Bobby Johnson Retires As Vanderbilt Head Coach

Vanderbilt head football coach Bobby Johnson is retiring effective the end of July.

"After much thought and consideration with everyone involved I will be retiring from college coaching. I will not coach in 2010 season." Johnson said at a news conference.

"I'm retiring for personal reasons and Vanderbilt has been special in my life."

Assistant head coach/offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell was named interim head coach. There was speculation that Johnson was stepping down for health reasons. That is not the case, instead, Johnson is ready to move on to another phase in his life.

"Football is not life but it’s a way of life." Johnson said. "It consumes your life. Some guys will coach one foot in the coffin. I want to do some other things."

Johnson said just had the best recruiting class since he's been at Vanderbilt coming in and feels his leaving the program in good hands.

There is no forced resignation or clashing with his boss, Vice Chancellor David Williams. Bobby Johnson just realized that he finished with the coaching profession and wants to pursue other interests. Johnson had had enough of the late nights in the office trying to stop Florida's offense or finding ways to attack Alabama's defense.

It didn't help matters that Johnson coached at the SEC's ultimate homecoming opponent however during his tenure with Vandy the Commodores were not an automatic "W" in the SEC.

After eight years of living in the SEC football culture Johnson has had enough. It's time to slow down spend some time with his wife Catherine and enjoy some extended down time.

Judging from his press conference, Johnson is at total peace with his decision.

Photo Courtesy: The Tennessean

Here's his opening statement, thanks to our friends at WTVF-TV/Newschannel5

Developing Story: Bobby Johnson To Resign At Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University has confirmed that head football coach Bobby Johnson is leaving. Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor David Williams said that Johnson is retiring as the Commodores head coach.

During Johnson's eight season he had compiled a 29-66 record at Vandy including in 2008 leading the Commodores to their first winning season since 1982 and first bowl win since 1955.

A press conference is scheduled for 1:00 pm central at Vanderbilt University. According to Vanderbilt Media Relations the press conference will deal with the football program.

More when we know more.

Photo Courtesy: VandyMedia.com

Memorial Held For Rajaan Bennett

((HT: MyFoxAtlanta.com))

McEachern High School ((GA)) held a memorial service Wednesday for running back Rajaan Bennett.

One of the state's top high school recruits at running back, Bennett was headed for Vanderbilt University when he was found dead at his family's home back on the 18th after officers responded to a 911 call. They arrived around 2:30 in the morning and heard at least four gun shots come from the inside. Powder Springs ((GA)) Major Charles Spann said 39-year-old Clifton Steger shot Bennett and then killed himself.

Steger has been identified now as Bennett's mother, Narjaketha's, ex-boyfriend. Police say that Steger held Bennett, his mother, and other relatives hostages in the house, but started shooting when his mother escaped.

Bennett's funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Trinity Church Chapel of Georgia in Powder Springs.

Here's how WAGA-TV reported the memorial
Julia Harding was at the high school...


The HQ knows people inside the McEachern Community- both inside and alums. We have talked to them and shared just how absolutely senseless this act was by a cowardly man.

They're understandably heart-broken, knowing that Bennett had his head screwed on straight and was headed to better things. His father was killed when Rajaan was 11, and he has a brother who is autistic, so Bennett had to get his priorities in place at an early age.

Head coach Kyle Hockman has let the HQ know that a fund has been set up by the high school to help defray some of the costs of taking care of all that's is going on...

Send a check to:
McEachern Endowment Fund
c/o Bennett Memorial
McEachern High School
2400 New Macland Road
Powder Springs, GA 30101

SEC Media Days 2 The Bobby Johnson Presser

Since we all thoroughly enjoyed the interview with D.J. Williams, we thought we would continue giving you the latest..and the greatest from here at the Wynfrey Hotel.

Up next, Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson, fresh from his most successful season ever at Vandy and he's "Darn" excited about starting this one.

Candidates For Clemson Head Coaching Job

Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips has a decision to make, who will be the Tigers next head football coach. Phillips has hired 2 head football coaches in his A.D. career, both at Oklahoma State. His first was Les Miles who didn't do a bad job with the Cowboys but not anywhere near the success he's had at LSU. Actually, Dirk Koetter was the first choice but turned it down, then Phillips went to his plan B, Les Miles. The other was current head football coach Mike Gundy whose doing a great job now in Stillwater.

Here are some names that Clemson might consider:

Will Muschamp – Texas Defensive Coordinator: Muschamp might be a good fit. He is definitely charismatic and has been a hot coaching commodity of late. Tommy Bowden wanted to hire Muschamp as his defensive coordinator 3-plus years ago but he turned down the opportunity. Maybe the head coaching job would be more to his liking.

Gary Patterson – TCU Head Coach: I’ve heard that Patterson is thought of highly by Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips and Patterson would be interested in coming to Clemson. He’s had a great deal of success at TCU. If your looking for a front runner Patterson might be it.

Bobby Johnson – Vanderbilt Head Coach: Played at Clemson and the success Johnson is having at Vanderbilt ups his stock. But is Johnson a good fit for a school like Clemson?

Dabo Swinney – Clemson Assistant Head Coach: This is a legit audition for Swinney. If he can have a positive impact in Clemson’s remaining 6 games then the Tigers may already have their man.

Bill Cowher – Former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach: He’s out there, not coaching. Clemson is a great college job. Cowher might be swayed to get back on the sidelines.

Bronco Mendenhall – BYU Head Coach: He’s probably content in Provo but Mendenhall’s success at BYU if definitely worth putting out a feeler.

Mike Leach – Texas Tech Head Coach: A long shot and has Leach maxed out what he can do at Texas Tech? If the Tigers are going for offense then I’m sure Leach is on the list.

Jim Grobe – Wake Forest Head Coach: Why? It would be a lateral move but it would be a great hire if he is interested.