Franklin to succeed Friedgen at Maryland

Posted: Fri Feb 6 5:43 PM

College Park, MD (Sports Network) - The University of Maryland has decided that offensive coordinator James Franklin will be the eventual successor to Ralph Friedgen as the Terps' head football coach.

No timetable was given for the anticipated move.

"James [Franklin] has been a very valuable asset to our program," Friedgen said. "This hopefully ensures his longevity at Maryland...This will help us have a smoother transition when I decide to leave. From a recruiting and staffing standpoint this makes a lot of sense."

Friedgen, a 1970 Maryland alum, has been the head coach of his alma mater for the past eight years and has produced a record of 64-36. The Terrapins finished the 2008 campaign with a mark of 8-5, including a Humanitarian Bowl win over Nevada.

Franklin has been a part of the Maryland staff for six seasons. He was the wide receivers coach from 2000 through 2004, then spent one year as wide receivers coach for the NFL's Green Bay Packers and two years at Kansas State as offensive coordinator.

Upon his return to College Park, Franklin was put in charge of the offense and quarterbacks. He was also given the title of assistant head coach.

"James Franklin is a winner in every sense of the word," director of athletics Deborah A. Yow said. "He has great organizational skills, outstanding integrity and an outstanding work ethic. He is smart, has a strong commitment to excellence and is a relentless recruiter -- known widely as one of the top recruiters in the nation."

Franklin has also been an assistant with Idaho State, Washington State and James Madison.