Reversing Field: Franklin Back In Picture At Vanderbilt

According to the Washington Post, James Franklin, Maryland’s offensive coordinator and head coach-in-waiting, is expected to become the next head football coach at Vanderbilt after Vanderbilt's top choice, Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, withdrew from negotiations.


Contract details are being negotiated today, and barring an unforeseen road block, Franklin could be announced as Vanderbilt’s head coach today or tomorrow. Vanderbilt officials reached out to Franklin and individuals close to Franklin beginning Monday night, hours
Franklin has had two in-person interviews with Vanderbilt officials and emerged as a finalist last week.

It remains to be seen whether Kevin Anderson, Maryland's first-year athletic director, will make a last-ditch effort to entice Franklin to stay. Auburn reportedly more than doubled Malzahn's salary, making him the highest-paid assistant in the Southeastern Conference. 
If Franklin remains at Maryland, he is owed $1 million if he is not named the Terrapins' head coach by January 2012.