November 5, 2007
Reports: Texas A&M buying out Coach Fran
Reports out of College Station say that Texas A&M is in final negotiation to buy out the contract of football coach Dennis Franchione, with several sources saying that a deal is imminent and could be announced as soon as today.
Under the agreement, Franchione would receive a $1.9 million buyout as opposed to the $8.5 million his deal calls for after the school hired a private firm to investigate his VIP Connection email newsletter and found three breaches of contract.
ESPN is reporting that Texas A&M has hired renowned consultant Chuck Neinas to assist in the search for a new head football coach.
It's no secret that Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville is considered the #1 candidate to replace Franchione. Tuberville has said publicly that he would not comment on the rumors until after the Tigers season.
“We’re not going to get into that the next two weeks,” the ninth-year Auburn coach said.
Given that statement, I would say that Tuberville is signaling that he is interested and would consider the Aggies vacancy. Consider this....
During the last two weeks, Tuberville has not denied interest in the job. Following Auburn’s win over Ole Miss last week, he was asked about a story written by Sporting News national columnist Tom Dienhart.
“It’s part of the business. I’m used to dealing with it over the last 12 or 13 years, but I don’t get involved with it,” Tuberville said.
Dienhart cited “someone very close to the Texas A&M situation” in his column.
“The talk of Tubs to A&M has percolated for weeks,” Dienhart wrote in his column. “And, I’m telling you, people: It’s legit. Yeah, it’s time to panic, Auburn Nation.”
Tuberville has a $6 million buyout in his Auburn contract, although I don't expect that to be any obstacle to Texas A&M. The Aggies have one of the deepest booster programs in the country. Having served as an A&M assistant coach, I suspect Tuberville knows exactly what to expect in College Station, so if talks are/do get under way, I expect they would go quickly.
According to KBTX, Texas A&M officials are denying the buyout talks.
Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Alan Cannon tells News 3 Sports Director Darryl Bruffett that he has spoken with both Athletic Director Bill Byrne and Franchione, both of whom denied to Cannon the reports of buyout talks.
Two thoughts... either Texas A&M is not negotiating to buy out Coach Fran's contract, or they are... and they just don't want to talk about it.
At this point, where there's smoke, there's fire. Expect an announcement on Fran quickly. The odds are that it would come on Tuesday, so that AD Bill Bryne could address it right away in his weekly communication.
Once the ink is dry, I expect A&M will begin working within the system - with everything on the up & up - to ensure that Auburn's last game will be Tuberville's final game on the Plains.
Comments:
Lennie Collins
posted on November 5, 2007 6:15 PM — 67.67.197.165 — link — abuse?
said:
Hey OU Ron that is why I snapped on Ol' Tomcat when he made that comment about Texas could have easily been undefeated. They could have easily have lost against Nebraska and Oklahoma State if you wanna look at it from what ifs, doggone it!
posted on November 5, 2007 6:26 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?War Eagle Atlanta
said:
What does Texas A+M have to offer that Auburn doesn't? Nothing, besides possibly more money, and what good is more money if it takes you 3-5 years to get back to the national level that you were previously, if you ever do?
I've said it a million times. Tuberville has the right to walk away from Auburn without any criticism. Maybe Bobby Petrino can pull a Nick Saban, albeit a year early, and make the trek down I-85. The Falcons sans Vick definitely isn't what Petrino signed up for. Petrino is the man that Alabama should have hired.
Or I might consider Jim Leavitt from S. Florida. Maybe he's ready for the show now that the Bull's clock struck midnight...
posted on November 5, 2007 6:30 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
OU Ron, and Lennie: You two still have to admire the way Texas came back Saturday. I couldn't believe it, especially after all that clapping that Mack Brown was doing in the first half. Granted, I needed them to lose for us to move up.
Where is Tomcat anyway? He's conspicuously absent for the last week...
Lennie Collins
posted on November 5, 2007 6:35 PM — 67.67.197.165 — link — abuse? said:
Hey War Eagle Atlanta #6...I don't like Texas BUT I do give them credit because they do not quit! Even when they are getting their grills stomped in they don't quit! They can be losing by 28 points or more but don't stop!
OU-Ron
posted on November 5, 2007 6:42 PM — 72.198.24.199 — link — abuse? said:
@6 War Eagle, Yeah, it was a great comeback, but they better start playing 4 quarters. I don't care where Tex Tech and ATM is ranked, they play Texas as if they were all ranked the same, kinda like OU and Texas, throw all the stats out when these games are played.
On another point that you made about what ATM has that Auburn doesn't, I can't see anything unless they pay more money...
posted on November 5, 2007 7:00 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
I guess that Texas can't go to the B12 championship game unless Oklahoma drops 2 more conference games, so I guess that they're playing for pride and a good BCS bowl at this point.
I sure had them written off after the first quarter. Oh well. what a wild, wacky season it's been.
I'm guessing a Kansas/Oklahoma championship game. If Kansas wins that one, and beats Mizzou before, you must respect them. However, I think that Oklahoma takes care of them much like nature takes care of the weak and infirmed on the Serengeti plain...
OU-Ron
posted on November 5, 2007 7:18 PM — 72.198.24.199 — link — abuse? said:
War Eagle, What's really wild is that I have to pull for Texas to win out so OU will look better in the computer polls. I would really like to see Kansas beat Missouri and OU play Kansas(a no loss team hopefully) in the Big 12 Championship game, that is if OU can win out, we still have 3 games to play.....
Lennie Collins
posted on November 5, 2007 7:37 PM — 67.67.197.165 — link — abuse? said:
The news channels here in Austin confirmed that Dennis Franchione will hold a press conference tommorrow that he will NOT return as the Texas A&M coach next year. It is not known if he will coach the last two remaining games!
gatorhippy
posted on November 5, 2007 7:42 PM — 70.121.185.56 — link — abuse? said:
Possible replacements...
Terry Bowden?
Rich Rod?
Charlie Strong?
Jimbo Fisher?
Jim Leavitt?
Nick Saban?
Ok, that last one was a joke...
Nick is NOT going to be the next coach at aTm given he just took the Bama job and surely he'll say so...
But could you believe him?
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on November 5, 2007 8:52 PM — 143.127.131.4 — link — abuse?
#12: Gatorhippy...
Leavitt has had several offers to leave USF and has turned them all down thus far.
Terry Bowden has publicly stated he wants to get back into coaching, but I personally doubt Auburn would rehire him.
Jimbo Fisher will probably be the next HC at FSU, so he's probably off the market.
Rich Rod appears to be happy as-is.
Charlie Strong or Jon Tenuta seem like good choices for Auburn, though I would hate to lose them from my two favorite teams.
Tomcat said:
posted on November 5, 2007 11:12 PM — 69.150.79.102 — link — abuse?
#6 WareagleATL I'm back, been in the Alamo city all last week.#8 OU Ron I agree that most teams pull out all the stops and usually play their best against Texas.Leach & company The TTech Raiders will give the Horns D fits.Hopefully the Horns coaching staff has learned to dance with the one that brung ya.Stick to the running game early and open up the pass, control the time of possesion and keep Tech's offense off of the feild as much as possible.They will definetly have to improve on the turnover margin & special teams.On a positive note, at least the boys showed heart and played with determination.We all know that TTech is an explosive team that can score quickly,beating a team like TTech will be a challenge for a team that has had too many close ones.
Hookem-Horns
Adios Coach Fran- Told Yall { E-gate}
2-12 vs TTech, UT and OU
Bring back R.C.Slokum
Jackie Sherril or Gene Stallings
Na welcome Tommie Tubbervillegatorhippy
posted on November 6, 2007 8:16 AM — 70.121.185.56 — link — abuse? said:
K-Hue (#18):
I guess they could be, Kev...
Hinging on how Tubes finishes up...
If the Barn finishes strong, I would think Tubes would be welcomed to stay...
However, he could possibly be lured away...
I surely wouldn't have much loyalty after the little stunt they pulled a couple years back with him if it was me...
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on November 6, 2007 8:22 AM — 74.185.133.40 — link — abuse?
#16: Hip, I'm with Kevin on this. Sounds like A&M wants Tubs and he hasn't forgiven Auburn for the Petrino fiasco. My wife is an A&M alum so I get some background information on what's happening in College Station. I know I'm thinking a step ahead now, but it seems to me like Tommy is on his way to A&M and Auburn will have a vacancy to fill.
gatorhippy
posted on November 6, 2007 8:28 AM — 70.121.185.56 — link — abuse? said:
Donny and RG:
My only problem with this theory would be that Tommy stands a MUCh better chance of getting the recruits needed to be competitive for a MNC at the Barn...
However...
I can see where with the Academic fraud accusations flying at the Barn and the easier road to hoe competitvely in the B-12 coupled with a large wad of cash thrown at him bt aTm could be enticing...
posted on November 6, 2007 9:44 AM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
There's little doubt that Tuberville will be offered junior varsity Saban money after this season regardless of the outcome of the Georgia and Auburn games.
Nobody likes my Petrino scenario?
Welcome back Tomcat. I once spent 6 weeks in San Antonio--in a prison called Lackland AFB...
FanoftheGame said:
posted on November 6, 2007 4:07 PM — 198.211.223.194 — link — abuse?
"..several sources saying that a deal is imminent and could be announced as soon as today. "
Heck, it could've been announced a month ago, but I don't think A&M will announce anything until after the Texas game. I think the $1.9 million buyout is a hell of a steal, when the other option is keeping him for $2 million a year.
In regards to finding a new head coach, I think thats already happened. I would be very suprised to see someone other than Tuberville leading the Aggies next season.Bleed Crimson
posted on November 6, 2007 6:51 PM — 130.160.147.104 — link — abuse? said:
remember that forum not too long ago about why tuberville will be leaving?
Nick Saban.
why would he ever want to stay and compete with nick in the same freakin state?
he's already losing the recruiting battle, and with a loss in the iron bowl this year, you can go ahead and stick a fork in auburn football until nick saban leaves.
nobody in the country could win an intrastate battle against nick saban. espescially when he's at the flagship program in the state.
it would be like steve spurrier going to coach at michigan. who in the world would wanna coach michigan state? nobody.all of this being said, i think tuberville is a great coach, and if he leaves the plains, auburn's short-lived glory years are officially over.
Tuberville will have great success at a&mAuburn, last time i checked, a man by the name of Mike Shula is looking for employment. maybe he ought to be considered?
hahahahaha.
war eagle?sorry this post was so ruthless, but i just couldnt resist.
ROLL TIDE!Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 6, 2007 9:05 PM — 75.120.246.143 — link — abuse?
# 5 - "I've said it a million times. Tuberville has the right to walk away from Auburn without any criticism." SAY WHAT?
Tubby has a contract. He needs to stay and honor it to the letter and then leave. If he promised to stay for a certain number of years and leaves before that time, he is a liar. You don't want him to be put in the class with Saban.
Let him honor his commitment to Auburn FIRST and then leave if he wants to. If he leaves BEFORE that time, you have NO right to say anything else about Saban.
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 6, 2007 9:34 PM — 75.120.246.143 — link — abuse?
This is from auburntigers.com . Does this sound like a coach who might be leaving?
(Has it been a challenge this week to keep rumors about other jobs from distracting the team?
"No, there's no challenge in that. Every year, for some reason, my name gets thrown in for a lot of them, and that's just part of it. After we started 1-2 I thought I was going to have to take a job at the end of the year one way or the other. As I told our players, that's the least of our worries. They work very hard. The players, the coaches and the fans look forward to these two games, and we're not going to ruin it by discussing any of that kind of stuff, because anything that I say is going to be looked at, turned around and flipped around, and it doesn't make any difference. We'll sit down as I do every year with the President and Jay (Jacobs) at the end of the year, and we'll go from there.")
TE
posted on November 6, 2007 9:53 PM — 70.180.45.10 — link — abuse? said:
Sweet Home Alabama,
First and foremost, what are you guys doing talking about how you can "stick a fork in Auburn" and talking like an Iron Bowl win is a foregone conclusion for you guys?
Auburn's defense is every bit as tough as ours...though we did rack up 498 on it...
I doubt you all will have much success vertically, as Quentin Groves is going to run wild on you if our defensive ends did likewise. Their rush defense is also impressive, as well. I'd say you guys need to worry about MSU before taking so much for granted...
Oh, and while I'm on the subject of 'Bama...How in the WORLD can any Bama fan talk about coaching comments regarding job openings after the bullshit their state's collective mancrush spewed at the national media before becoming the biggest liar in Professional Sports?
Seriously...You guys are talking about Tuberville being cagey? After what Nick Saban said? Your coach isn't exactly some beacon of truth is a tangled web of lying college football head coaches...
Tuberville might've talked about Pine Boxes, but nobody stooped lower than Nick Saban on that note...
Any wonder they have the same agent? No wonder they've struck the same tune a time or two before...
Bleed Crimson
posted on November 6, 2007 10:18 PM — 130.160.147.104 — link — abuse? said:
TE:
what in the world provoked that post?i said that IF bama wins the iron bowl this year, you can put a fork in auburn until nick saban leaves.
i wont even comment on the rest of your post, seeing as how youre beating a mutilated horse.
T-Mac
posted on November 6, 2007 10:48 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse? said:
Bleed Crimson, don't even trip on what TE has to say at this point brother.
He's pissed off that the Bama/LSU game went the way that it did.
Bama took the #2 team in the nation with arguably the best defense in all of CFB right down to the wire.
And...
TE is pissed off about it.
It happens.
TE, talked SMACK like crazy leading up to that game and NONE of what he said happened!
BC, that's all it is.
TE, at least have the BALLS to be gracious in victory.
TE, after all, you did win brother!!
Yeah, we all saw the game and it wasn't the slaughter that you said it was gonna be!
TE, rejoice brother.
LSU won the game man.
Hell, you would think LSU lost the way you still have a HARD-ON for Coach Saban!
TE, we all know you have a HUGE MAN-CRUSH on Coach Saban!!
TE, try and keep it discreet bro.
It has gotten very funny at this point!!!!!!
T-Mac needs to stir the pasta sauce.
*T-Mac approved this message.
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 6, 2007 10:50 PM — 75.120.246.143 — link — abuse?
Bleed Crimson, I would say just ignore # 28. This guy ain't right. First of all he can't have read a post. He reads every comment the wrong way. Then he comments accordingly. I was simply making a joke about the Tuberville/Saban thing and he got all bent out of shape. He and War Eagle Atlanta scratch each other's butts a lot.
No matter which Bama fan makes a post, he lumps us all together as if we each speak for each other. He may feel that way because there are so few LSU fans on this forum and he is often the only voice. Last week some of the Bama hating Auburn fans joined him. Now he is all alone because they are focused on Georgia.
He's one of those ignorant fans who thinks that Saban did LSU wrong. Spurrier also left the SEC went to the NFL and came back to the SEC to coach at another school. You never hear Florida fans whining about that. Only at LSU. I hope that someday they can get over it. I look for their hatred toward Saban to intensify when Miles leaves to coach at Michigan. Eventually it will die down again and people like him will get tired of hating Alabama.
Maybe he's jealous that we can afford to pay out $4 mil and they can only afford $1.7 mil.
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 6, 2007 11:10 PM — 75.120.246.143 — link — abuse?
Yeah T-Mac, Alabama still had a chance to score again until the last 44 seconds. I think that TE was scared out of his ever lovin mind. You are right. He is angry that LSU didn't live up to his hype.
I admitted that LSU was the better team but that's not good enough for him. He wants everyone who has been beaten by LSU to give up all loyality to their teams and hang their heads in same.
I would have been embarrased if they had beaten us like they did VT. As it is, this will serve as a moral booster and a great recruiting tool for Saban. Only those who are blinded by hatred can't see or admit that Saban already has a well disciplined team and the future looks very bright. I could go on and on singing the praises because this is the first time that I've had real hope since Stallings left.
BTW, in 1992 when Bama rolled through Baton Rouge on the way to a national championship, we beat LSU 3114. Im not real good with math but thats a worse beat down than 4134, is it not?
Roll Tide
Tomcat said:
posted on November 7, 2007 12:39 AM — 69.150.79.102 — link — abuse?
Hey T-Mac Your right dude some folks cant see the forest for the trees or their veiws and opinions are somewhat distorted by obvious past experiences.Right now he loves Miles a couple of years ago it was Saban.Next year after Miles leaves he can hate him and love somebody else, because we all know that the Tigers coach is the best-ya right whatever.LSU #2 ? ya right in your dreams- they aint that good I've watched yalls games- couldnt even beat the Wildcats and 4 near misses- just one trick play away from another loss and that end zone pass was another lucky break for the Tigers
#26 is purty funny-
Does anybody else see the Texas A&M and SEC
head coaching connection
Bryant
Bellard
Stallings
Sherril
Francione
Now Tuberville
Seems years ago they would start at A&M then go to the SEC now its turned around the other way
Hookem-Horns
TE
posted on November 7, 2007 10:21 AM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
T-Mac,
Where was that Terry Grant talk again? Was I the one saying if he gets to the edge to watch out? Yeah...Remember that one?
We GAVE you 14 points, T-Mac...that's no lie...Your vaunted offense got handed the game, and you choked...Pure & simple. Say what you want about LSU, but you didn't win the football game, did you?
Have you figured out by now I predict blowouts for every LSU game yet? Kind of a one trick pony when it comes to prognostications...
Oh, and Bleed Crimson...You were joking? Well, I was merely pointing out the truth in reference to your jest...if you can't take the heat, or admit the truth about your coach, the kitchen may be a tad too warm for you here at Fanblogs...
As for the cracks about what we can afford...Surely, you jest...You guys were paying six figures when LSU made Nick Saban the 1.2 million dollar man...We SET THE BAR. We started the arms race in that respect...and once again, you know not of what you speak...Miles has escalator clauses, as well as a 600K discretionary fund for every year he's at LSU, which grows with each season...Same sort've thing Saban had when he was here, as well...But, don't let that get in the way of your rant...
What I get such a kick out of is that I defend my team...I take up for them...and you guys cry and whine when I do...There's half a dozen or so of you here, and yet, you guys always whine about the big, bad TE...
I mean...In all honesty, I don't mind coach Saban. As a matter of fact, I'll always be a fan of what he did...and how he did it. I'm not sure he's the right guy for you all, but that's neither here, nor there. I do have a mancrush on Nick Saban, but, not nearly as big of one as I have on Les Miles.
That's because Nick Saban is a builder. He creates programs. He built us out of the ruins we were admittedly in. He showed us the potential that we all knew was there. He brought it out. But, what remains-and will always remain-to be seen is whether or not Saban could have maintained and ridden the dragon he conjured up. Could he manage the 400 pound gorilla?
That is Saban's next challenge, if you ask me. He'll improve things, but will he sustain the improvement? You guys will be the guinea pig. If he does, then bully for you. If not, then you guys will go out and hire a guy like Les Miles...Whose never shown the ability to do what Saban did from scratch, but has shown a great ability to maintain and add to the foundation once laid...
You guys need to lighten up, or face facts...maybe both...
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 7, 2007 11:41 AM — 75.120.246.143 — link — abuse?
T-Mac, I cant believe that this clown is taking you to task about Terry Grant comments when he made these ridiculous statements.
We're going to demoralize you. At home. In front of your fans. In front of your coach. In front of the nation. You've played exactly what you are...No one...
The Truth is that you are not a good football team. The nosedive starts at 4pm, Central Standard, T-Mac...
You guys are going to get treated like gatorhippy's drunk prom date on Saturday...Very disrespectfully...
Your field of Dreams will be turned into a River of Tears Saturday...The carnage starts at 4pm...
But, again...LSU by 14+...BOOK IT!Newsflash, Bama Fans...THE BAYUUUR IS DEAD...and on Saturday, WE'RE GOING TO BURY THE REST OF YOU, TOO!
To paraphrase the famous words of Doctor Emmett Brown on Back to the Future, Part I...Where Bama's going, we won't need referees...
They'll need a blood bank...Personal note here: I saw more LSU players lying face down than I did BAMA players.
TE
posted on November 7, 2007 12:05 PM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
Sweet Home Alabama,
I thought that was a pretty good reply talking about the future of Saban at your school, and also dealing with the fact that I don't terribly dislike the guy, and respect and appreciate what he did at our school.
Are you still cycling, Crimson (pardon the pun)?
Or would you like to return to a semi-civil discussion? I'd like to think I brought things right back to normal with VT fans, Florida fans, South Carolina fans, Auburn fans, and I never let things get off kilter with Big Tide and Rammer...
Please...accept my humble apologies for a less than blowout win in light of my prognostications...Please take our victory as a mea culpa...Forgive my team's success on the field Saturday for not being "good enough" to back up my boasts.
I'm not sure what I'll do if you don't. Perhaps...Yeas, that's it...I'll just cry into my victory pillow...While you drool the drool of regret...Into the pillow of sorrow...
C'mon man...Get over it! I dislike opposing SEC fans for exactly a week or two every year...and then, they're just friendly fans of fellow competitors...
We all know my predictions are typically outlandish...Where's the newsflash there? But, if you're going to point them out, then please deal with your own misreading of the tea leaves, as well...
Tell you what...I'll keep quiet about Bama, the game, and the whole 9...you just let me know when you'll get over the loss, and be able to talk to me in a sane manner...or, as close to sane as anyone has to get to talk to me here...
TampaGator said:
posted on November 7, 2007 2:44 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Tomcat/#33:
Excellent observation; I hadn't noticed the trend either way--very interesting....maybe aTm should be in the SEC.
b/t/w: have you noticed the NFL-SEC coaching connection?
...how about the National Championships-SEC coaching connection?
GO GATORS!!
posted on November 7, 2007 3:25 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Tomcat does have that keen off-the-beaten-path analysis going on, doesn't he?
Of course you could argue that since Tuberville is an Arkansas boy, everything he ever aspires to is located in the Lone Star State.
Being Texas-born, I can say that!
posted on November 7, 2007 3:40 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Sweet Home: I cannot believe that you actually just bragged about the obscene money that Bama pays Saban (#31) Granted, I am willing to give you 3-4 years to find out if it's a boast worth making. Woe be on to you if it turns out not to be. The whole college football world will blame Alabama for the hyper-inflated coaching salaries they're now being forced to pay.
You're just mad that someone else used your old tired line, "Tuberville will leave in a pine box." Do me a favor. Quit retorting with that trite phrase when a LSU fan gives you crap about Saban's arrival in T-town. Very few Auburn people spit out the "Nick lied" line. I've never said it.
Where'd TE go? I gotta go scratch his ass. Hey, where is Rammer? I haven't seen his new moniker. He better not be welshing...
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 7, 2007 9:35 PM — 75.120.246.143 — link — abuse?
# 37 and # 40 I was addressing T-Mac and neither of you. Get on with your programs and concern yourself with upcoming games for your teams.
In post # 34 the first sentence starts running down Terry Grant.The two of you are unbelievable. I am as loyal to Bama as you two are to LSU and Auburn.
When I post to you I expect you to respond any way that you choose. I will do the same. You are the only two on this forum who know more than God about football and you constantly want to remind everyone of that.
posted on November 8, 2007 5:19 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
SHA: True, but you have to admit that I'm one third less obnoxious than TE...
I don't know much about football. I am, however, a good arguer. TE's the only one that knows more about LSU football than God. That's only because God is a Notre Dame fan.
Sweet Home: Did you go to school at UAT? Just curious...
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
FromVT said:
posted on November 5, 2007 5:34 PM — 76.30.254.215 — link — abuse?IMO, getting rid of this guy is good for A&M. I have more friends that are A&M alumni than any other school, so I hear plenty about them for the last 15 years. Knowing what I know about A&M this guy has been nothing but bad for their program. Even when they were not a great team thew were known as the "wrecking Crew" for their tough defense, coach Fran lost that whole tradition.
I am not an A&M fan at all, but it was sad to see this guy dismantle the tradition of great defense at this school. A&M is a great place to visit for a college football game, great and courteous fans, hopefully the next coach brings them back to a respectable team. See ya coach slime.