Nick Saban’s “school for college football coaches needing their image rehabbed” took in its most controversial figure yet, which led to the Alabama head coach issuing a statement.
On Thursday, word emerged that former Maryland head coach DJ Durkin had been serving as a consultant for Alabama. Durkin was placed on administrative leave in August over an investigation into the death of one of his football players during an offseason workout. Durkin was initially cleared to return to work following an investigation, but he was later fired by the school due to public outcry.
Saban working with Durkin led to plenty of public backlash. Prominent SEC figure Paul Finebaum of ESPN said the move was an “absolutely terrible, embarrassing look” for Saban.
"I think it is an absolutely terrible, embarrassing look for Nick Saban." – @Finebaum, on reports of ex-Maryland coach DJ Durkin consulting at Alabama. pic.twitter.com/Y6tj4IZhhT
— Outside The Lines (@OTLonESPN) December 13, 2018
USA Today’s Dan Wolken said Saban was sending the wrong message with the move.
The backlash led Saban to issue a statement on Friday about Durkin’s role with the team.
Nick Saban: “DJ Durkin is spending a few days with our staff in Tuscaloosa from a professional development standpoint. He has not been hired in any capacity at The University of Alabama. He is simply observing our operation as many other coaches have done through the years”
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 15, 2018
Saban and Alabama are trying to straddle the fence here by saying “we’re taking Durkin’s help, but hey, he’s not been hired, so don’t get too mad at us.”
According to ESPN’s Chris Low, Durkin will not accompany the team to its playoff game against Oklahoma.
