College Football Coach Dennis Franchione Has Died
The 75-year-old former coach led programs across Texas before retiring in 2015.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Football
Dennis Franchione, a veteran college football coach who led teams for 30 seasons, has died in Austin at age 75. He spent a decade battling cancer before his passing.
Why it matters
Franchione leaves behind a legacy spanning decades of collegiate athletics, including high-profile tenures at Texas A&M and Texas State. His death marks the close of a career defined by extensive conference play and leadership across multiple programs.
Franchione recorded a career head coaching record of 213-135-2 over 30 seasons, a tenure that included nine conference championships and nine bowl game appearances. His local impact included a 26-34 record at Texas State and a 32-28 record while leading the Texas A&M program.
The players
Dennis Franchione
A veteran college football coach who led teams for 30 seasons and died in Austin at age 75.
Texas A&M
The university where Franchione served as head coach from 2003 to 2007.
Texas State
The university where Franchione returned to coach in 2011.
The details
Known for his extensive career in collegiate athletics, Franchione held head coaching positions at several institutions including Texas A&M, Alabama, and TCU. He famously resigned from Texas A&M following a rivalry game against Texas in 2007 and later returned to coaching at Texas State in 2011. He officially retired from the sport in 2015 following a career that saw him lead his squads to nine bowl games.
Timeline
2003-2007: Franchione led the Texas A&M football program.
2011: Franchione returned to coaching at Texas State.
2015: Franchione retired from college football coaching.
The Texas Context
Franchione's career in Texas was heavily shaped by high-stakes regional rivalries, most notably his resignation from Texas A&M following the 2007 game against Texas. This event stands as a defining moment in his Texas tenure, reflecting the immense pressure typical of top-tier state football programs.
The death of the long-time coach is a moment of reflection for many local sports fans who followed his tenures at Texas A&M and Texas State. His passing concludes a significant chapter for those who tracked his 30-season career in college athletics.
The takeaway
Franchione's career serves as a reminder of the volatility and long-term influence of head coaches in the Texas collegiate landscape. Fans may look back on his 2011 return to Texas State as a final chapter in his extensive coaching journey.
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