We Confirm Franchione to Alabama

[Fox 7 Sports]

We just thought you might want to know.

[PonyTales]

The fact that Coach Fran is heading to Tuscaloosa marks a great day. He is a gifted coach who recruits well and develops good teams, and he deserves the accolades and job offers that come with taking a crappy team to a 10-1 record and a couple of bowl games.

But his performance against SMU last week showed the level of class the man has. Calling for a deep pass on fourth down when the Frogs were up 48-0 was nothing short of gutless. Running a stunt on the front line to try to block an SMU punt when the Frogs were up by the same score was shameful. A coach with any class would have had his running back run into the pile or out of bounds. On the punt, a classy coach would have sat back and set up a conservative return.

Make no mistake, Coach Fran has developed one hell of a team in Fort Worth. And I'm glad we are continuing our series with the Frogs, even if it means losing a few more games before we win again. I'm just glad he won't be a part of what is a great rivalry between two great schools.

[This message has been edited by PonyTales (edited 12-01-2000).]

[PonyGirl]

So is he leaving before the Frogs' bowl game with Southern Miss?

Is he taking his staff with him, or is he creating a new staff when he gets to Bama?

[Charleston Pony]

I work for a Bama guy who, although not "inner circle", is pretty well connected. Don't know if it's true, but understand Fran's deal includes the option of bringing as many assistants as he wants, all with nice pay raises of course.

As for the comment about the "classless" going for it on 4th down up 48 pts, consider that it just might have been part of "resume building" for Fran. Destroying your arch rival is exactly what those Bama folks live for!

[smudad]

It is reported on the frog board that Fran will be coaching the frogs in Mobile. That's hard to believe. But apparently Hyman announced it this afternoon at a press conference. Most of their posting fans are incensed - as they should be. That Fran would even consider staying on until then shows mostly what he's been all about since he came - FRAN! It'll backfire bigtime on him should the USM team lay some major whoopass on him and the frogs right in 'Bama's back yard for all his new Tide fans.

[Charleston Pony]

I wonder if he asked his team what they wanted when he met with players to tell them he was leaving?