Former Alabama and Texas A&M Head Coach Dennis Franchione Remembered at 75
College football is remembering longtime coach Dennis Franchione, who passed away on October 6, 2026, at the age of 75, according to his family and multiple reports.
Franchione built a coaching career that spanned more than three decades, with major stops at Alabama, Texas A&M, TCU, New Mexico and Texas State. His career included more than 200 victories and several memorable chapters in college football history.
Dennis Franchione's Alabama Chapter
Franchione became Alabama's head coach in 2001 after transforming the TCU program. His time in Tuscaloosa lasted two seasons, but it included one of the strongest single-season turnarounds in the program's history during that period.
In 2002, Franchione guided the Crimson Tide to a 10-3 record and first place in the SEC West with a 6-2 conference record. Because of NCAA sanctions connected to violations under the previous Alabama coaching staff, the Crimson Tide was not eligible for the SEC Championship Game or a postseason bowl that year.
Overall, Franchione finished his Alabama tenure with a 17-8 record, leaving Tuscaloosa after the 2002 season for another major coaching opportunity in Texas.
His Texas A&M Years
Franchione then took over at Texas A&M in 2003, replacing R.C. Slocum. He remained with the Aggies through the 2007 season.
During his five seasons in College Station, Franchione's teams posted a 32-28 record and reached three bowl games. His best season came in 2006, when Texas A&M won nine games and earned a spot in the Holiday Bowl.
One of the most memorable parts of his Texas A&M tenure came at the end of the 2006 and 2007 regular seasons, when the Aggies defeated Texas in consecutive years. Those victories remain an important part of how many fans remember Franchione's time in College Station.
A Coaching Career Built on Program Turnarounds
Before Alabama and Texas A&M, Franchione had already established himself as a coach capable of changing the direction of football programs.
At TCU, he inherited a team coming off a 1-10 season and quickly helped turn the program around. His 2000 team finished the regular season 10-1, with future Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson leading the way.
His overall career record was 213-135-2, including his work across multiple levels of college football. He also won eight conference championships during his coaching career.
College Football Community Remembers Coach Fran
Tributes have begun coming from across the college football world following the news.
TCU officials highlighted Franchione's influence on the program and described him as a beloved father, mentor and friend. TCU head coach Sonny Dykes also credited Franchione with helping establish the foundation for the program's later success.
For Alabama and Texas A&M fans, Franchione will remain part of their programs' history. His time at Alabama produced a 10-win season, while his Texas A&M tenure included multiple winning seasons, bowl appearances and memorable victories over Texas.
Dennis Franchione's name will continue to be connected to an era of college football when coaching careers were built through long-term program building, tough decisions and unforgettable moments on the field.
The college football community now looks back on the career of Coach Fran and the lasting influence he had on players, programs and people throughout the sport.