BREAKING: Maryland fires head coach D.J. Durkin
D.J. Durkin is no longer the head coach of Maryland’s football program.
The University announced that it would be cutting ties with Durkin in wake of an ESPN report that detailed a “toxic” culture surrounding the program that included abusive, intimidating and demeaning behavior.
Durkin and his staff came under harsh scrutiny for their methods after an ESPN report provided detailed accounts from former players and staffers that were once members of the program. The death of Terrapins football player Jordan McNair has also been tied with the toxic climate created under Durkin and his staff.
Maryland makes the announcement several months after holding a press conference for President Wallace Loh and athletic director Damon Evans to address the culture of the football program. At the press conference, Loh said the University of Maryland accepted all “legal and moral responsibility” for McNair’s death.
Following that press conference, strength and conditioning coordinator Rick Court parted ways with Maryland after coming to a financial settlement, according to reports.
Prior to the firing, Durkin and other members of his staff had been placed on administrative leave while an independent team investigated the program.
Durkin was the head coach at Maryland for two seasons, compiling a 10-15 record. Prior to taking over in College Park, Durkin was the defensive coordinator on Jim Harbaugh’s staff at Michigan in 2015 and was also an assistant on Urban Meyer’s staff at Florida in 2010.
He was reportedly back at Maryland as the head coach on Tuesday, but to many people’s disbelief. A report even stated that three Maryland players walked out on a meeting with Durkin on Tuesday.
Durkin did not coach a single game for the Terrapins in 2018.