Longtime college football head coach Dennis Franchione dies at 75

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - Former college football head coach Dennis Franchione has died. He was 75.

Franchione’s head coaching career spanned more than 30 years, with over 200 victories and major stints at colleges that included the University of Alabama, Texas A&M and TCU.

TCU Athletic Director Mike Buddie said Tuesday that the Horned Frogs’ program would not be where it is without the coach.

“Beyond his talent as a football coach, he was a beloved father, mentor, and friend to so many,” Buddie said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kim, and the entire Franchione family.”

Franchione was known as being an offensive innovator, leading multiple teams to conference championships and bowl games, including turning TCU from a 1-10 team to an upset bowl victory the following season over USC.

He retired from coaching in 2015 after stepping down at Texas State.

Franchione’s cause of death was not immediately shared, but ESPN reported that he had been diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and again in 2021.

His cancer was said to have gone into remission before returning this year, according to family members. Franchione had recently been put in hospice, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.