Dennis Wayne Franchione, widely known as “Coach Fran,” has died at his home in Georgetown, Texas, following a recent illness. The respected football coach leaves behind a legacy built on turning struggling programs into competitive teams and helping shape college football players throughout his career.
His obituary was published by Brenner Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services on Legacy.com on October 8, 2026. Franchione was remembered for his coaching achievements, offensive strategies, and ability to rebuild football programs at different levels of the sport.
Dennis Franchione Built a Respected Coaching Career
Born in Southeast Kansas at a place known as “7 Mile Corner,” Franchione was the son of Pete and Theda (Chapman) Franchione. He spent his early years playing ball with his nephew, Joe Clark, before continuing his education at Pittsburg State University, where he earned his degree.
Franchione developed a reputation as a program turnaround specialist, working at the high school, NAIA, and NCAA levels. His coaching career included significant stops at New Mexico, Texas Christian University, and the University of Alabama.
At New Mexico, Franchione helped transform a struggling football program and led the team to the Western Athletic Conference Mountain Division Championship in 1997. His work at TCU also brought considerable success, including a Sun Bowl victory over the University of Southern California.
He later coached Alabama, helping stabilize the program after several difficult seasons. The Crimson Tide went on to win the Independence Bowl in 2001 under his leadership.
His accomplishments earned him recognition throughout the coaching profession. Franchione was named NAIA Coach of the Year twice, received AFCA Regional Coach of the Year honors in 1989 and 1990, and was named WAC Coach of the Year twice. He was also elected to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.
Family Remembers Coach Fran and Plans Memorial Service
While Franchione achieved numerous victories on the football field, his obituary highlighted his Christian faith as his greatest personal victory, noting that he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Theda, his sister Shirley Clark, his nephew Joseph Clark, his father in law Kenny Kraus, and his brother in law Kent Kraus.
He is survived by his wife, Kim, his son, Brad, and his daughters, Ashley and Libby. His five grandchildren, Preston, Easton, Wyatt, Isabella, and Gunnar, also survive him, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. at The Worship Place, located at 811 Sun City Boulevard in Georgetown, Texas. A reception will follow from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center on East Morrow Street.
In honor of Coach Fran, attendees are encouraged to wear their school colors or golf attire.
The family has requested memorial donations to Pittsburg State University to help fund the naming of the Coach Fran locker room in the university’s new End Zone Facility. Donations can be made through the Pittsburg State University Foundation, with contributors asked to identify the gift as being in memory of Dennis Franchione.
His legacy will remain connected to the many players, colleagues, and football communities touched by his years of leadership and dedication to the game.
