BREAKING NEWS: Former Texas a&m head coach Dennis Franchione now on ballot for 2026 college football Hall of Fame class sent a message to Texas a&m head coach Mike Elko concerning…see more

In a stunning development that has stirred both nostalgia and controversy within the college football world, former Texas A\&M head coach Dennis Franchione has been officially named to the ballot for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class.

Franchione, who helmed the Aggies from 2003 to 2007, was informed earlier this week that his name would appear among an elite list of nominees, including legendary coaches and players from across decades of NCAA football history. The announcement, released jointly by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Football Hall of Fame Committee, reignited debate among Aggie fans, football historians, and alumni about Franchione’s complicated legacy at Texas A\&M and beyond.

But perhaps more surprising than the nomination itself was the public message Franchione sent to current Texas A\&M head coach Mike Elko shortly after the announcement.

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### **Franchione’s Message to Mike Elko**

In a statement posted on social media and later released through his publicist, Franchione addressed Elko directly:

> “Coach Elko, congratulations on the culture you’re building in College Station. This nomination has brought back many memories—some tough, many proud—and I wanted to wish you strength and wisdom as you continue leading the Aggies. The road we travel as head coaches at Texas A\&M is one paved with high expectations, passionate fans, and deep tradition. I believe you’re the right man to bring this program where it belongs. Gig ’em.”

The message, respectful and composed, was met with a wave of reactions online, with some praising Franchione for his gracious tone and others quick to point out the irony, given the controversial end to his own tenure at A\&M.

Elko, who is entering his third season with the Aggies and has revitalized the program after several uneven years, responded at a press conference Friday afternoon.

> “It means a lot to hear from Coach Fran. Every coach who has come through here has added a layer to the identity of Texas A\&M football. I respect what he did and what he tried to build. We’re focused on the future, but it’s important to acknowledge the foundation.”

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### **The Franchione Legacy: A Complicated Chapter**

Dennis Franchione, or “Coach Fran” as he was often called, remains a polarizing figure in Aggie lore. After highly successful stints at New Mexico and TCU—where he turned around struggling programs and developed several future NFL players—Franchione was hired by Texas A\&M in December 2002 with sky-high expectations. He was viewed as the man who could restore the Aggies to national prominence after the departure of long-time coach R.C. Slocum.

However, Franchione’s time in College Station proved to be a rollercoaster.

He posted a 32-28 overall record in his five seasons, with just one winning record in Big 12 play. His 2006 season, which ended with a 9-4 record and a memorable win over rival Texas in Austin, was seen as the pinnacle of his tenure. But a lackluster bowl performance and several heavy defeats against Big 12 powerhouses cast a shadow over his accomplishments.

More damaging was the infamous “VIP newsletter” scandal in 2007, in which Franchione was discovered to be sending detailed insider information—including player injuries and game plans—to a group of boosters who paid for the newsletter. The revelation led to widespread criticism and internal scrutiny. Franchione resigned before the final game of the 2007 season.

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### **A Hall of Fame Case?**

The College Football Hall of Fame doesn’t just look at wins and losses. Longevity, program-building, and overall contributions to the sport are major factors in the selection process. And in those areas, Franchione’s resume holds significant weight.

Before his time at A\&M, Franchione engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football at TCU, taking a 1–10 program and transforming it into a conference champion and bowl contender. He coached NFL talents such as LaDainian Tomlinson and led the Horned Frogs to back-to-back WAC championships.

At New Mexico, Franchione inherited a moribund program and delivered a bowl appearance in just three seasons. He compiled an overall college coaching record of 213-135-2 over a career spanning three decades, including stops at Pittsburg State, Southwest Texas State (now Texas State), New Mexico, TCU, Alabama, and Texas A\&M.

His brief tenure at Alabama before jumping to A\&M is still a sore spot for many Crimson Tide fans, but it underscored how highly regarded he was at the time.

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### **Fan and Media Reaction**

The reaction to Franchione’s nomination has been, as expected, mixed.

On the TexAgs forums, Aggie fans debated the merits of his inclusion.

> “Fran laid some recruiting groundwork that others built on later. I don’t forget that,” one user posted.

> “He should get in for what he did at TCU and New Mexico, not what happened here,” said another.

Others were more critical.

> “He left a mess here. That newsletter stuff was a black eye on the whole program,” one fan wrote. “I don’t see how that’s Hall of Fame material.”

National media outlets echoed the complexity of Franchione’s candidacy. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, never one to shy away from a hot take, said on his show:

> “Dennis Franchione’s legacy is a paradox. He was a program builder and also the center of a major controversy. The Hall of Fame voters have a tough decision.”

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### **What Happens Next**

The official 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class will be announced in early January, ahead of the national championship game. Between now and then, voters—composed of media, athletic directors, and Hall of Fame members—will consider Franchione’s full body of work.

Meanwhile, Texas A\&M is preparing for what many believe could be a breakthrough season under Mike Elko. The Aggies are coming off a 10-3 campaign and a win in the Cotton Bowl, and preseason expectations are high. Franchione’s message may have come at a symbolic moment for the program, signaling a kind of generational passing of the torch—however complicated the history may be.

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### **Final Thoughts**

Dennis Franchione’s nomination forces college football to grapple with the full picture of a career that saw both inspiring turnarounds and deep disappointments. Whether he is ultimately enshrined in Atlanta or not, his story—especially at Texas A\&M—is a reminder that coaching legacies are rarely black and white.