Scott Van Pelt praises Maryland for hiring of Mike Locksley

Maryland has officially found its replacement for DJ Durkin.

After a 5-7 season under offensive coordinator Matt Canada serving as interim head coach, the Terrapins decided to go in a different direction for the permanent position. The school announced Tuesday evening it was hiring Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley to take over as head coach of the Terrapins.

Locksley does have connections to the area, having spent two previous stints at Maryland. He also now has the distinction of being a part of Nick Saban’s coaching tree after serving on Saban’s Crimson Tide staff since 2016.

Obviously it remains to be seen how Locksley’s tenure with the Terrapins turns out, but at least one influential alumnus is in his corner. ESPN sportscaster Scott Van Pelt, a noted Maryland graduate, tweeted out following the hiring.

He praised the hiring while indicating Locksley has “unrivaled local respect” among high school coaches, along with the ability to help unite factions:

People outside the DMV won’t get it, but people from there absolutely will. Especially his former Terp players. Unrivaled local respect among local HS coaches, he can help heal & unite the factions like no other. Welcome home, Lox

— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) December 5, 2018

Do you agree with Van Pelt on the decision to hire Locksley?

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.