Report: Investigation finds culture at Maryland under DJ Durkin not ‘toxic’

An independent investigation into what has gone on behind the scenes with the Maryland football program under DJ Durkin determined that the culture with the team should not be considered “toxic,” but that does not mean Durkin is going to keep his job.

According to a report from John Domen of WTOP, a 200-page report that was put together by an eight-person committee did not make any recommendations about whether Durkin or any other Maryland employees should be fired. However, the investigation — which included more than 150 interviews in the past two months — did not uncover evidence that Durkin has done anything to create a “toxic culture” with his student-athletes.

While the report did not take an official stance on whether employees of the university should lose their jobs, sources told Domen that a majority of Maryland’s Board of Regents were in favor of moving on from both Durkin and athletic director Damon Evans after reviewing the documents.

Durkin has been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 11, which was days after ESPN published a bombshell report claiming he has created a “toxic coaching culture” in College Park. The report came in the wake of 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair’s death. McNair suffered heat stroke at an offseason practice, and the school later admitted he did not receive proper care.