Longtime Bulldogs Coach Tony Franklin Retires

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After leading Louisiana Tech's football program to a winning season and bowl game victory, longtime head coach Tony Franklin has announced his retirement. Franklin's departure comes as the Bulldogs prepare to transition to the Sun Belt Conference in the coming years.

Why it matters

Franklin's retirement marks the end of an era for Louisiana Tech football. As the program enters a new chapter in the Sun Belt, his departure will likely trigger a staff shakeup and set the stage for a new coaching era in Ruston.

The details

Tony Franklin, who first served as Louisiana Tech's head coach from 2005-2008, returned to the program in 2018 and led the Bulldogs to a winning season and bowl game victory in 2025 before announcing his retirement. His departure will likely lead to changes across the coaching staff as the university looks to build a new program for the Sun Belt Conference.

• Tony Franklin first served as Louisiana Tech's head coach from 2005-2008.
• Franklin returned to the program as head coach in 2018.
• In 2025, Franklin led the Bulldogs to a winning season and bowl game victory.
• On February 8, 2026, Franklin announced his retirement.

What’s next

Louisiana Tech will now begin the process of searching for a new head coach to lead the program into the Sun Belt Conference era.