Fran Curci

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Fran Curci was the head football coach at the University of Kentucky from 1973 to 1981. During his tenure he compiled a 46-52-2 record. He also coached at the University of Miami from 1971 to 1972. He is known to have had one of the shortest fuses as a head coach. During a game against the University of Florida he went after Florida coach Doug Dickey.

At Kentucky, Curci led Kentucky to the Southeastern Conference championship in 1976 and 1977. The 1976 Wildcats finished 8-4, undefeated in conference play, and defeated North Carolina in the Peach Bowl 21-0, finishing ranked #18 in the final Associated Press poll. The 1977 Wildcats finished 10-1, including a win at #4 Penn State and an undefeated record in the SEC. The 1977 did not go to a bowl game due to NCAA sanctions, but finished the season ranked #6 in the final Associated Press poll.

Curci's tenure as Kentucky's coach ended after problems continued to erupt in the program, including NCAA sanctions that were imposed for recruiting violations. In his final game as Kentucky's coach, Curci led the Wildcats to a 21-10 victory over the University of Tennessee on November 21, 1981.

Curci later coached in arena football and did radio broadcasts for college football games.

After leaving coaching, Curci served as Parks Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. [1] [2]

Preceded by
John Ray
Kentucky Wildcats Football Coaches
1973–1981
Succeeded by
Jerry Claiborne
Preceded by
Walt Kichefski
Miami Hurricanes Football Coaches
1971–1972
Succeeded by
Pete Elliott

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