Interim Terps coach goes 1 day at a time

Maryland COLLEGE PARK, MD. — interim coach Matt Canada faces an uncertain future, despite keeping the football team together and forging a winning record amid the chaos surrounding the program.

When this season ends, Maryland will be looking for a head coach to replace D J Durkin, who was fired last week. Canada may be asked to apply, given that he’s juggled the job of interim coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach well enough to keep the Terrapins (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) in the hunt for a bowl bid entering Saturday’s game at Indiana (4-5, 1-5).

Canada could also end up unemployed if the school hires a coach who wants someone else to run the offense.

If any of this has been weighing on Canada’s mind, he’s not telling. Asked Tuesday if he’s considered what the future might bring, Canada completely dodged the issue. “Our focus is on today, on each other, on being able to do the best we can against Indiana,” he said.

The football program has endured a myriad of deflating events since late May, when offensive lineman Jordan McNair collapsed on the field and subsequently died of heatstroke. There have been two internal investigations, one into McNair’s death and the other into the culture of the program. Durkin was placed on administrative leave in mid-August. Canada took over, handed back the reins last Tuesday when Durkin was reinstated and regained control when Durkin was fired the following day.

All this preceded a rather predictable 24-3 loss to Michigan State.

Throughout the season, Canada has steadfastly stuck to a day-at-a-time philosophy, absorbed the blame for the losses and foisted credit upon others for the victories.