Dennis Franchione, Former College Football Coach, Dies at 75

Dennis Franchione, a college football coach who led teams at TCU, Alabama and Texas A&M, died Tuesday in Austin, Texas. He was 75. His family announced his death, which followed a decade-long battle with cancer.

Franchione’s coaching career spanned 40 years. He began as an assistant at Kansas State in 1978. As a head coach for 30 seasons, he compiled a 213-135-2 overall record, including a 127-110 mark in 20 seasons at the Division I level.

At TCU, Franchione took over a team that finished 1-10 the year before he arrived. In 1998, he guided the Horned Frogs to a 7-5 record and their first bowl victory since 1956, defeating USC in the Sun Bowl.

Franchione coached two seasons at Alabama before moving to Texas A&M in 2003. His tenure at Texas A&M resulted in a 32-29 record. He resigned from Texas A&M in 2007 after a 38-30 win against Texas.

During his career, Franchione led nine teams to conference championships and bowl games. He coached Pro Football Hall of Famers LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Urlacher.

TCU athletic director Mike Buddie stated, “Our fortunes as a department would not be what they are today without the efforts of Coach Franchione, his staff, and players. Beyond his talent as a football coach, he was a beloved father, mentor, and friend to so many.”