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 (1981β1982): Led the team to a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference title.
Pittsburg State (1985β1989): Achieved a 53β6 record, securing five conference championships and earning two NAIA National Coach of the Year honors.
New Mexico (1992β1997): Directed the Lobos to their first bowl appearance in 36 years and a WAC Mountain Division Championship.
TCU (1998β2000): Transformed a 1β10 team into a 7β5 record in his first season, leading them to a Sun Bowl victory.
Alabama (2001β2002): Guided the Crimson Tide to a 10β3 record and an SEC West Division title in 2002.
Texas A&M (2003β2007): Coached the Aggies to a 32β28 record, including a 9β3 season in 2006 and consecutive victories over Texas in 2006 and 2007.
Texas State (2011β2015): Concluded his career with a 213β135β2 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