NASHVILLE – Vanderbilt confirmed Friday that it hired Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin as the Commodores’ new football coach, their third this year.
“Improving our football program is a high priority at Vanderbilt and the first step in the process was to identify just the right person to lead us,” Vanderbilt vice chancellor David Williams said in a statement. “Our search was national and we talked to many, many candidates and experts in the college football arena. One name that quickly rose to the top of our list was James Franklin. We are thrilled that he has agreed to become our head coach.”
Franklin was scheduled to be introduced at Vanderbilt at a 1 p.m. CST press conference.
He replaces Robbie Caldwell, who resigned Nov. 27. Caldwell took over July 14 when Bobby Johnson unexpectedly retired.
This will be the first head coaching job for Franklin, who turns 39 in February. He also will be the first black coach of any major sport at Vanderbilt.