News/Commentary

Maryland Reverses Course and Fires Durkin

November 1, 2018 by CFP Staff

Matt Canada will remain as the interim head coach at Maryland through the 2018 season. A day after announcing his reinstatement, the school changed course and fired D.J. Durkin on Wednesday (October 31).

Durkin had not been on the sideline for a single game after being indefinitely suspended on August 11, pending a review of the death of redshirt freshman Jordan McNair, an offensive lineman.

McNair collapsed on May 29 while running as a punishment, and died June 13. Durkin's reinstatement was met with a strong backlash from members of the student body, government officials and even some team players. In the wake of that response, the school decided it was in the best interest of the university to fire Durkin. At the time of the firing, Canada had led Maryland to a 5-3 record.

See Coaching Changes.