Maryland assistant James Franklin will succeed coach Ralph Friedgen when the latter retires.
Smart move.
The Terps are calling a presser today to announce the succession plan. Why do it? First, it keeps a very promising assistant coach from taking a job elsewhere. Second, it gives fans unhappy with Ralph something to look forward to in three years or sooner. Third, and most importantly, it keeps recruits from fearing to sign with Maryland thinking Friedgen will be gone while they’re still at the school. Who wants to sign when Coach X is looming. Maybe they won’t like Coach X. This way, they know what’s coming after Ralph. It only improving recruiting.
Is Franklin the right choice? Actually, I wrote in the Washington Examiner last August that Franklin would be the successor and I think he’s a good choice. Long ties to the program. Young, energetic. Good guy.
Yeah, I can get behind this.
And why would they do this on a Friday when all news is usually overlooked (which is why many people are layed off on a Friday afternoon)? Maybe to get the stink off the program from the PR debacle with Gary Williams and Debbie Yow.
