I'm the seventh chancellor at Vanderbilt; Bobby Johnson is the 25th head football coach. That shows a lack of commitment to attract and retain.

I believe we have the best football coach in the country in Urban Meyer. I had the privilege of hiring him, as you know, and I think he is doing fabulous work.

I became a head football coach when I was 27 years old at Miami of Ohio.

It disturbs me to see a football coach fired.

As a football coach, everything in your life comes after your football schedule. I just could not make that commitment.

I just like to use the football analogy. I'm the head coach and my job is to direct the team down the field and throughout the game. But Vern and Todd are the star quarterback and the star defensive player. And Tracy is the all-conference player and my directors are the all-conference players. So it's very much a team-oriented thing. But yes, ultimately I'm the guy who has to decide what we cover and when.