Dennis Franchione, the longtime college football coach who led teams including Texas A&M, Alabama and TCU, has died at 75. His family announced his death on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Franchione had been battling cancer for years.
Franchione left TCU for Alabama in 2001 and stayed there for two seasons. The Aggies finished 9-3 in 2006, but the following season became difficult after reports emerged that a personal assistant was sending team information to boosters who paid for the emails. Because of sanctions linked to violations under the previous coaching staff, in 2002, the Crimson Tide went 10-3 and finished first in the SEC West, although Alabama was barred from playing in the conference championship game and a bowl.
Cancer was the cause of Dennis Franchione’s death, according to reports about his final months. The coach had faced the disease more than once during the last decade. He then moved to Texas A&M, where he coached for five seasons.
