College Football Coaching Changes: Ranking the best hires

Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

12. Maryland Terrapins – D.J. Durkin replaces Randy Edsall

D.J. Durkin goes to Maryland after working last year under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan as the Wolverines defensive coordinator and has previous work experience coaching under Urban Meyer at Florida. That’s a nice bullet point on Durkin’s resume who begins his first head coaching job in a place that has potential n a loaded division.

Now, it’s been more about potential than actual production at Maryland, but I think Durkin can help take the Terps to the next level and get back to the seven-win territory Randy Edsall has last year. That was also the first year in the Big Ten for Maryland who should see a considerable uptick in recruiting with Durkin in the fold.

If Durkin can keep four-star quarterback Dwayne Haskins committed, he’ll have a signature recruit to build his offense and his program around. His offensive coordinator hire will be an intriguing one and you can expect him to copy the power spread elements that Meyer runs at Ohio State.

Next: Scott Frost