As Vanderbilt enters its offseason early, let’s reflect on better times for the program. It was just a year ago that the Commodores took their second consecutive bowl win and third straight postseason appearance.

In hindsight, what James Franklin did for the program in a three-year span was remarkable. The Commodores beat in-state rival Tennessee and recorded nine wins in back-to-back seasons before his departure last January. The brash coach did what few play callers before him could, make Vanderbilt relevant in the SEC.

The Commodores started to sway recruits from Knoxville and gain attention in the Volunteer State. But the most accomplishment was Franklin’s consistency to secure bowl eligibility. Before his tenure, Vanderbilt had one bowl appearance in 26 years, defeating Boston College 16-14 in the 2008 Music City Bowl.

In his first season, Franklin led the Commodores to a 6-6 record and a 2011 AutoZone Liberty Bowl appearance. The Commodores fell to Cincinnati and future Tennessee head coach Butch Jones, 31-24.

Vanderbilt made its return to the Music City Bowl the following season. In 2012, the Franklin bowl magic was in effect as the coach led the Commodores to a 38-24 victory against NC State.

Last season’s BBVA Compass Bowl proved to be the Pennsylvania native’s last game with the program. Despite facing coaching rumors regarding Franklin’s interest elsewhere, Vanderbilt defeated Houston, 41-24.

Franklin accepted the head coaching position at Penn State one week after the Commodores’ bowl victory. Despite a tumultuous ending, which included the coach poaching the majority of Vanderbilt’s recruiting class, the Franklin era at Vanderbilt was the most successful in school history.

Derek Mason entered his first season with large shoes to fill and a tough situation to succeed in. The Commodores had somewhat high expectations coming off the most successful run in school history, but had a fraction of the talent from recent years past.

For the time being, Vanderbilt’s bowl success may seem like a distant memory, though removed just one year. However, Franklin proved that a turnaround is possible and his model should be followed as the Commodores look to clean his proverbial mess left by his sudden leave.