It can be said that James Franklin made Vanderbilt football what it is today (at least in the modern era, that seems pretty indisputable), but it can also be said that Vanderbilt made James Franklin, head football coach. Led by athletics director David Williams, the Commodores hired the 38-year-old first-time head coach, even when a school that named him head coach-in-waiting (Maryland) would not.
It was a mutually beneficial relationship, is what we're saying. And now, like most relationships, it's over - but Franklin has taken a moment of reflection.
Appearing in today's version of the (Nashville) Tennesseean is this ad, paid for by former Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin.