Dennis Franchione Nominated for 2026 College Football Hall of Fame
Former Texas A&M head coach Dennis Franchione has been nominated for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame, as announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF). His inclusion on the ballot recognizes his impactful coaching career across multiple programs.
Coaching Career Overview
Franchione’s coaching journey spans several institutions:
Southwestern College (1981–1982): Led the team to a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference title.
Pittsburg State (1985–1989): Achieved a 53–6 record, securing five conference championships and earning two NAIA National Coach of the Year honors.
New Mexico (1992–1997): Directed the Lobos to their first bowl appearance in 36 years and a WAC Mountain Division Championship.
TCU (1998–2000): Transformed a 1–10 team into a 7–5 record in his first season, leading them to a Sun Bowl victory.
Alabama (2001–2002): Guided the Crimson Tide to a 10–3 record and an SEC West Division title in 2002.
Texas A&M (2003–2007): Coached the Aggies to a 32–28 record, including a 9–3 season in 2006 and consecutive victories over Texas in 2006 and 2007.
Texas State (2011–2015): Concluded his career with a 213–135–2 overall record, including stints at both Texas State and Texas State University.
Hall of Fame Criteria
To be considered for the College Football Hall of Fame, coaches must meet specific criteria:
A minimum of 10 years as a head coach.
Coached at least 100 games.
Maintained a winning percentage of at least .595.
Induction Process
The final class of inductees will be announced in early 2026, with the official induction ceremony scheduled for December 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Legacy
Franchione’s nomination reflects his significant contributions to college football, particularly in revitalizing programs and achieving success across various conferences. His tenure at Texas A&M, marked by notable victories and competitive seasons, remains a defining period in the program’s history.
As the induction process unfolds, Franchione’s legacy continues to resonate w
