Maryland Football: DJ Durkin Fired After Wednesday Practice

Maryland football coach D.J. Durkin has been fired, just one day after he was reinstated to his position following an internal review by the university. After Durkin’s reinstatement, players allegedly walked out of team meetings and said that they were not willing to play for the head coach.
Now, they will be suiting up for a new leading man after Maryland made the decision to move on from their toxic coach.
“Yesterday, the University System of Maryland Board of Regents announced numerous recommendations, including employment decisions about specific personnel on our campus. I accepted the Board’s recommendations. At the same time, I announced my retirement as president in June 2019,” university president Wallace D. Loh said in a statement, via ESPN.com.
“Since returning to campus after yesterday’s press conference, I have met with the leadership of the Student Government Association speaking on behalf of numerous student organizations; the Senate Executive Committee; Deans; department chairs; and campus leadership. The overwhelming majority of stakeholders expressed serious concerns about Coach DJ Durkin returning to the campus.
“The chair of the Board of Regents has publicly acknowledged that I had previously raised serious concerns about Coach Durkin’s return. This is not at all a reflection of my opinion of Coach Durkin as a person. However, a departure is in the best interest of the University, and this afternoon Coach Durkin was informed that the University will part ways.
“This is a difficult decision, but it is the right one for our entire University. I will devote the remaining months of my presidency to advancing the needed reforms in our Athletic Department that prioritize the safety and well-being of our student-athletes.”
Durkin was placed on administrative leave on August 11 following the death of 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair, who suffered a heatstroke following a workout earlier this year. McNair’s parents had been calling for the removal of Durkin as head coach.
Maryland is currently sitting at 5-3 on the year under the direction of interim head coach Matt Canada.

College Football Schedule: Top 5 Games of Week 10
College Football Schedule: Top 5 Games of Week 10