Vanderbilt will be making several upgrades to their football program over the next few years as they try to step up from being the proverbial doormat of the SEC.
Based on a press conference today with coach James Franklin and Vice Chancellor David Williams, they have a good chance to be competitive in not-too-distant future. After going 6-6 in his first year, Franklin has been awarded a new contract, the details of which haven’t been released
“We have torn up the contract for James Franklin and rewarded him a new contract,” Williams said.
Williams told the Nashville Tennessean just a few days ago that Franklin was in line for a new contract.
Additionally, Vanderbilt is upgrading their facilities to include new lighting and turf installation to Vanderbilt Stadium. The school is also working on the construction of a new indoor practice facility that Williams hopes will be completed by 2014 -- perhaps sooner.
The philosophy? Don’t worry about the price tag.
“We’re going to build the damn thing.” Williams said. “Whatever it costs.”
Williams added that there are lead donors for the project, but the recruiting process for more donations has begun.
The Commodores are on a four-game turnaround from a 2-10 season a year ago. With a bowl win -- early signs point to the Liberty Bowl -- Vandy will tie the best record at the school since 1982. It would also mark just the seventh time since 1951 the program had won at least seven games in a single season.
Some coaches say success is about “the Jimmy’s and the Joe’s”, but it takes two things to get ‘em there: good coaches and good facilities. Vanderbilt is clearly dedicated to both. They have to be if they’re going to have any success in a conference as competitive as the SEC.
“By no means have we arrived,” Franklin said. “This is a positive step in the right direction.”
(Quotes courtesy of Jeff Lockridge of the Tennessean)