set a high standard for the program, both on and off the field. Whether it’s a freshman or another transfer, whoever comes next has to meet the bar he’s set. While McCord’s on-field accomplishments are impressive — becoming the all-time leading passer at Syracuse and on the verge of breaking the ACC passing record — Brown highlighted his impact beyond the stats, sharing that he’s a dynamic leader who connects with everyone, from the kitchen staff to the equipment managers. He treats everyone with respect, Brown noted; it’s not about what you say, it’s about how you make people feel, and he truly exemplified our core values of being detailed, accountable, relentless, and tough.
Shifting gears towards Holiday Bowl prep, Senior asked Brown his approach to getting the team ready to play. Brown emphasized the importance of the Holiday Bowl, describing it as a significant opportunity for Syracuse’s program. He mentioned that the team is practicing their butts off right now. He acknowledged the added distractions with bowl week but stressed the team’s focus on competing at the highest level. Brown praised the commitment of his seniors, noting their dedication to setting a standard for the younger players. He clarified that the program’s expectations are high, telling players they must earn opportunities. He added If this is too hard for you, he encourages players to hit the portal.
Watch or listen to the full show below and tune into GoJo and Golic weekday mornings from 8-10 a.m. ET on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Hour 1: Michael Penix Jr’s Time to Shine In Atlanta + Fran Brown, Syracuse HC, on Kyle McCord, the Transfer Portal & Playing in the Holiday Bowl
VIDEO
Watch GoJo and Golic every weekday on Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV and DraftKingsNetwork.com from 8 to 10 a.m. ET. The show is also available via audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow Mike Golic Sr. on X at @golic and Mike Golic Jr. on X at @mikegolicjr.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
