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Maryland Fires Coach DJ Durkin Day After Reinstatement
Bill McEwen updated website photo 2024
By Bill McEwen, News Director
Published 6 years ago on
November 1, 2018

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. — DJ Durkin has been fired as Maryland’s football coach, one day after being reinstated by the school.
His dismissal comes after the decision to bring him back on Tuesday was met with ire by students, players and state politicians.
Durkin was placed on administrative leave Aug. 11 while the University System of Maryland board of regents waited for the results of a report on the culture of the program.

Played Died Earlier This Year

On Durkin’s watch, a player died during spring practice and there were numerous reports of bullying by the coaching staff.
After receiving that report, the board decided to bring him back, saying he was “unfairly blamed for the dysfunction in the athletic department.”
But some state officials said Durkin should have been fired, and one called the decision an “embarrassment.”

Canada Expected to Lead Team

Matt Canada is expected to resume the role of interim coach. Maryland is 5-3 heading into Saturday’s game against Michigan State.
Durkin was placed on administrative leave after offensive lineman Jordan McNair collapsed during practice, which spawned an investigation into the potential dangerous culture of the football program.

Parents of Dead Player Wanted Durkin Fired

The attorney for McNair’s parents in August had called for Durkin to be fired.
After Durkin’s return was announced Tuesday, McNair’s father, Marty McNair, said, “I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach and someone spit in my face.”

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Bill McEwen,
News Director
Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at Send an Email

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