Vanderbilt hires Franklin as new football coach

Published Dec. 17, 2010 10:48 a.m. EST

foxsports

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Vanderbilt has hired Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin as the Commodores' new football coach, their third this year.

Team spokesman Larry Leathers announced the hire Friday.

Franklin replaces Robbie Caldwell, who resigned Nov. 27. Caldwell took over July 14 when Bobby Johnson unexpectedly retired.

This will be the first head coaching job for Franklin, who turns 39 in February. He also will be the first black coach of any major sport at Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt is coming off consecutive 2-10 seasons. The Commodores went 7-6 in 2008 for their first winning season since 1982.