Maryland Football: Terps backtrack, fire DJ Durkin

It turns out Maryland football does listen to the masses, as the school announced Wednesday that they have relieved football coach DJ Durkin of his duties.

Durkin was reinstated as head coach earlier this week after an investigation into any wrongdoing involving the death of a player over the summer.

It was reported after news of Durkin’s return that players walked out of a team meeting with him and plans for the Maryland student government to protest were in the works.

The 40-year-old Durkin was named head coach of Maryland in 2016, posting an 11-15 record overall, which included a 1-1 mark in bowl games.

However, this past August, Durkin was placed on leave after the death of Jordan McNair. The Board of Regents conducted an investigation that ultimately led to Durkin being reinstated this past week.

Matt Canada had served as interim coach in Durkin’s absence, so it is likely he returns to that role now as the Terrapins prepare to face Michigan State this Saturday. Durkin did not coach a game this season.

Durkin previously was the defensive coordinator at Michigan, interim head coach at Florida in 2014 after serving as defensive coordinator for the Gators, and also had stints at Stanford, Bowling Green and Notre Dame.

He was a defensive end and outside linebacker at Bowling Green from 1997-2000 before embarking on his coaching career.

Maryland went 4-8 last year and finished sixth in the Big Ten East, going 6-7 his first season with a fifth place conference finish and a loss in the Quick Lane Bowl. Durkin won his only game at Florida in 2014, claiming the Birmingham Bowl title when he replaced Will Muschamp.

At both Bowling Green and Florida, Durkin worked under Urban Meyer, while Jim Harbaugh was the head coach at Stanford and Michigan while he was on the staff.

The Terps are currently 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten, tied for third with Penn State and Michigan State.