Dennis Franchione turned the New Mexico Lobos from a perennial loser into a bowl team. Texas Christian officials hope he'll do the same for the Horned Frogs.
Franchione was to be announced as the new head football coach at TCU today, a day after he resigned from New Mexico.In a statement, the 46-year-old 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," Franchione said.
"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."
Two TCU sources confirmed the hiring on Sunday.
TCU officials have refused to confirm a Fort Worth Star-Telegram report that Franchione was offered a seven-year contract with a package averaging $400,000 a year.
"It's a hard decision to make because of my family and the kids on the field," Franchione told the newspaper. "But this is one of those offers that's almost too good to refuse."
Franchione earned about $210,000 a year at New Mexico, and the school offered him a $90,000 raise to stay.
At TCU, he replaces Pat Sullivan, who resigned after a 1-10 season.
The powerful TCU lettermen's association urged the administration this fall to either "get serious" with its football program or drop the sport altogether.
Members privately said the only way to achieve a winning football program is to have a top coach, a top sports staff and a top facility.
Last week, TCU hired Eric Hyman from Miami of Ohio as athletic director.
Franchione's Lobos finished this season 9-3 and are preparing to meet Arizona in the Insight.com Bowl on Dec. 27 in Tucson, Ariz. It's their first bowl appearance in 36 years.