Coaching status unclear for Terps

The anticipated departure of Franklin would rid Anderson of his coach-in-waiting. Franklin was due $1 million from the university if he was not the head coach by 2012. But it also would create an immediate problem for Anderson, who must decide whether to extend the contract of head coach Ralph Friedgen, which runs through next year.

With Friedgen signed to an extension, the Terps could promise recruits a certain future. But what can Maryland say to potential recruits if Friedgen enters 2011 as a lame duck?

These are the questions Anderson has faced since Franklin, according to ESPN, informed school officials on Tuesday that he was set to take the Vanderbilt job.

Last night, however, Vanderbilt director of communications Rod Williamson said there were no plans for an announcement, and called reports of Franklin’s hire “premature.”

“The search is on-going,” he said via e-mail.

If Franklin leaves, Maryland will have to replace their most valued assistant, who filled three important roles. He was the Terps’ best recruiter. He called the offensive plays. And he mentored freshman quarterback Danny O’Brien, the ACC Rookie of the Year.

Finding one assistant to fill those roles as ably would be difficult.

If necessary, Friedgen can take over Franklin’s coordinator duties. Early in his Maryland tenure, which began in 2001, Friedgen was considered an innovative and creative play caller. In addition, he received high marks for his work with unheralded quarterbacks such as Scott McBrien, Shaun Hill and Sam Hollenbach.

The loss of Franklin would damage recruiting in the short term. Highly rated players on the fence, such as Gilman’s Darius Jennings, would be much more difficult to land. The Terps could also face de-commitments from the 20 players who have verbally agreed, but are not able to sign until early February.

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