Vanderbilt passes on Franklin, sources say

Terrapin football offensive coordinator James Franklin reportedly has not been offered the Vanderbilt head coaching position, maintaining his coach-in-waiting status in a Terp program that has invested significantly in his future.

Franklin emerged as a candidate for the Commodores' vacant coaching position last week, quickly becoming one of the top choices to replace former coach Robbie Caldwell. But according to a report Sunday afternoon by The Washington Post, Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn accepted Vanderbilt's offer to become the team's new coach.

Other news sources reported that Malzahn had not yet accepted the position but is still considering it.

Franklin, who was named the Terps' coach-in-waiting in February 2009, was the Commodores' second choice for the job, according to The Post. Other candidates, including Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo, were reportedly in the running for the position.

Several factors made his departure to the Southeastern Conference program a possibility. Athletics Director Kevin Anderson, who has expressed reservations about the concept of a coach-in-waiting, recently announced that coach Ralph Friedgen would return for the 2011 season. Friedgen also has indicated he would like to continue coaching beyond next year, and Franklin is owed $1 million if he does not take over as coach by January 2012.

The development lends stability in both recruiting and player development for the Terps. Considered a rising star in the collegiate coaching ranks, Franklin was named a Rivals.com top-25 recruiter for the 2010 class, managing to ink a solid recruiting class this February despite the team's 2-10 record last season.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Danny O'Brien, the ACC Rookie of Year, was recruited by Franklin in high school and excelled this season in the Terps' offense, which finished No. 42 nationally in scoring.

"He's made me the player I am today," O'Brien said. "I don't know how to really say it, but he's been a huge, key component for me being successful here because he took me under his wing from day one, and we've gone from there. So I give 100 percent of the credit to him."

O'Brien acknowledged Saturday the team had discussed Franklin's situation, but he insisted it is not a distraction as the Terps prepare for their matchup against East Carolina in the Military Bowl on Dec. 29.

"He keeps us up to date on what his situation is — we're really close," O'Brien said. "He's a big reason why I came here. My focus right now is on beating ECU, and I know his is, too, so that's really all we've talked about at length. So until anything changes, that's all you can focus on."

schneider at umdbk dot com