Board approves Durkin’s reinstatement
BALTIMORE — D.J. Durkin is poised to return as head of a splintered Maryland football program, coming back to the sideline following multiple investigations involving the death of a player and bullying by the coaching staff.
Not everyone is happy about the University System of Maryland board of regents recommendation Tuesday that Durkin, who has been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 11, should retain his job, along with the university president and athletic director.
The decision not only opens the door for Durkin to return to the team as soon as this week, but raises questions on and off the field.
“We believe coach Durkin has been unfairly blamed for the dysfunction in the athletic department,” said Jim Brady, chairman of the board of regents. “He has acknowledged his role in the athletic department’s shortcomings.”
Durkin was placed on administrative leave after offensive lineman Jordan McNair collapsed during practice, which spawned an investigation into the potential dangerous culture of the football program.
Hassan Murphy, of Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, said the decision to retain Durkin was “callous and indefensible,” and could be a part of future legal actions.
McNair’s father, Marty McNair, said, “I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach and someone spit in my face.”
In a statement released by the university, Durkin said he was “grateful for the opportunity to rejoin the team and very much appreciate having the support of the Board of Regents. As we move forward, I am confident that our team will successfully represent the entire University in a positive way both on and off the field.”
With the conclusion of multiple investigations into the program, the coach, AD and school university president are all keeping their jobs. But strength and conditioning coach Rick Court resigned in August.
“We believe that (Durkin) is a good man and a good coach who is devoted to the wellbeing of the student athletes under his charge,” Brady said. “He is also at the beginning of his coaching career, with a great deal of promise and much still to learn. We believe he deserves the opportunity.”