Former Alabama Football Coach Dennis Franchione Dead At 75

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former Alabama head football coach Dennis Franchione died Tuesday after a lengthy battle with cancer.

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He was 75.

Family members confirmed Franchione's death to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, who reported that the longtime college football coach died in Austin, Texas.

Franchione was diagnosed with a cancerous kidney tumor in 2016 and later received another cancer diagnosis in 2021, according to the newspaper.

Franchione reportedly underwent treatment and went into remission, but family friends told the newspaper the cancer returned earlier this year. He entered hospice care in October.

Franchione's four-decade coaching career included stops at TCU, Alabama and Texas A&M, along with head coaching tenures at Pittsburg State, Texas State and New Mexico.

He arrived at Alabama in 2001 after helping revive a struggling TCU program and would go on to amass a career record of 213–135–2.

Franchione went 17-8 in two seasons with the Crimson Tide, including a 10-3 record in 2002.

Alabama finished that season ranked No. 11 in the Associated Press poll despite being ineligible for postseason play because of NCAA sanctions stemming from violations that predated his tenure.

His 2001 team finished 7-5 and defeated Iowa State in the Independence Bowl.

The Crimson Tide improved the following season, finishing 6-2 in Southeastern Conference play and earning victories over Tennessee, LSU and Auburn.

Alabama closed the 2002 regular season with a 31-7 victory over Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

Franchione left Alabama shortly after the season to become head coach at Texas A&M, where he spent five seasons and compiled a 32-28 record.

Franchione's tenure with the Aggies ended following the 2007 season.

His final regular-season game was a 38-30 upset of No. 13 Texas in the Lone Star Showdown.

Funeral arrangements for Franchione have not been announced at this time.

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