Maryland Football: Head coach DJ Durkin placed on administrative leave

Maryland football coach DJ Durkin has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation into the culture of his program.

Less than 24 hours after reports surfaced concerning a “toxic culture” that had engulfed the Maryland football team the administration made the decision to place head coach DJ Durkin on administrative leave.

Durkin, 10-15 in two years as the head coach of the Terps, is ultimately the man held responsible the Maryland program. Outside of an upset victory over Texas last season, not many had paid much attention to Maryland until the tragic death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair. The results of that investigation prompted Durnkin’s leave.

Athletic director Damon Evans released this statement:

This story is tragic and Maryland is doing the right thing to gather all the facts. The timing is less than ideal, but some things are more important than football. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada, hired from LSU during the offseason will serve as the interim head coach.

There has yet to be a timetable established as to when a decision one way or another will be made. Maryland plays their first game of the season against Texas at home on Sept. 1. They begin Big Ten play three weeks later at home against Minnesota.

That gives the administration some time, should they decide they need it, to make the right decision regarding both Durkin and the future of their football program. This shouldn’t be rushed, because more than football games are at stake in these conversations.

At the end of the day, college football is just a game. It’s an exhilarating game, an addicting game and a tough game. It doesn’t need to be any more dangerous than it already is. That makes the resolution of this matter of utmost importance.