I, like many others, was not satisfied how Vanderbilt conducted its search for a new head coach.  That is behind us.  I welcome Coach Franklin with confidence that those in charge made the best hire for the program and hope the rest of the community joins me. 

I can't help but be optimistic after seeing Coach Franklin's excitement after arriving in Nashville to accept the position.  We all know that this is not an easy job, but having a young and tireless coach who is focused on building his first program has to help.  The trend nationwide is to younger and younger coaches and Coach Franklin obviously fits that mold. 

Maryland, like Vanderbilt, has struggled to attain a consistent respectable status in its conference.  Coach Franklin in his short time there has established himself as on of the top recruiters in the nation and a cultivator of talent.  He also brings with him a background on the offensive side of the ball which I think all Vanderbilt fans can rejoice in after the past several seasons.

I wish Coach Franklin the best and intend to support him during this rebuilding process.

Lastly, I call on the university to put up or shut up.  Vanderbilt should strive for excellence in everything that is does.  This has obviously not been the case in regard to the football team in recent history.  To not do so, diminishes every aspect of the university.  No coach will be successful without the necessary resources to compete in the most competitive environment in college sports.  This most importantly includes allocating equivalent resources to assistant coaches and facilities which has not been the case in the past.