Syracuse’s Fran Brown Makes History With Groundbreaking NIL Deal

For years, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have focused on college football players. Many athletes have earned a healthy amount of money through these deals even before going pro. However, Syracuse head coach Fran Brown is now changing the game.

Brown is setting a new trend by becoming the first NCAA coach to sign with the NIL agency Network. This move could potentially enable coaches, like players, to reap the benefits of branding and earn some passive income in addition to their contract.

Fran Brown Becomes First NCAA Head Coach to Join NIL Agency Network

NIL deals help carry the brand value of college football stars. These deals allow athletes to showcase their market value, highlighting who is the best, most talented, and most popular. Schools even encourage players to sign endorsements to boost their recruiting appeal.

But until now, coaches haven’t had the same advantage. That has changed with Brown, who became the first NCAA coach to sign with NIL agency, Network. This move could change how coaches build their brands and influence recruiting for years.

Social media has given coaches new ways to market themselves, and now NIL deals could help them even more. Brown sees this as a major opportunity, saying, “I figure there’s no better time to do it than right now.”

EXCLUSIVE: Syracuse football head coach Fran Brown has become the first NCAA coach to sign with NIL agency Network, FOS has learned.

“I figure there’s no better time to do it than right now,” Brown says.

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Brown has already built a strong reputation at Syracuse, leading the team to a 10-3 record in 2024, including wins against three ranked opponents. But despite his success, he hasn’t received major national recognition—something NIL could now change.

This deal will help him stay in the spotlight whenever he makes a great impression and give him an extra healthy income source.

KEEP READING: Syracuse Faces Tough Transfer Portal Losses Under Fran Brown, Headlined by Trebor Pena and Maraad Watson

Brown isn’t stopping with his NIL signing. He and Chief Strategy Officer Doug Scott are exploring endorsement deals, product launches, and hosting events like the June Syracuse golf tournament.

For now, Syracuse fans and recruiters are eager to see how Brown’s NIL strategy will impact the future of the Orange football program and how many CFB coaches will follow his path with NIL deals.