Dec. 17, 2010
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“The hiring of Coach Franklin represents a new day for Vanderbilt football. He has my full support and commitment that we will help him create an environment where the successes on the field equal the university’s extraordinary successes off the field. Coach Franklin will have an immediate and positive impact on our students, alumni, faculty, staff and broader Vanderbilt community, and I welcome him to Vanderbilt.”
– Nicholas S. Zeppos, Chancellor, Vanderbilt University
“Improving our football program is a high priority at Vanderbilt and the first step in the process was to identify just the right person to lead us. Our search was national and we talked to many, many candidates and experts in the college football arena. One name that quickly rose to the top of our list was James Franklin. We are thrilled that he has agreed to become our head coach.”
– David Williams II, Vice Chancellor, Vanderbilt University
“James did a very good job for us while he was here. I’m very happy that he’s gotten an opportunity to be a head coach. We wish him nothing but the best of luck at Vanderbilt.”
– Ralph Friedgen, Head Coach, University of Maryland
“James Franklin worked for me at the Green Bay Packers. I noticed early on that he always saw the big picture. He didn’t just coach his players on the field, but saw the need for them to be accountable off the field as well. He took an interest in every aspect of their lives and coached not just the player, but the person.
“Coach Franklin is a great hire for Vanderbilt University. He will fall in line with the value system of the university as to what they expect from their athletes in all areas, as well as being totally committed to winning football games. I have no doubt he will have great success in Nashville.”
– Mike Sherman, Head Coach, Texas A&M; former head coach, Green Bay Packers
“Coach Franklin and I worked together at Kansas State back in 2006. He is a first class coach, and a perfect fit for a university like Vanderbilt. He’s a tremendous motivator of men, and inspires character in each of his players. He works really hard to be the best that he can be as a coach, and has the toughness to build up a program in the SEC. He will no doubt be a great representative of Vanderbilt University.”
– Raheem Morris, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
“Coach Franklin is a terrific fit for Vanderbilt…an over achiever who maximizes every opportunity. He will bring with him a relentless work ethic and a staff that does the same. Working hard and working smart are his trademarks, along with expectations of academic excellence.”
– Debbie Yow, Director of Athletics, North Carolina State, formerly AD at Maryland
“I’ve had the chance to work closely with Coach Franklin and I can’t say enough good things about his approach, his work ethic, his passion for the game and his ability to teach the game. He’s a tireless recruiter and one of those coaches who can get the most out of his players and is excellent at making and maintaining relationships. He would be a great fit with Vanderbilt and an asset to the campus and football program both.”
– Darrell Bevell, Offensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
“Coach Franklin has a lot of energy, a lot of passion for the game, and obviously knew what he was doing. He cared about his players and was a great family guy. He was intense, but yet had fun and like I said, he had his passion for the game, his love for the game and a love for his players, and he cares about his players like family. I think he’ll do a good job and I think Vanderbilt will be pleased with the guy they got.”
– Jordy Nelson, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers, 2009 graduate of Kansas State University
