James Franklin left the Vanderbilt sidelines almost five years ago, but Commodores athletic director David Williams clearly left a lasting impression on not only his career but life.

Soon after hearing the news Williams would retire at the end of the academic year, Franklin took a moment to share a story about Williams during his Tuesday press conference.

It was about as touching a public moment as any involving Franklin.

“Both of my parents have been deceased for a long time,” Franklin said. “My kids were going to school, and they had grandparents day at school. They don’t have grandparents from my side, and my wife’s side is too far away, so David and Gale (Williams) both went to elementary school with my daughters for grandparents day.

“It kind of speaks to the type of guy he is. I’m forever grateful and thankful for David.”

Franklin coached under Williams at Vanderbilt for three years, earning a 24-15 record and leading the Commodores to three bowl games. He left for Penn State at the end of the 2013 season, but clearly, Franklin has never forgotten the impact Williams made on his life.

On Tuesday morning, Vanderbilt announced Williams would retire at the end of the 2018-19 school year.