Maryland places DJ Durkin on administrative leave

The University of Maryland has taken preliminary action against coach D.J. Durkin in light of an ESPN report about an abusive football culture.

Maryland athletic director Damon Evans announced Saturday that Durkin had been placed on administrative leave, and offensive coordinator Matt Canada would take over as the team’s interim head coach while the school investigates the allegations.

Damon Evans has announced Coach DJ Durkin is on leave effective immediately while a thorough examination of our coaching practices is conducted. Matt Canada will serve as interim head coach. We must do better, and we will rebuild a culture of respect in our football program. pic.twitter.com/lQArXIrkeB

— Maryland Terrapins (@umterps) August 11, 2018

The original report contained many ugly allegations about the program, so this was the logical next step. Durkin simply couldn’t be allowed to continue coaching the program as long as this was out there, despite what one of his peers may think. The school will investigate, and it would not be at all surprising if this ultimately costs Durkin his job.