Strong Almost Landed Minnesota; Fran Wants Back In

Gophers athletics director Joel Maturi confirmed Tuesday that he had final interviews with just two football coaches before he hired Tim Brewster two years ago. The other was Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong. “I call coaches that I know and respect, I call athletic directors I know and respect, I call commissioners I know and respect,” Maturi said of his search. “Obviously some call me with recommendations, and that’s how I heard about Tim Brewster. “I had never known Tim Brewster’s name, I had no clue who he was, and when somebody mentioned his name to me, I still didn’t know who he was. But he was on a list of, I don’t know, 75 names.” – Pioneer Press

“Coach Fran” could be a wild card in the coaching carousel. He has been a builder of programs, excelling at being able to identify what’s wrong, what needs to be fixed, what can be fixed and how to fix it. And Dennis Franchione, 57, has done it at nearly every level, enjoying success at places ranging from Division II Pittsburg (Kan.) State to Alabama. Add it all up, he has a 187-101-2 record in 23 years as a coach, helping lead teams to eight bowls and eight league titles. “If I can go back and coach again, I don’t know that level is a concern to me,” Franchione says. “I have been full cycle. I’ve been there and done that. I’m open to about any level if it’s a good fit and my family would be happy. And I may have an opportunity to hire my son (Brad). He has earned his spurs. He won the national championship two years ago at Blinn (Texas junior college) and has a good team this year.” – Rivals.com