December 7, 2007

Coach Fran to get $4.4 million from A&M?

Texas A&M has approved a tiered buyout for former Aggies football coach Dennis Franchione that could pay him as much as $4.4 million over the next three years.

Under the terms of the agreement, Franchione will receive $1.7 million in 2008, $1.7 million in 2009, and $1 million in 2010. However, the buyout would be offset by his future salary if Coach Fran works in college, the NFL, or on TV.

"Coach Fran did a lot for this university, and I know it didn't work out the way we hoped it would," [A&M regent regent Erle] Nye said. "But he's a fine man. He put a lot of effort and energy into this, and therefore, we ought to be fair.

"I think the negotiation was fair. It gives him a chance to transition into his next job, and I'm sure he"ll do well. And I wish him well. I think he'll always have a welcome spot on this campus, and he'll be a part of Aggie lore."

Although Fran may have been entitled to as much as $8.5 million under the letter of his contract, this settlement seems to allow both parties to part ways and move on.

Posted by Kevin Donahue