They reinstated head coach DJ Durkin after putting him on leave after the death of a player. I'm guessing this decision wasn't met with the response they anticipated, as some players (including starters) walked out of the meeting informing them of Durkin's return. Some players took to Twitter blasting the decision as well.
I mean, I feel for the players there. They now have to play for a coach that many of them blame for a teammate's death. I wouldn't be surprised to see many say they aren't going to play, or protest even. Bad situation at Maryland just got worse.
They're only following OSU's lead. Until someone steps up and shows some morals in college sports everything will remain the same.
I suspect the decision was an economic decision. Language of his contract may not have been specific enough regarding what constitutes grounds for dismissal. Whether he had any role, direct or indirect, in the death is not clear. They would need to litigate that, and nobody wants to pay lawyers. Wait for him to fail on the field, and that could be the cause for dismissal.
I forgot to add that in the Navy, if you were in charge, you were responsible.
Maryland's official report already said he was partly to blame. So yeah, you are probably right, didn't want to pay to litigate. Sad.
No winners here. Durkin should voluntarily step down. Maybe he’ll get a good job elsewhere. Likely didn’t get fired because the cost of letting him go was high. Just hope the acting head coach wasn’t complicit in turning the team against Durkin. Maryland is definitely on the rise which is good for the B1G.
Maryland reversed course--Durkin's gone. Sounds like an awfully wishy-washy bunch there. And they will be paying him an additional $5 million plus since they're firing him "without cause." I would think killing one of his players would constitute "cause," but what do I know?
