The University of Maryland's decision to bring coach Ralph Friedgen back for next season was awkward news for offensive coordinator James Franklin, because Franklin has a clause in his contract that guarantees him a $1 million bonus if he is not the head coach by 2012. In response, it appears Franklin may potentially be elsewhere next season. He's reportedly one of two finalists for the head coaching job at Vanderbilt, according to Eric Prisbell of the Washington Post.
James Franklin, Maryland's offensive coordinator and head coach in waiting, has emerged as one of two finalists for the head coaching job at Vanderbilt, a source familiar with the details of the search said Wednesday.
Stanford offensive coordinator Greg Roman is believed to be the other finalist.
Vanderbilt's job is open because Robbie Caldwell resigned after a 2-10 season in his first year on the job. They are not historically a strong program, but it is SEC football and it is a head coaching job.
Franklin still has one more year left before that bonus would kick in, but Friedgen has said several times that he would like a long-term extension with the team. This means Franklin would ultimately be an expensive offensive coordinator, which is significant for a program like Maryland's that doesn't have the deep pockets of most schools.