The University of Maryland has put head football coach D.J. Durkin on administrative leave according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg and Heather Dinich. This is amidst an investigation surrounding the death of Maryland player Jordan McNair.
Athletic Director Damon Evans released this statement on Saturday evening:
“Dear Terps,
I am extremely concerned by the allegations of unacceptable behaviors by members of our football staff detailed in recent media reports. We are committed to fully investigating the program.
At this time, the best decision for our football program is to place Maryland Head Football Coach DJ Durkin on leave so we can properly review the culture of the program. This is effective immediately. Matt Canada will serve as interim head coach.
The external review into the tragic death of Jordan McNair continues, and we have committed to releasing publicly the report being prepared by an independent and national expert.
The safety and well-being of our student-athletes is our highest priority. These alleged behaviors are not consistent with the values I expect all of our staff to adhere to and we must do better.
You will be hearing from me as our work continues to rebuild the culture of respect in our football program.”
Maryland has also placed two trainers on administrative leave.
The controversy encompasses a team workout on May 29, when McNair collapsed during a team workout. He died two weeks later.
From Dinich’s report on his death, “Maryland offensive lineman Jordan McNair showed signs of extreme exhaustion, had difficulty standing upright while running a set of 110-yard sprints and was found to have a body temperature of 106 degrees at a local hospital before he died of heatstroke suffered during a football workout, multiple sources told ESPN.”
Offensive coordinator Matt Canada will take over as interim head coach.
Durkin is 10-15 in his two seasons as the head coach of the Terps.
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