The Ironing is Delicious
When we last took notice of Dennis Franchione, he was riding off into the College Station sunset with a $4.4 million buyout in his pocket. Ousted as the head football coach at Texas A&M, the man had a lot of free time and no way to fill it.
Why was he unemployed in the first place? Well, the Aggie faithful weren’t entirely satisfied with the 32-28 record their team compiled under Coach Fran. But the precipitating event that led to the buyout was the revelation that Franchione violated NCAA regulations by using his personal website to sell an online newsletter to boosters at $1200 per subscription.
Today, Franchione is idle and rich at the relatively young age of 58. He’s tried to kill time by doing commentary for ESPN. He’s been very open about his desire to get back into coaching, coming very close to landing a job at San Diego State just a few months ago.
So if you’re an exiled coach with a mark against your name because of your ethically questionable online newsletter… What’s the best way to keep busy while waiting for the phone to ring with your next coaching job offer?
Start working as a contributor to a sports website, of course!
The whole thing is so over the top ridiculous that it seems like a hoax. But the press release from BusterSports.com also contains an interview with Franchione’s voice (or an amazingly talented mimic). And if it’s a hoax, they fooled ESPN, too.
Dennis Franchione, sports blogger. It’s the greatest idea since Michael Vick left prison and started his dog grooming business.
Some photo elements courtesy: Schoffer
I waited like 16 days for this give up?
It’s not a give up, I love this story. Maybe I sucked at writing it, but I think this new gig for Coach Fran is definitely worth mentioning.
I’ll probably be light on content for at least another week. Hang in there, Blue Lou.
As for me, I’ve been busy trying to cure my HIV through the power of positive thinking. Give me a few more days.
Ioannis,
Speaking as a 59-year-old, It’s good to know that you consider 58 relatively young. It must be your world-class upbringing.
Does your tongue stick to a hot iron the way it does to a frozen lamp post? Maybe you should have included the “don’t try this at home” or “professional driver - closed course - do not attempt” warnings. I’d hate to see you face a McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit.
Thanks for the Father’s Day email. The Greeks don’t observe Father’s Day, or Mother’s Day either. Shame on them!