When Duke and Vanderbilt face off in Nashville on Oct. 25, 2008, coach Bobby Johnson will continue to pace the same sideline.

He withdrew his name from consideration for the head coaching position at Duke, confirmed Vice Chancellor for University Affairs David Williams Tuesday afternoon.

"I think we play Duke next year for Homecoming, and I'm glad Bobby will be on the sidelines for the black and gold," Williams said. "I think Bobby loves Vanderbilt. He loves what he's doing here, and so do we. This is where he wants to coach."

After interviewing for the Duke job Monday along with former UCLA coach Karl Dorrell, Johnson, who is currently on the road recruiting, Johnson called Williams at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday to inform him of his decision.

"I'm grateful to Vanderbilt University, its administration, staff, students and fans," Johnson said. "I have a deep sense of loyalty to Vanderbilt. We've enjoyed some successes in recent years, but all of us want to see more success in the future. That's the goal as I go further in this position."

Williams was certainly pleased with the news.

"I've felt for a long time that Bobby is the guy we want at the helm of our football team," Williams said. "Bobby possesses a rare combination as a coach, mentor and leader. We truly believe Bobby and his staff are an ideal fit for our university.

"Duke correctly identified our coach as an excellent candidate to turn their program around. They saw what we see every day, a man that goes about his business in a very professional manner."

Johnson has a 20-50 record in six seasons with Vanderbilt and is 14-21 since 2005, which ties for the most wins in a three-year span since the Commodores registered 15 victories from 1982-84. The team finished 5-7 in 2007.

"Bobby and his staff have been successful at Vanderbilt," Williams said. "They have indeed changed the culture around our football program."

Johnson added he is pleased with the support the administration has shown for the coaching staff and players.

"Their continued commitment to the program will definitely give us a better opportunity to create a winning football program at Vanderbilt," Johnson said. "I'm excited about the future of Commodore football."

Duke, meanwhile, continues to search for a replacement for Ted Roof, who went 6-45 in four-plus seasons in Durham.