Dec. 27, 2003

Columbia, S.C. –

Robbie Caldwell, who on Wednesday had accepted an offer to coach the offensive line at the University of South Carolina, told Gamecock head coach Lou Holtz on Saturday that he had changed his mind and had decided to remain at Vanderbilt University where he has been assistant head coach for the past two seasons.

“Earlier this week, Robbie Caldwell had accepted our offer to come to South Carolina, but he has now informed me that he has decided to remain at Vanderbilt University,” Coach Holtz said late Saturday. “I’ve always felt that the most important thing for an organization to have in order to be successful is to surround itself with people who have a passion for what they’re doing and who truly want to be a part of your program. And, that’s what we intend to do.”

Caldwell, who is originally from Pageland, S.C., said he had all the respect in the world for Coach Holtz and the Gamecock program.

“When I returned to Nashville after Christmas, I realized I had made a commitment to the people at Vanderbilt, to the athletes and particularly to Coach Bobby Johnson, whom I’ve had an association with for more than 20 years, and I could not renege on that commitment,” said Caldwell. “I feel bad for the disruption and difficulty I have caused. I love the state of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina and have nothing but the utmost respect for Coach Holtz. I’m confident that the Gamecock program can achieve great things under Coach Holtz and wish them all the best.”