Francis attended Southern Methodist University, playing on the men's soccer team from 1983 to 1987.
In 1988, Francis signed with the Orlando Lions of the American Soccer League, remaining with them through the 1989 season.
In 1990, he then moved to the Richardson Rockets for the SISL summer indoor soccer season.
In 1995, Francis moved again, this time to the Mesquite Kickers for the USISL Indoor season before finishing his playing career with the Mobile Revellers.
By 1998, he had built the Jaguars into a 13–5 team, being named the Big South Conference Coach of the Year.