Just when you thought that there would be no more coaching changes before the beginning of the 2010 season, Bobby Johnson has suddenly stepped out of his head coaching job at Vanderbilt to head into retirement.

The sixty year old head coach cited personal reasons for deciding to leave the Commodores and college football behind. Personal reasons can mean just about anything these days. However, there is nothing to suggest any sort of foul play or misconduct. To the contrary, Bobby Johnson has been touted as a good coach and a good man.

We've had enough of people getting pushed out for questionable behavior, such as Mike Leech or Jim Leavitt.

The timing of this, however, isn't particularly good for Vanderbilt.

The search for a permanent replacement will have to wait until after the season is over. Most of the people qualified for a head coaching job are probably too busy at the moment getting their teams rather than their resumes prepared for the coming season.

Besides, this is Vanderbilt we're talking about. It's not exactly the dream job of a lot ambitious people out there looking to jump to at a bad time for their own program (yes, Lane Kiffin, I'm talking to you).

So, Vanderbilt is going to have to settle for an interim coach, and Robbie Caldwell has been tapped to take the job this season.This could be a great opportunity for the former assistant coach to audition for the permanent head coaching position.

Bobby Johnson's record (29-66) doesn't accurately reflect his achievements. The fact that he took the Commodores to a bowl game and won does.

How big of a deal is that? The last time Vanderbilt went to a bowl game? 1982 under George MacIntyre. That's a span of 26 years and six head coaches.

The last time they won a bowl game before the 2008 victory against Boston College? 1955. That's a mind bending 53 years and 11 head coaches earlier.

No wonder that he won Coach of the Year in the SEC that year.

True, Coach Johnson didn't exactly leave on a high note (2-10 overall, 0-8 SEC), but he accomplished something while there that few people dreamed was possible for a team like Vanderbilt. Yes, he didn't defeat all of the Goliaths in his league, but he was able to lead his team to some memorable victories over the likes of the then No. 24 South Carolina and No. 14 Auburn.

Besides, who knows what the future might bring. Bobby Johnson could have built the foundation for Robbie Caldwell to take the Commodores to new and exciting heights, and the upswing in recruiting may point to that. Or, Vanderbilt may just remain in the cellar of the SEC for another 26 years, waiting for another bowl game to come their way.

Only time will tell. Nonetheless, Bobby Johnson will be missed on the sidelines this season at Vanderbilt.