Reports: Maryland to reinstate DJ Durkin as head coach following investigation
Less than a week after being cleared of allegations that he fostered a “toxic culture” at Maryland’s football program, coach DJ Durkin is reportedly returning to the team.
Both ESPN and InsideMDSports, 247Sports.com’s Maryland website, reported the news Tuesday just an hour before the school was set to announce its decision. Last Thursday, the investigative committee looking into the Terrapins program discovered “problems” but none of the cultural issues that had been alleged by many close to the team.
The investigation stemmed from offensive lineman Jordan McNair’s death June 13 following a heatstroke he suffered during a team workout. That led to accusations of systemic issues under Durkin, who Maryland put on paid administrative leave Aug. 11.
Durkin was found responsible for some of the abusive behavior by former strength and conditioning coach Rick Court, though his offenses were apparently not egregious enough to warrant losing his job.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.