Source – In the face of mounting outrage and pressure from state lawmakers, students and the community, the University of Maryland fired football coach DJ Durkin on Wednesday, one day after allowing him to return to his position.
In a letter to the university community, Wallace D. Loh, the president of the College Park campus, announced the decision, which directly defies a recommendation made by the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents on Tuesday afternoon.
Athletic Director Damon Evans informed Durkin of his ouster following the Terps’ practice Wednesday and then met with the entire team to inform players.
A person familiar with the situation said Durkin was not fired for cause and that the school intends to buy him out of his contract. Durkin was in the third year of a five-year deal and is owed roughly $5.5 million.
Maryland made the right decision here. Well the President of Maryland made the right decision, the Board is full asshats that said he should stay. After Jordan McNair died and the details came out about a culture of humiliation and intimidation, I thought it was going to be an easy call to fire him. I guess the 5.5 million buyout was something the board of Regents didn’t want to payout. Luckily the President had big enough balls to make the call to fire him.
According to USA Today, there is some discourse among the players. Earlier Tuesday, two Maryland kickers — one a Durkin supporter and the other who spoke out against Durkin — got into an altercation during practice
Honestly the Maryland program is better without Durkin. The Terrapins are 5-3 after promoting offensive coordinator Matt Canada. If he can keep the team together, they can make a bowl game.
Featured Image – SI