Franchione Set to Coach at TCU

Dennis Franchione, who rebuilt the New Mexico football program and has the Lobos in their first bowl game since 1961, will be named today as the new coach at Texas Christian.

Franchione, 46, resigned from New Mexico on Sunday afternoon and, in a statement, said he felt the time had come for him to accept new challenges.

“I have given everything possible the past six years to make the Lobo football program better,” he said in Fort Worth, Texas.

“There comes a time in all of our lives when we need to move on and accept new challenges. That’s where I am in my life right now. I know it is difficult for some people to understand my decision to leave, but I am truly doing what is best for my family.”

He told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in today’s editions that he is thrilled with his new job.

“I’m excited and I’m fired up to be coming to TCU,” he said. “In many ways, this feels like a homecoming for me and my family.”

TCU scheduled a news conference for today to announce the hiring.

One source said Franchione likes Fort Worth and TCU “because the recruiting base is so strong” and he feels he can “dominate the [Western Athletic Conference] from here.”

TCU officials have refused to confirm a Star-Telegram report that Franchione was offered a seven-year contract with a package averaging $400,000 a year.

Franchione earned about $210,000 a year at New Mexico.

At TCU, he replaces Pat Sullivan, who resigned after a 1-10 season.

Franchione’s Lobos finished 9-3 and will meet Arizona in the Insight.com Bowl on Dec. 27 in Tucson. He will remain with the Lobos for their bowl game.

In six years, Franchione led the Lobos to three winning seasons and was 33-35.