Franchione throws own hat into UNLV mix

Dennis Franchione has already been a big part of turning around two Western Athletic Conference-turned-Mountain West Conference football programs.

Now the well-traveled coach may be looking to hit the MWC trifecta.

According to Steve Guiremand of Rebel Nation.com, Franchione has “inquired” about the head-coaching vacancy at UNLV. It’s unclear if or even when Franchione would interview for the opening created by the firing of Mike Sanford earlier this week.

There are two very good reasons for the Rebels to seriously consider the former Alabama and Texas A&M coach.

One, he turned around two WAC schools in the 1990’s that went on to become MWC schools -- New Mexico first, then TCU at the end of the decade before handing the reigns over to current coach Gary Patterson and heading for Tuscaloosa. Given that resume’ of building mid-level programs, Franchione might be the perfect hire.

As if the first reason wasn’t enough, the second would be some serious icing in this economic climate.

Here’s the kicker: Franchione, who beat arch-rival Texas in each of his last two seasons, received a $4.4 million buyout that still pays him $1 million in 2010 ... minus what he earns in another job.

So not only could the Rebels land a master-rebuilder, the first year’s salary, much like head basketball coach Lon Kruger’s buyout package with the Atlanta Hawks, would be mostly covered by Texas A&M.

Based on the case laid out by Guiremand, it would seem that it shouldn’t take long before a press conference will be held announcing Franchione as the Rebels’ next head coach. Unless a better offer comes in during the meantime, of course