Franklin was the head coach of the Commodores from 2011 to 2013 and held a 24-15 record, including two nine-win seasons with victories in bowl games. He was sitting in the Vanderbilt section with many of the players' and coaches' family members.
This is Franklin’s second go-around in Omaha, having come to see the Commodores play last year, five months after leaving to coach Penn State. Franklin, who is known to be good friends with Tim Corbin, was reportedly invited to the College World Series last year by the head baseball coach.
Despite mixed feelings from many Vanderbilt fans, there is clearly a great deal of respect between the coaches.