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Fran to SMU?


LOUIS DeLUCA / Dallas Morning News
November 23, 2007

Makes sense for both sides.

It'd be a chance for Coach Fran to rebuild his career in a situation that won't be nearly as scrutinized as A&M. And there's no reason SMU can't be a consistent winner in Conference USA.

Fran fits the mold of a Steve Orsini hire as a high-profile coach whose star has fallen. He's also been successful at similar schools (New Mexico and TCU), although columnist Kevin Sherrington contends that Fran shouldn't get too much credit for the Horned Frogs' turnaround.

Pony fans (all three of you), how would you feel about Fran being the new man on The Hilltop?

all three of us? Mabey he should watch some of the in-fighting on this board.

if Coach Fran is coming to SMU I wonder when the press conference would be held?

i'd take fran. but just be sure that he'd be gone as soon as a better offer came along

re: "i'd take fran. but just be sure that he'd be gone as soon as a better offer came along"

Don't ya think that would be the same with Bowden and actually most of the coaches we might hire?....most of these dudes move around alot!

Phil_Bennett's_Mustache wrote:i'd take fran. but just be sure that he'd be gone as soon as a better offer came along

From what I have read, he might leave, but his wife is staying!

Bennett's was held in the team meeting room....Fran's will need more room.

I wonder if Fran has the drive (or the stomach) to coach anymore. He is pushing 60 and he should have more than enough money in the bank. Is he really going to want to fight the wars on the recruiting trail, not to mention all of the other challenges that the SMU job presents?

My fear that if he were to come here is that he would be similar to Copeland - just riding out the last couple of years before he officially retires.

I say No to Fran.

PonySoprano wrote:I wonder if Fran has the drive (or the stomach) to coach anymore. He is pushing 60 and he should have more than enough money in the bank. Is he really going to want to fight the wars on the recruiting trail, not to mention all of the other challenges that the SMU job presents?

My fear that if he were to come here is that he would be similar to Copeland - just riding out the last couple of years before he officially retires.

I say No to Fran.

I don't think Fran could do what needs to be done. Plus he still has the smell of death on him from his stints in Tuscaloosa and College Station.

if it means we're going bowling, then bring him in, no matter how long he decides to stay

[quote="Ponymon"

From what I have read, he might leave, but his wife is staying![/quote].................Concerning would Fran stay at SMU if he would be successful here ? Maybe so...Fact is Fran is 60 and he and his wife have stated publically in the past few years that they love being in Texas. Fran says he and his wife want to retire here. So if he came here and developed a good program, I can see him maybe coaching here for up to 10 years and than retiring.......That said, he is not one of my favorites of hopeful new coaches here, but we could do alot worse.

FWMustangGirl wrote:I don't think Fran could do what needs to be done. Plus he still has the smell of death on him from his stints in Tuscaloosa and College Station.

Remind me to buy a can of 10-3 Alabama Stench of Death at Target tomorrow if it helps.

BrianTinBigD wrote:

FWMustangGirl wrote:I don't think Fran could do what needs to be done. Plus he still has the smell of death on him from his stints in Tuscaloosa and College Station.

Remind me to buy a can of 10-3 Alabama Stench of Death at Target tomorrow if it helps.

LOL
Target doesn't carry it, but you might find it a K Mart somewhere.

Rumor is that Fran's going to Ole Miss.

westexSMU wrote:[quote="Ponymon"

From what I have read, he might leave, but his wife is staying!

.................Concerning would Fran stay at SMU if he would be successful here ? Maybe so...Fact is Fran is 60 and he and his wife have stated publically in the past few years that they love being in Texas. Fran says he and his wife want to retire here. So if he came here and developed a good program, I can see him maybe coaching here for up to 10 years and than retiring.......That said, he is not one of my favorites of hopeful new coaches here, but we could do alot worse.[/quote]

Fran is 56.............