For full audio of the press conference, click here.
To watch the press conference video, click here.
University President Dr. Denise M. Trauth
“This is a transformational moment for Texas State University as we go to the top tier of intercollegiate athletics. I can’t say enough about our board of regents and the support that they have given us since we laid out this vision.”
“We knew that we needed a man with championship experience and a person with a winning record, but we also needed a person whose team would be successful in the classroom. I’m happy to say that we got all three.”
Chairman Charles Amato – Board of Regents
“The first hire going to the next level is going to be one of the most important decisions you’re going to make for some time to come. I can’t tell you how pleased we were when the rumors came out that [coach Franchione’s] name was a part of that.”
Athletic Director Dr. Larry Teis
“When we looked at all of the candidates and looked at the direction that this university wants to go, I think in the back of all of our minds we wanted someone who has been there. It’s easier to go where you’re going when you’ve been there before. Knowing that [coach Franchione] has been there before to the next level and been successful made him rise to the top.”
Football Head Coach Dennis Franchione
“For me and for (my wife) Kim and for our family, what was so exciting was when we heard the vision for the future of Texas State. It’s exciting to think about the things that it can accomplish. Throughout my entire coaching career, when I’ve been around visionary people, I’ve been invigorated and excited and enthused and passionate and ready to go. I know this is an unbelievable institution and there’s no limit to what it can accomplish academically, and I know there’s no limit to what we can accomplish athletically.”
“So many times, [my wife and I] have had a conversation and said that our time was too short in San Marcos. We loved the university, we loved our friends here and the community. It’s a special place, and it’s always been in our hearts.”
“I think we can be competitive in the Western Athletic Conference pretty quickly. We have one great thing going for us right here that gives us a chance to be competitive quickly, and it’s a fertile recruiting base.”
“My focus now is giving Texas State a good, solid foundation as we make this transition. We need to get ready to win the WAC, and we can do that here. I believe that, and that’s why I came.”
“This is my last job. I’m not going anywhere – this is it. I feel like this is a blessed place for me to culminate my career. I feel like I have one good run left in me.”
“I love rivalry games. The opportunity to have UT San Antonio starting football and us both joining the WAC – that fires me up. That’s exciting. I think with (head coach) Larry (Coker) and I it will always be a competitive, fun and hard-fought rivalry.”
