Friday, December 10, 2010

Vanderbilt's Offer to Malzahn is Win/Win

Commodore Nation rejoiced last night as news broke of Vice Chancellor David Williams making Auburn Offensive Coordinator a 3 million dollar a year (reportedly 7 years, according to Mr.SEC.com) offer to be Vanderbilt's football savior. Malzahn, the nation's most coveted assistant, would make a big splash on the college football landscape, especially in light of Urban Meyer's resignation from the University of Florida on Wednesday and the dominoes that is likely to set in motion. But allow me to argue that even if Malzahn doesn't accept Vanderbilt's offer, this coaching search has been a success. Perhaps more importantly, a new era of Commodore football might be on the horizon.

The "second choice," Maryland's Offensive Coordinator and Coach-in-Waiting, James Franklin is a great option. Vanderbilt will be able to pay him handsomely (although most likely not 3 million), with money left over to build a staff, and upgrade facilities. How's that for commitment, Joe Biddle?

If Franklin is the guy, the Commodores will get a coach that the University of Maryland was so desperate to keep a few years ago, they were willing to lock him in as their head coach starting in 2012 or pay him a million dollars. The Terrapins success this season in the ACC, led by a freshman QB, combined with their current head coach Ralph Friedgen's reported desire to remain head coach beyond next season makes the Vanderbilt opening ideal for all parties. Franklin, a highly regarded offensive mind and recuiter, would bring creativity and aggressiveness to a Vanderbilt offense that has lacked both for some time. He would also become only the second African American head coach in the SEC (thanks for the correction, I forgot about Joker Phillips at UK). Before anyone accuses me of saying Franklin is a good hire because he's black, stop. That is not what I am saying. Franklin's reputation and coaching acumen speaks for itself. But it would be naive to think Vanderbilt might not benefit from an African-American head coach, especially given how few there are across Division I-FBS (14 of 119). Call me crazy, but I'll be happy with whomever is announced.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Joker Phillips is African American and the coach at Kentucky.

Seamus O'Toole said...

I am 100% in agreement with Bobby. We know Malzahn would be an unbelievable coup and a landmark hire for the program, but James Franklin would also be an outstanding choice. In addition to all that Bobby noted about his coaching abilities, Franklin happens to be a highly regarded RECRUITER, recognized by Rivals as one of the nation's top 25 coach-recruiters at least twice in the past several years.

Bobby O'Shea said...

My bad on Joker. In my zeal, I forgot to actually read the list I linked to. My post would have been way better if Seamus or Stanimal wrote it.

CAR said...

Why is Franklin a good hire? Maryland offense ranks 63rd in passing and 94th in rushing this year. Not exactly stellar numbers in a horrendous conference.

Anonymous said...

Franklin's offense put up moderate numbers in the ACC with weak opponents compared to SEC and none of the disadvantages that come with coaching at a top notch academic school. Those who would try and say Franklin is okay are deluding themselves.

VandyPhile said...

Not counting Sylvester Croom at Miss. State, either?

Stanimal said...

He's no longer the head coach there.