If the Vanderbilt administration were running the two-minute drill, it might take all game. Seriously, it’s been almost three weeks since the Commodores began their search for a new football coach. Even the candidates have lost interest.
Which brings us to Maryland assistant James Franklin. By the time you read this, he may well be Vanderbilt’s new coach.
But regardless of his status, Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson should act quickly and secure the services of coach Ralph Friedgen for another couple years. If Franklin stays and the Terps have to pay him an extra $1 million, so be it.
Despite sagging attendance, the Maryland football program is on the upswing. With freshman quarterback Danny O’Brien playing behind a young, growing offensive line, the pieces are in place for the Terps to thrive next year and beyond — with or without Franklin.
Is Anderson anxious to make a splashy hire at Maryland? Probably so. At Army, he had a sharp eye for talent, bringing in Rich Ellerson (football) and Zach Spiker (basketball), both improvements over their predecessors.
Anderson can’t be happy with the terrible attendance at Byrd Stadium in a turnaround season. He must be wondering what kind of buzz it would bring to hire a spread offense coach such as Mike Leach.
But there are limitations to the interest in college football in the D.C. area and to the recruiting reach of the program.
The seven bowl games Friedgen has delivered in 10 seasons are as good as Maryland can expect. It’s time to renew the coach and set the program’s course for the next few years.
