Bobby Johnson retired as head coach of Vanderbilt football July 14, a decision that took the Vanderbilt community by surprise.
“This is Bobby’s decision,” said Vice Chancellor David Williams of the announcement. “When he informed me, I tried to talk him out of it. I was shocked. We love Bobby Johnson … but we respect his decision.”
Johnson said his sudden retirement resulted from a variety of personal reasons and stressed that no health issues are involved. “After much thought and consideration from everyone involved, I’ve decided to retire, not resign, from college football coaching,” Johnson said at his press conference. “Obviously, this was a very tough decision with which my wife, Catherine, and I struggled. It has to do only with our lives and not with Vanderbilt football.”
Robbie Caldwell, formerly assistant head coach and offensive line coach, has been named head coach. He has spent eight years with the Commodores and has more than 30 years of experience as a college coach.