Dennis Franchione, former Alabama football coach, dies at 75

Former Alabama head football coach Dennis Franchione has died at the age of 75. Known as ‘Coach Fran’, he led the Crimson Tide for two seasons in 2001 and 2002.

During his tenure at Alabama, Franchione achieved a 17-8 record, which included an Independence Bowl victory and a 10-win season in 2002. He notably led the team to a victory in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. While his 2002 season resulted in a first-place finish in the SEC West, NCAA sanctions related to violations preceding his arrival prevented the team from participating in the SEC championship game or a bowl game.

Franchione’s coaching career spanned several institutions, including TCU, Texas A&M, New Mexico, Pittsburg State, and two separate stints at Texas State. He began his head coaching career at Southwestern College in Kansas before returning to his alma mater, Pittsburg State, where he won five consecutive conference titles.